
Top Traders Unplugged
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
Latest episodes

23 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 1h 20min
GM80: Doomsday Clock Ticks: Are We Close to a Monetary Shift? ft. Adam Rozencwajg
Adam Rozencwajg, an expert in natural resources and global macroeconomics, joins Cem Karsan for a deep dive into the urgent shifts in commodity markets. They discuss tightening supply constraints in oil and gas, emphasizing the coming months as pivotal for investors. The conversation also tackles the impact of geopolitical factors on energy security and global power dynamics, including the strategic importance of rare earth metals and the debates surrounding gold and Bitcoin as stores of value in these turbulent times.

47 snips
Mar 1, 2025 • 1h 3min
SI337: How Best to "Replicate" Managed Futures Returns ft. Katy Kaminski
Katy Kaminski, an expert in managed futures and trend-following strategies, joins the discussion to uncover the intricacies of replication methods in investment. She compares index and mechanical replication, revealing how they respond differently in varying market conditions. The conversation also dives into the evolving ETF landscape, assessing the new products and whether they truly qualify as CTAs. Listeners gain valuable insights into asset co-movement and its significance for effective trading strategies.

28 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 1min
IL35: The New Age of Economic Warfare: Are We Ready? ft. Edward Fishman
Dive into the modern landscape of economic warfare with insights from expert Edward Fishman. Discover how the U.S. utilizes financial dominance to impose sanctions on nations like Iran and Russia. Explore the innovative use of escrow accounts and the challenges of enforcing sanctions in today's complex market. The podcast also highlights the evolving bifurcation of the oil market and its geopolitical implications. Finally, consider the future of global economic relations in a world reshaped by strategic partnerships and resource competition.

24 snips
Feb 22, 2025 • 1h 3min
SI336: How to Invest in Turbulent Times? ft. Graham Robertson
Graham Robertson, a trend-following expert from Man AHL, shares valuable insights on investing amid today's volatile markets. He emphasizes the need for adaptive strategies to thrive against major market players. The discussion highlights the disconnect between price and value, showcasing emerging opportunities, especially in alternative markets. Graham also explores the effectiveness of trend-following strategies and the concept of portable alpha, which aids investors in diversifying and enhancing returns during uncertainty. A must-listen for navigating turbulent financial landscapes!

24 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 1h 7min
OI14: Behind the Scenes of a Crypto Hedge Fund ft. Michael Hall & Anatoly Crachlilov
Join Anatoly Crachilov, CEO of Nickel Digital with a background in Goldman Sachs, and Michael Hall, their CIO and prop trading expert, as they dive into the evolution of their crypto hedge fund. They discuss the challenges faced in transitioning from traditional finance to digital assets and the innovative multi-manager strategies they've developed. The duo shares insights on risk management, managing volatility, and the unique aspects of identifying and onboarding talented portfolio managers. Their hands-on approach reveals how they navigate the complexities of the ever-changing crypto market.

49 snips
Feb 15, 2025 • 1h 25min
SI335: Trend Following or Mean Reversion: What Works Best When? ft. Rob Carver
Rob Carver, an expert on systematic trading and author of "Advanced Futures Trading Strategies," dives into the latest fluctuations in gold prices and the effects of rising borrowing costs on futures pricing. The conversation addresses the evolving hedge fund fee structures and their hidden costs, alongside the benefits and risks of multi-asset leveraged ETFs. Carver also tackles how volatility impacts trading strategies, highlighting the debate between trend following and mean reversion, while offering insights on sound risk management practices.

11 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 1h
ALO28: Why Hedge Funds Still Matter ft. Alexander de Bruin
In this discussion, Alexander de Bruin, Head of Fund Research at Edmond de Rothschild, shares his expertise in hedge fund portfolio construction. He reveals insights from his background in trading and how it informs his capital allocation strategies. The rapid growth of private markets is explored, highlighting opportunities in private credit. Alexander delves into the nuances of multi-manager funds and the challenges investors face in portfolio selection, emphasizing the importance of due diligence through firsthand experiences on trading floors.

43 snips
Feb 8, 2025 • 58min
SI334: Why Quants Might Be Your Best Bet ft. Nick Baltas
In this engaging discussion, Nick Baltas, an expert in systematic investing, sheds light on the often-overlooked benefits of trend following amidst today’s chaotic economic climate. He delves into the impact of AI on investment strategies and the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency, highlighting the market dynamics influenced by large Bitcoin holders. Baltas also emphasizes the challenges of liquidity in trading and the potential pitfalls of fixed-weight portfolios, advocating for innovative risk management approaches to navigate modern financial markets.

14 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 1h 3min
ALO27: Unlocking Wealth: Insights from UBS's CIO Mark Haefele
Mark Haefele shares critical insights on navigating today's investment landscape amidst significant government intervention. He highlights the necessity of distinguishing between wealth management and investment strategies, urging an abundance mindset. The discussion touches on long-term structural trends like demographics and digitalization, emphasizing their impact on investment decisions. Haefele also explores the importance of adapting to new market dynamics, the rising significance of private markets, and the role of emotional motivations in investing.

39 snips
Feb 1, 2025 • 1h 13min
SI333: Convexity - The Trend Following Game Changer! ft. Richard Brennan
Explore the transformative concept of convexity and how it changes the trend-following game. Learn why traditional risk assessment methods fall short and how embracing volatility can enhance portfolio returns. Discover the nuances of market sentiment through the lens of recent financial developments, like NVIDIA's valuation shifts. The conversation also highlights effective risk mitigation strategies, urging investors to rethink their approaches to risk and volatility in an unpredictable economic landscape.