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
Sep 1, 2024 • 1h 1min
SI311: BREAKING: New CTA Index being revealed ft. Andrew Beer
Andrew Beer, an expert on replication strategies, reveals intriguing insights into the trend-following community's challenges amidst August's market volatility. He discusses the complexities of achieving optimal correlation levels in replication and addresses the struggles faced by Commodity Trading Advisors (CTAs). The conversation delves into the due diligence process and explains why managed futures are worth allocating to. Lastly, Beer unveils a groundbreaking new CTA index, shedding light on the evolving landscape of managed futures strategies.
Aug 28, 2024 • 1h 2min
GM68: Chief Strategist: “Most Scenerios Point to Recession” ft. Peter Berezin
Peter Berezin, Chief Strategist at BCA Research, shares insights on the looming US recession and potential declines in the S&P 500. He discusses leading indicators in housing, labor, and manufacturing that suggest economic weakening. Peter critiques current equity valuations, especially concerning AI optimism, and details the implications of rising unemployment. He also forecasts a gradual Fed easing cycle, expected 10-year yields at 3%, and highlights the future of commodities, contrasting the prospects of metals against struggling oil.
17 snips
Aug 24, 2024 • 1h 3min
SI310: The Illusion of Backtests and True Drivers of Price ft. Richard Brennan
Richard Brennan, an expert in volatility and investor behavior, shares insights on the recent market turbulence, comparing it to airplane turbulence as a metaphor for volatility. He argues against the reliance on backtesting for predicting future performance, advocating for more realistic expectations of risk and returns. The conversation highlights how human behavior influences price movements and discusses the role of trend followers in this dynamic. Brennan also addresses the benefits of including highly correlated assets in trend-following portfolios.
Aug 21, 2024 • 1h 1min
IL29: Technology: The Economic Dynamite ft. Mark Mills
Mark Mills, an author and expert on the economic impact of new technologies, shares his insights on how advancements in various fields are primed to trigger significant economic growth. He explains the rising power demands of AI and how smart energy policies can support innovation. Mills also highlights the challenges of renewable resource extraction and the need for improved policies in mining. Additionally, he discusses the evolving concept of 'manufacturing as a service' and its potential to reshape industries, all while emphasizing economic resilience in today’s complex landscape.
17 snips
Aug 17, 2024 • 59min
SI309: Bonds Behaving Badly ft. Katy Kaminski
In this engaging discussion, Katy Kaminski, a market behavior expert and portfolio management guru, delves into the dynamics of economic disruptions and their impact on investor behavior. She examines the troubling relationship between bonds and inflation, stressing the need for a rethink of traditional investment strategies. Katy distinguishes between crises and corrections, highlights the evolving landscape of CTAs, and emphasizes the importance of process adherence in turbulent times. Tune in for insights on building resilient portfolios during market volatility!
Aug 14, 2024 • 1h 5min
ALO25: Master Your Hedge Fund Allocation ft. John Jackson
John Jackson, Global Head of Hedge Fund Research at Mercer, shares his expertise on hedge fund selection and portfolio construction. He discusses the critical role of manager selection and how top-down strategies integrate into this process. The conversation highlights the importance of diversification and active management, particularly in volatile markets. John emphasizes the value of emerging managers, the challenges of launching new funds, and the need for transparency in hedge fund management. His insights shed light on optimizing allocations in a shifting financial landscape.
Aug 10, 2024 • 1h 5min
SI308: Major Market Moves - What Now, Trend Followers? ft. Nick Baltas
Nick Baltas, a trend following expert, joins the discussion to dissect recent market rotations and their effects on trading strategies. He explains how trend followers adapted early to July's shifts and analyzes the consequences of abandoning short fixed income trades. The conversation reveals how investor perceptions of trend following have evolved and stresses that there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy. Baltas also delves into the changing landscape of risk management in trend following, drawing parallels to past market events.
6 snips
Aug 7, 2024 • 1h 5min
GM67: Successful Investing in a Disrupted World ft. Aswath Damodaran
Aswath Damodaran, a distinguished Professor of Finance at NYU Stern and authority on corporate finance, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of investing. He discusses the decline of traditional value investing and critiques the hype surrounding AI, especially in major tech firms like Nvidia. Aswath delves into equity risk premiums, the shortcomings of common valuation methods, and the challenges of valuing non-cash-flow assets like gold and crypto. The session concludes with invaluable advice for investors to adapt and thrive in an AI-driven future.
Aug 3, 2024 • 1h 8min
SI307: The Unpinning of Volatility & How to Prepare for What is Coming ft. Cem Karsan
In this engaging discussion, Cem Karsan, a volatility expert, dives into the current state of the volatility market and its implications for investors. He reveals how recent U.S. election events could reshape economic outcomes. Karsan compares volatility trading to an Olympic sport, showcasing the skill required to navigate market shifts. He emphasizes understanding flow in financial systems and preparing portfolios for volatility. The conversation also touches on factors like the dollar-yen carry trade and potential inflationary challenges, offering valuable insights for savvy investors.
Jul 31, 2024 • 58min
IL28: The Transformation of the 21st Century Economy ft. Ernest Scheyder
Ernest Scheyder, an award-winning Reuters journalist and author, dives into the critical nature of lithium and copper in the green energy transition. He reveals the paradox of mining's benefits versus its environmental costs, emphasizing innovative extraction techniques and the challenges of sustainable practices. The conversation also addresses complex relationships between corporations and Indigenous peoples, shedding light on urgent issues of ethical mining and cultural preservation. Scheyder's insights offer a nuanced perspective on the future of energy and resource management.
