Robin Wigglesworth, Head of the FT's Alphaville blog, dives into the astonishing findings of Professor Hendrik Bessembinder's research on stock market performance. Discover how one stock boasted a staggering 265,528,900 percent return, while others like Kansas City Southern showcased historic wealth compounding. The hosts discuss the contrasting capital intensity of railways versus today's tech giants, and debate the merits of active stock picking versus passive investing. Get insights into enduring stocks and the quirky world of niche financial products!

Robin Wigglesworth, a Financial Times columnist and author of 'Trillions,' dives into the legacy of index investing, paying tribute to pioneer Mac McQuown. He shares insights on the evolution of index funds and the impact of key figures like Jack Bogle. The discussion highlights the recent Fed rate cuts and the S&P 500's rise to 6,000, alongside market resilience amid speculation around cryptocurrencies and tech IPOs. Wigglesworth also explores Elon Musk's complicated acquisition of Twitter, emphasizing the need for cautious investing in turbulent times.

Author Robin Wigglesworth joins the podcast to discuss quantitative investing, the private credit trend, and the Canada Pension Plan. They explore the quant winter, value stocks, factor investing, and the history of the bond market. They also provide insights into the benefits and criticisms of the Canada Pension Plan and discuss annuities. The hosts share their upcoming paper, talk about podcast success, financial literacy, and recommend movies and books. They conclude with positive reviews and a discussion on dividend investing.

Robin Wigglesworth, an expert on government debt, discusses Jamaica's remarkable turnaround from a staggering 140% debt-to-GDP ratio to halving its debt in just seven years. He highlights how political cooperation and fiscal discipline were vital in this process, allowing Jamaica to maintain significant primary surpluses. Wigglesworth also explores lessons for larger economies, and the need for growth-oriented solutions that balance debt management with middle-class welfare. The conversation paints a hopeful picture of Jamaica's potential economic future.

Join Robin Wigglesworth, a contributor from FT Alphaville, and Hendrik Bessembinder, a renowned professor known for his extensive stock research, as they delve into the staggering results of Bessembinder’s analysis of top-performing stocks over the last century. Discover how one stock achieved an unbelievable 265,528,900% return. They also explore the power of compounding, the challenges facing traditional versus tech industries, the debate between passive and active investing, and the quirks of leveraged ETFs in today’s market.