In the Know

This week, European Transport Analyst Alex Irving joins host Patrick Robinson on the podcast to discuss how the airline industry stands currently: who is flying high, and who is in a spin. Plus, we delve into policy, geography, infrastructure and other contextual factors affecting airlines today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

European Automobiles & Components Analyst Harry Martin joins host Patrick Robinson on the podcast this week to discuss all things trucking. We discuss the industry as it stands, pricing power, and what newer technologies might change the current market structure. Plus, we touch on barriers to adoption, regulations, and whether it is worth giving it all up to retrain as a long-distance driver.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Global Luxury Goods Analyst Maria Meita joins host Patrick Robinson on the podcast this week to discuss the luxury industry, and its perfect storm of macro weakness, negative price elasticity and lack of newness. We talk about the two diverging customer profiles, winners in the space and why Brunello Cucinelli is the closest the luxury industry has to a cult. Plus, in this polarising world of luxury where the top 5% of customers make up to 40% of sales, we explore the role of relationship managers, and what’s next for the industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Restaurants Analyst Danilo Gargiulo joins host Diana Wood on the podcast this week to discuss American multinational coffee chain Starbucks. We debate the brand’s degeneration – from how Starbucks became synonymous with “coffee” and the away-from-home coffee culture among generations of people across 80+ countries across the globe to how recently, the brand seems to have lost its halo. Danilo explores contributing internal and external factors including the brand’s relevance among occasional consumers (and the younger generation), and the employee and customer experience driven by rapidly changing “channels” – plus we discuss the question investors are asking: is the Starbucks era over? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging conversation, Will Woods, a European Retail Analyst at Bernstein Research, unpacks Zara’s groundbreaking business model on its 50th anniversary. He discusses how Inditex adapts to market trends with speed and efficiency, maintaining a unique edge over disruptor brands like Shein. Woods highlights the importance of human intuition in trend prediction, showcasing how Zara combines customer insights with innovative strategies. The discussion also touches on Inditex's high-quality branding and its potential for future expansion, keeping Zara relevant for decades to come.

Bob Brackett, a Senior US energy and global natural resource analyst, dives into the evolving world of nuclear power. He discusses nuclear's role as a clean energy source amid the shift away from fossil fuels and outlines the current uranium market dynamics. Bob explains how reactor construction costs differ globally and the safety history of nuclear energy, addressing common fears. He also highlights the growing interest among investors in uranium equities and the geopolitical factors shaping future nuclear policies.

Imagine a hotel experience where you can select your exact room, pay more for a specific pillow, specify the amount of towels you will need – and the price you pay is adjusted accordingly. For our latest episode of In the Know, we welcome new host Patrick Robinson (based in London) alongside Global Hotels & Leisure Analyst Richard Clarke. We delve into the opportunities AI presents for hotels, cruises and online travel agencies, for instance, how tech can assist with everything from initial holiday planning, personalisation, price management and sustainability efforts – and ultimately, how these advancements may affect these industries’ bottom lines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Doug Harned, a Global Aerospace & Defense Analyst at Bernstein Research, offers a deep dive into the proposed Golden Dome defense system, designed to counter various threats. He elaborates on its technological challenges, including cost estimates and timelines, while comparing it to Israel's Iron Dome. The discussion also touches on the evolution of missile defense, the financial uncertainties, and the potential for future conflicts in space due to rising geopolitical tensions. Harned's insights reveal the far-reaching implications for America and global security.

Mark Shmulik, a US Internet Analyst at Bernstein Research, shares his insights on Meta Platforms’ strategic maneuvers against competitors like TikTok and Google. He discusses the importance of attracting content creators and monetizing platforms such as WhatsApp. The conversation highlights the rapid success of Threads and its user engagement without heavy advertising. Shmulik also explores Meta’s future ambitions in AI and augmented reality, emphasizing a shift towards personalized experiences and innovative digital services.

US Internet Analyst Mark Shmulik joins host Sid Malkani for a two-part episode on multinational technology company Meta Platforms, consisting of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger – and most recently, Meta AI. Looking at Mark’s ‘framework of utility’, we look at the different stakeholders of Meta’s ecosystems: the user, the consumer and the advertiser. We delve into Meta’s use cases and what keeps us online, and how social media has emerged from a place to connect to a broadcast media, with brand/performance advertising and content creation monetising the platforms and continuing its runway for growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.