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
40 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.
Aug 6, 2025 • 57min
IL40: Why the Economy Feels Broken... Even When It’s Growing ft. Diane Coyle
Diane Coyle, Co-director of the Bennett Institute for Public Policy and a former UK Treasury advisor, dives into the inadequacies of GDP as a measure of economic progress. She argues that traditional statistics fail to capture the true value created by services and digital labor. The discussion centers on the complexities of modern economic realities, including the rise of automation and the need for innovative metrics that account for time, trust, and sustainability. Coyle advocates for a new framework that reflects the true foundations of growth.
25 snips
Aug 2, 2025 • 1h 9min
SI359: Trend Following in a World That Loves Bubbles ft. Mark Rzepczynski
Mark Rzepczynski, an expert in trend following and global macro strategies, dives into the fragile nature of today's markets. He discusses how recent disruptions, like copper's price collapse, indicate a shift from fundamental-driven behaviors to fragility. The conversation covers Federal Reserve policy challenges amidst rising equity optimism and the emerging influence of stablecoins on the financial landscape. Rzepczynski emphasizes the need for investors to focus on positioning rather than prediction, advocating for simplicity in uncertain times.
7 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 8min
GM85: What If the Real Risk Isn’t Recession — But Reinvention? ft. Steven Bell
Steven Bell, recently retired chief economist and money manager, shares insights from his diverse experiences in the economic arena. He discusses how AI could pose greater risks than tariffs, revealing the complexities of modern labor dynamics. Bell emphasizes the evolving independence of the Federal Reserve and its implications on monetary policy. He also reflects on the impact of social media on market behavior and the challenges faced by investors, advocating for a nuanced understanding of macroeconomic trends.
26 snips
Jul 26, 2025 • 1h 13min
SI358: Why the Best Trend Models Might Be the Simplest Ones ft. Tom Wrobel & Andrew Beer
Tom Wrobel, a macro and discretionary investment strategist from London, and Andrew Beer, a trend replication expert based in Greece, delve into the evolving landscape of trend following. They discuss new research suggesting a shift towards simpler, slower models, raising questions about the future of Commodity Trading Advisors. Andrew critiques the complexity of many strategies, arguing that they may obscure true value and increase costs. This insightful conversation highlights the risks investors face as they navigate increasingly intricate trading methods.
Jul 23, 2025 • 1h 6min
TTU150: Scarcity, Security, and the Shift to Soil ft. Artem Milinchuk
Artem Milinchuk, Founder and Head of Strategy at FarmTogether, returns to discuss the rising importance of farmland in investment portfolios. He explains how shifting demographics and inflation are transforming this once-niche asset class into a mainstream option. The conversation touches on investment risks, the dual income potential from land and crops, and advancements in agricultural technology. Milinchuk also addresses sustainable practices and the growing interest from affluent investors seeking reliable diversification.
151 snips
Jul 19, 2025 • 1h 30min
SI357: Liquidity, Leverage, and the Lie of Calm ft. Cem Karsan
Cem Karsan, an expert in volatility and market structure, discusses the deceptive calm in the markets, revealing the hidden complexities of a crowded hedge fund ecosystem. He dives into the unexpected spikes in the VIX due to call activity and the subtle pressures on monetary policy from political dynamics. Karsan also analyzes China's strategic resource diplomacy and the looming impact of AI on employment. The conversation emphasizes the necessity for cautious investment strategies amidst rising fragility and systemic risks, urging listeners to be aware of traps lurking below the surface.
