Top Traders Unplugged
Niels Kaastrup-Larsen
Discover the fascinating world of investing with Niels Kaastrup-Larsen and his remarkable co-hosts. Each week, we bring you compelling conversations with legendary investors, leading economists, masterful traders, and forward-thinking thought leaders. From Trend Following and Global Macro to Geo-Politics, Commodities, Quant Investing, Crypto, and Volatility, we uncover the strategies, stories, and lessons behind their success. Gain actionable insights from industry veterans as we celebrate their achievements and learn from their challenges. Stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of investing - tune in weekly and elevate your financial knowledge. For the latest episodes and expert insights, visit https://toptradersunplugged.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
29 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 1h 5min
GM87: Who Really Sets Policy Now? ft. Anna Wong
Anna Wong, Chief U.S. Economist at Bloomberg and former economist at the Federal Reserve, shares vital insights into today’s economic landscape. She warns of a slow-burning inflation that markets might be underestimating. Anna tackles the unexpected effects of tariffs and discusses how AI is transforming the labor force, particularly impacting youth employment. The conversation also dives into the evolving culture at the Fed and the potential implications of a politically influenced central bank.
14 snips
Sep 6, 2025 • 1h 12min
SI364: What makes an Alternative Investment Truly Valuable? ft. Moritz Seibert
Moritz Seibert, a former co-host of the Systematic Investor Series and current co-host of the Open Interest Series, dives deep into what truly makes alternative investments valuable. He discusses the nuances of diversification and emphasizes how manager size and incentives shape the investment landscape. The conversation explores carbon trading markets, trading strategy optimizations, and the trade-offs between simplicity and complexity in investment systems. Moritz also sheds light on historical performance of various hedge fund strategies, urging listeners to rethink portfolio approaches.
16 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 1h 1min
IL41: They’re Not Just Reading You... They’re Rewriting You ft. Sandra Matz
In this engaging conversation, Columbia professor Sandra Matz, an expert on the interplay between digital footprints and our mental lives, delves into how algorithms don't just predict but also shape behavior. She reveals how personalization can limit possibilities and discusses the ethical implications of data privacy. Matz highlights the surprising accuracy of algorithms in profiling our personalities and the risks of losing complexity in our identities. The discussion also emphasizes the need for transparency and user consent in our data interactions.
18 snips
Aug 30, 2025 • 1h
SI363: The Misreading of Trend ft. Nick Baltas
In this discussion, Nick Baltas, an expert in trend following and systematic investing, delves into the intricacies of CTA performance. He challenges the conventional wisdom around trend beta and highlights how changes in trend signal speed are redefining market dynamics. The duo explores the deeper structural divides in investing and questions whether chasing performance is less important than protecting against adverse paths. This engaging conversation emphasizes design over style and the subtle decisions that lead to enduring investment outcomes.
11 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 48min
OI18: The Carbon Trade, Without the Illusion ft. Mike Azlen
Mike Azlen, the founder of CarbonCap and a leader in carbon-focused hedge funds, joins the discussion to demystify carbon markets. He emphasizes why regulated markets are more effective for real emissions cuts than voluntary offsets. The conversation delves into the intricacies of compliance carbon markets, pricing challenges, and the impact of legislative frameworks. Azlen also highlights innovative investment strategies and how carbon markets can align incentives with tangible climate outcomes, making the case for informed investment in this evolving landscape.
57 snips
Aug 23, 2025 • 1h 8min
SI362: The Alpha Most Systems Miss ft. Yoav Git
Yoav Git, a specialist in systematic trading, joins the chat to dissect the complexities of curve trading and market structure. He reveals how dislocations across time horizons can unveil alpha missed by common models. The conversation highlights the significance of breakout behaviors in commodity spreads, linking them to broader market dynamics. Git also expounds on a Bank of England study, illustrating the unique footprints left by various FX market participants and how CTAs actively respond to shifting market regimes rather than being merely passive. It's an insightful journey into advanced trading strategies.
53 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 60min
GM86: Everyone’s Watching the Fed. The Real Story’s Somewhere Else. ft. Louis Vincent-Gave
Louis Vincent-Gave, the founding partner and CEO of Gavical, delivers a candid analysis of a fraying global order. He discusses the impact of rising tariffs and energy fragility on the economy, warning that many investors fail to see the shifting landscape. Louis underscores the crucial need for portfolio adjustments amidst macroeconomic changes, highlighting the potential for capital shifts to emerging markets. He also explores the implications of AI euphoria driving market sentiment and critiques the unsustainable nature of U.S. government debt.
11 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 1h 27min
SI361: The Four Faces of Trend Following ft. Richard Brennan
Richard Brennan, a trend-following expert, shares his insights on redefining trend following by exploring four distinct archetypes. He discusses the trade-offs of various strategies, such as static sizing versus volatility targeting and speed versus patience. Brennan demonstrates how some strategies require diversification for optimal performance and emphasizes the necessity of aligning strategies with investment objectives. This conversation not only offers clarity on trend-following methodologies but also challenges listeners to rethink their portfolio designs.
65 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 55min
UGO05: Volatility’s Blueprint: How Markets Really Move ft. Mandy Xu & Ed Tom
Mandy Xu, from the CBOE Market Intelligence team, along with Ed Tom, dives into the evolution of the options market, tracing its journey from 1848 to today. They discuss the groundbreaking VIX decomposition tool, which clarifies market volatility dynamics. Key topics include how positioning impacts risk perception, the complexities of zero-day options, and why volatility can rise amidst market rallies. The conversation reveals valuable insights into trading strategies and the forces that shape monetary behavior.
32 snips
Aug 9, 2025 • 1h 5min
SI360: The Fed, the Fiction, and the Fight for Control ft. Alan Dunne
The conversation dives into how political motives are distorting economic data, drawing comparisons to emerging market practices. Alan Dunne highlights challenges in collecting accurate statistics, raising public skepticism about government inquiries. Economic complexities like tariffs and immigration's effects on growth are examined, alongside the Fed's evolving role amidst rising political pressure. They also explore the resilience of trend followers in volatile markets and stress the importance of stable returns for successful long-term investments.
