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
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.
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.
Sep 17, 2025 • 2min
Introducing: Ticker Shock
Dive into the world of finance and markets as experienced journalists share their insights. Discover how external factors shape investment strategies and impact the economy. The discussions aim to demystify complex market dynamics, making them accessible for finance-curious listeners. Expect to connect the dots between policy changes and your financial life.
Sep 14, 2025 • 28min
Who Really Pays for Tariffs? Citi’s Trade Lead on the Economic Impact
Adoniro Cestari Neto, head of trade and working capital solutions at Citigroup, discusses the economic impact of U.S. tariffs. He reveals how global companies adapt their supply chains to mitigate costs without burdening consumers. Cestari Neto elaborates on the complexities of pricing strategies and the shared financial impact of tariffs across all stakeholders. The conversation also highlights innovative approaches like the 'China plus one' strategy and the growing trend towards reshoring as companies strive for production efficiency in a changing economic landscape.
27 snips
Sep 7, 2025 • 28min
Why This Economist Says Government Economic Surveys Can’t Be Replaced
Dana M. Peterson, chief economist at the Conference Board, shares her insights into the complexities of economic data interpretation. She emphasizes the importance of survey-based data in understanding consumer sentiment, especially amid fears of a 'vibecession.' The conversation touches on the potential inadequacy of private data to replace government surveys and the crucial role of labor market indicators. Peterson also discusses the relationship between consumer confidence, inflation, and overall economic health in today's volatile landscape.
27 snips
Aug 24, 2025 • 26min
Barclays Analyst on How Retail Stocks Are Managing Tariffs
Adrienne Yih, a senior retail analyst at Barclays with expertise in tariffs' effects on retail, joins to discuss the current retail landscape. She highlights how retailers like American Eagle and Gap are battling tariff impacts and the importance of the back-to-school season for apparel sales. Yih also reveals which retailer currently holds the most pricing power, and the nuanced differences in strategies between giants like Target and Walmart amidst economic uncertainty.
