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
Oct 30, 2024 • 59min
GM73: Debt, Deficits, and the Road Ahead ft. Jason Furman
Joining the discussion is Jason Furman, a Harvard economics professor and former Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors under President Obama. He delves into the recent dip in inflation rates and evaluates whether the Federal Reserve can claim a victory. Jason anticipates rate cuts this year but remains cautious about future easing due to persistent fiscal deficits. The conversation further explores AI's potential for productivity growth and the risks posed by ongoing high debt levels, offering a comprehensive view of the economic landscape ahead.
Oct 25, 2024 • 1h 22min
SI319: The Surprising Factors Behind CTA Performance: Is Less More? ft. Rob Carver
Rob Carver, an expert in systematic investing with a focus on trend-following strategies, shares his insights on the nuances of portfolio replication. He discusses the potential pitfalls of return-based replication methods that mimic established indices, warning that simply increasing market numbers may not enhance diversification. Carver also critiques traditional views on replication effectiveness, highlighting findings from Newfound Research. The conversation tackles the complexities of performance factors and the critical importance of understanding true diversification for investors.
Oct 23, 2024 • 1h 16min
OI10: The Untold Side of the Turtle Trading Legacy ft. Bill Eckhardt & Rob Sorrentino
Bill Eckhardt, co-creator of the Turtle trading experiment, and Rob Sorrentino, President and COO at Eckhardt Trading Company, share insights on the critical importance of risk control in successful trading. Eckhardt discusses his journey from the Turtle legacy to modern systematic strategies, emphasizing emotional discipline and adaptation to market changes. They address challenges like overfitting in trading models and the need for robust statistical methods, along with the distinct characteristics of traders and the value of a diversified portfolio.
8 snips
Oct 19, 2024 • 1h 2min
SI318: How Trend Following Changes with Interest Rates ft. Katy Kaminski
Katy Kaminski, a trend-following strategies expert, discusses how changing interest rates influence investment portfolios. She highlights the adaptability of trend-following in turbulent markets and its mixed performance during crises. Katy also touches on recent developments from MIT and their implications for finance innovation. The conversation underscores the growing importance of diversifying with trend-following strategies in today’s economic landscape, particularly as traditional fixed income offers less security.
6 snips
Oct 16, 2024 • 1h 2min
GM72: China's Market Rebound: From Chaos to Opportunity ft. Louis-Vincent Gave
Louis-Vincent Gave, founding partner and CEO of Gavekal Research, shares insights on China's economic rebound and its implications. He discusses the crisis of consumer confidence and the effectiveness of recent stimulus measures. Gave examines China's industrial policy, its sustainability, and its role in global manufacturing. The conversation shifts to U.S. policies, potential recession risks, and how a future Trump presidency could reshape U.S.-China relations. He also touches on Europe’s structural challenges and productivity recovery prospects.
Oct 12, 2024 • 1h 8min
SI317: From Hurricanes to Hedge Strategies: The Hidden Common Factors ft. Richard Brennan
Richard Brennan, an expert in trend following strategies, discusses the intricate connection between market behavior and complex adaptive systems. He highlights how unpredictable events, like hurricanes, impact investor dynamics and the effectiveness of trend-following strategies. The conversation delves into risk management, diversification techniques, and the significance of outliers in markets. Brennan emphasizes the importance of adapting to constantly changing signals and the intricate balance within financial ecosystems, making a case for informed, long-term investment approaches.
Oct 9, 2024 • 58min
IL31: What Your Cashless Future Will Look Like ft. Richard Holden
In this discussion, Richard Holden, an economics professor at the University of New South Wales and author of "Money in the 21st Century: Cheap, Mobile and Digital," dives into the potential rise of private digital currencies and the power shift it could create. He highlights China's digital currency's vast influence and argues for the U.S. to create a 'Fedcoin' to combat competition. The conversation also touches on the challenges tech giants face entering the banking space and the implications of navigating a cashless society.
7 snips
Oct 5, 2024 • 1h 7min
SI316: Solving the "How Much" Trend Following Question ft. Nick Baltas
Nick Baltas, an expert in systematic investing, shares insightful perspectives on the evolving landscape of asset allocation. He discusses the implications of rising interest rates and inflation on traditional portfolios, questioning their long-term viability. The conversation dives into the merits of trend-following strategies amid market volatility and emphasizes the importance of risk management and understanding correlation during downturns. Ultimately, Baltas invites listeners to rethink their investment strategies, advocating for a more adaptive approach to asset allocation.
Oct 2, 2024 • 1h 3min
ALO26: Managing a C$600 Billion State Pension Fund ft. Amy Flikerski
Amy Flikerski, Head of External Portfolio Management at CPP Investments, oversees a staggering C$600 billion portfolio. In this discussion, she reveals the intricacies of allocating capital to both emerging and established hedge funds. Amy shares insights on the evolution of the hedge fund landscape, the balance between manager selection and portfolio construction, and the importance of transparency. She also offers advice for fund managers on how to effectively engage with allocators, stressing the need for persistence and realistic outreach.
7 snips
Sep 28, 2024 • 1h 4min
SI315: Preparing for a Pivotal Time in Global Markets ft. Cem Karsan
Cem Karsan dives into the dynamic relationship between market flows and global macro events as we approach a crucial period for equities. He highlights China's stimulus measures and their implications for investors amid geopolitical tensions. With the U.S. elections looming, he discusses how various outcomes could affect policy and the economy. Despite easing inflation data, Karsan foresees a structurally inflationary future and shares strategic trades to navigate the evolving market landscape.
