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
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.
47 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.
36 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 1h 2min
GM79: How Global Economic Dynamics Shape Our Future ft. Matthew Klein
Dive into the intricate world of global trade and economics with insights from Matthew Klein. Discover the flaws in the zero-sum mindset and the potential of positive-sum solutions. Explore how internal dynamics shape international relations and economic outcomes. Learn about the influence of bond yields and immigration policies on labor markets and housing. Rethink traditional narratives as the discussion unveils the interconnectedness of economic factors and encourages a broader perspective on growth.
91 snips
Jan 25, 2025 • 1h 5min
SI332: Market Turbulence: How to Adapt to Regime Changes in Investing ft. Alan Dunne & Mark Rzepczynski
Mark Rzepczynski, an expert on market dynamics and regime changes, dives into the chaos of today’s markets. He emphasizes how shifting political landscapes lead to increased uncertainty, impacting investment behaviors. The conversation highlights the challenges of adapting investment strategies to changing correlations and rising volatility, particularly in trend-following approaches. Rzepczynski also examines how complex economic systems react to shocks, urging traders to reassess their models amid these turbulent times.
65 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 1h 32min
GM 78: The Market Risk Nobody’s Watching ft. Dave Dredge & Cem Karsan
Join financial market expert Dave Dredge and seasoned trader Jim Kassan as they dissect today's volatile landscape and draw intriguing parallels to the late '90s. They delve into the surge of structured products and callable bonds, revealing the risks of relying on historical correlations in times of stress. Discussions also cover the implications of rising interest rates, the impact of geopolitical tensions, and innovative strategies for risk management. Gain insights on adapting investment approaches amid shifting dynamics and potential crises ahead.
76 snips
Jan 18, 2025 • 1h 6min
SI331: Crafting the Perfect Investment Portfolio in 2025 ft. Alan Dunne
Alan Dunne, an expert in global macro strategies, shares his insights on crafting a resilient investment portfolio in today's turbulent landscape. He emphasizes the necessity of diversification while analyzing Germany’s economic challenges, fueled by the Ukraine crisis. The conversation dives into risk management, highlighting predictable versus unpredictable risks. Dunne advocates for trend-following strategies and reevaluates traditional asset allocation, urging investors to adapt to evolving market dynamics and integrate modern approaches to navigate uncertainty.
