WSJ's Take On the Week
The Wall Street Journal
WSJ's Take On the Week brings you the insights and analysis you need to get a leg up on the world of money and investing. We cut through the noise and dive into markets, the economy and finance. Join The Wall Street Journal's Telis Demos and Gunjan Banerji in conversation with the people closest to the hot topics in markets to get incisive analysis on the big trades, key players in finance and business news. The duo will bring actionable insights to a range of investors and business leaders while also entertaining a broader audience with lively, relatable conversations. Episodes drop Sundays.
Episodes
Mentioned books
20 snips
Oct 26, 2025 • 25min
Why This Analyst Says Robinhood Is More Than a Meme Stock
Christian Bolu, a senior research analyst at Autonomous Research, dives into the evolution of Robinhood from meme stock mania to a serious contender in the brokerage world. He reveals how Robinhood attracts millennials and Gen Z, discusses its competitive edge over firms like Charles Schwab, and highlights its diverse revenue streams beyond free trading. Bolu also outlines a substantial growth potential in the ~$300 billion client asset market, making a case for Robinhood's significance in the future of retail trading.
37 snips
Oct 19, 2025 • 28min
Why This Legendary Investor Says We're in a Stock Market Bubble
Rob Arnott, founder of Research Affiliates and a veteran investor, dives into the unsettling reality of a potential stock market bubble. He argues that the market is currently 'priced for perfection' due to government stimulus and index fund dynamics. Arnott discusses how to navigate this frothy terrain with diversification and a cautious tilt towards value investments. He even draws parallels between today's AI hype and the past dot-com bubble, warning that inflated valuations may lead to a significant market correction.
48 snips
Oct 12, 2025 • 30min
If Trouble Is Brewing for Banks, Here's Where to Spot It
Chris Whelan, a seasoned banking analyst and chairman of Whalen Global Advisors, joins to discuss the precarious state of banks. He highlights pressing issues in commercial real estate and private equity, revealing how falling valuations pose risks for banks. Whelan shares key indicators to watch in upcoming bank earnings, including loan demand and consumer vulnerability. He also emphasizes the challenges of non-bank lenders and shifting dynamics in mortgage markets, painting a complex picture of the financial landscape.
14 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 34min
Trump Is Meddling With the Fed. Why Don’t Markets Care?
Nick Timiraos, Chief economics correspondent at The Wall Street Journal, dives into the critical issue of Federal Reserve independence under political pressure from President Trump. He discusses the historical context of the Fed's autonomy and the implications of removing Governor Lisa Cook. The conversation highlights market reactions—or lack thereof—regarding these political maneuvers, exploring scenarios that could trigger investor panic. Timiraos emphasizes the delicate balance needed to maintain economic stability amidst political interference.
17 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 27min
Why This JPMorgan Analyst Says Now Is the Time to Buy Municipal Bonds
Neene Jenkins, Head of Municipal Research at JPMorgan Asset Management, shares valuable insights on the municipal bond market. She discusses the surge in municipal bond issuance driven by rising construction costs and infrastructure demands. Jenkins highlights the resilience of the sector even amid potential government shutdowns and reassures listeners that a recession isn't her base case. She emphasizes the importance of cash reserves for investors and explains how federal policies are shaping the landscape for municipalities.
20 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 35min
Will AI Spending Pay Off? Or Are We in a Bubble?
Dan Gallagher, Heard on the Street tech columnist at The Wall Street Journal, explores the staggering investments in AI by Big Tech. He discusses the risks of obsolescence for these companies and analyzes whether the current spending indicates a bubble. Gallagher underscores the importance of enterprise adoption for funding AI services and highlights Nvidia's pivotal role in market growth. The conversation also navigates through the uncertainties of monetization and the potential downsides of AI, like low-value work, drawing clever parallels to past investment mistakes.
8 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 28min
Automakers Are Hitting the Brakes on EVs. Will That Help Their Stocks?
John Murphy, a managing director at Haig Partners with deep expertise in the auto sector, shares insights on the waning EV tax credit's impact. He argues that without the subsidy, demand for electric vehicles will plummet, forcing automakers to pivot back to profitable truck sales. Murphy also discusses the fragmentation of powertrains affecting profitability and highlights the opportunity in aftermarket services. The conversation raises intriguing questions about the possible resurgence of internal combustion engines amidst evolving market dynamics.
Sep 25, 2025 • 30min
Gold Is at Record High. Is It Still Time to Buy?
James Mackintosh, a senior markets columnist at The Wall Street Journal, and Greg Ip, the chief economics commentator, dive into the current gold rush as prices soar. They explore gold's role as portfolio insurance against inflation and geopolitical risks. The discussion also touches on central banks' buying trends and compares gold's stability to Bitcoin's volatility. They address practical buying methods and even share quirky recession indicators like men's underwear. Tune in for a mix of market insights and lighthearted commentary!
23 snips
Sep 21, 2025 • 38min
Billionaire Investor Cliff Asness on Managing Market Risk and 'Buffer' ETFs
Cliff Asness, co-founder and CIO of AQR Capital Management, dives deep into the world of market risk and ETFs. He critiques the rise of options-based ETFs, revealing why they often fall short in protecting investors. Asness argues that trading platforms like Robinhood can resemble gambling, exacerbating market inefficiencies. He also discusses the implications of meme stocks and stresses the importance of transparency in earnings reporting, while cautioning about the Federal Reserve's impact on market stability.
15 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 33min
The ‘Infinite Money Glitch’ Making the Trump Family Millions
James Mackintosh, a Senior markets columnist at The Wall Street Journal, and Spencer Jakab, an Investing columnist, dive into the Trump family's latest venture—a crypto treasury with the WLFI token. They discuss the 'infinite money glitch' and its potential risks for investors. The conversation explores how this strategy mirrors the success of other digital-asset models and compares it to the volatile behavior seen with meme stocks. The duo also debates the thin line between investing and mere speculation in today's market landscape.
