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
4 snips
Aug 3, 2025 • 26min
Is the Stock Market in a Speculative Bubble? T. Rowe Price CIO Weighs In
Sébastien Page, head of global multi-asset at T. Rowe Price and author of 'The Psychology of Leadership,' joins the hosts to discuss the current state of the stock market. He analyzes the surge in margin debt exceeding $1 trillion as a sign of investor exuberance. Page highlights why AI stocks may have a promising future and shares insights on sports psychology to improve investment strategies. He promotes the importance of a disciplined approach to navigating market uncertainties, including the need for diversification in today’s economy.
32 snips
Jul 27, 2025 • 26min
How to Navigate an AI Bull Market, With Tech Investor Imran Khan
Imran Khan, founder and chief investment officer of Proem Asset Management, shares insights from his extensive experience in tech investments, previously serving as chief strategy officer at Snap. He discusses the latest trends in the AI bull market, focusing on major players like Nvidia and Meta. Khan highlights how AI enthusiasm fuels market speculation and herd behavior among investors. He also emphasizes the potential of private investments like OpenAI, providing a nuanced view of the balancing act between excitement and risk in the evolving tech landscape.
31 snips
Jul 19, 2025 • 26min
Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee On Tariffs, Inflation and AI
Austan Goolsbee, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, dives into current economic dynamics and their intricate ties to tariffs and inflation. He sheds light on how these factors intertwine with market confidence and the dual mandate of the Fed. Goolsbee emphasizes the cautious optimism surrounding AI's potential for productivity, while warning about the risks of an exuberance bubble reminiscent of the dot-com era. He also unpacks the implications of housing market trends and Federal Reserve policies on broader economic stability.
24 snips
Jul 13, 2025 • 29min
Morgan Stanley Exec on the IPO Market, Robinhood’s Tokenized Stocks and More
Arnaud Blanchard, the global co-head of equity capital markets at Morgan Stanley, shares insights into the revived IPO market after a slump. He discusses the promising performances of recent IPOs like Chime and Voyager Technologies. Blanchard believes around 200 IPOs are expected this year and speculates on their potential return to 2021 highs. He also analyzes sectors worth investors' attention and debates whether Robinhood's tokenized stocks could pose a threat to traditional IPOs.
16 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 26min
Why This Fed President Is in No Rush to Cut Interest Rates
Tom Barkin, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, shares insights on navigating today’s economic complexities. He discusses the Fed's cautious approach to interest rates amidst pressures and political influences. Barkin compares the economy to 'driving through fog,' urging patience. He explores consumer sentiment's surprising strength despite inflation and highlights the impact of AI on the job market. Barkin also assesses potential recession risks, emphasizing the resilience of the U.S. economy and the unpredictable nature of current economic forecasting.
30 snips
Jun 29, 2025 • 24min
Barclays Analyst on What Investors Should Know About Trump’s Tax Bill
Michael McLean, a public policy senior analyst at Barclays, shares his insights on the GOP's One Big Beautiful Bill. He highlights the contrasting views between investors and policymakers on the bill's impact on the U.S. deficit and economic growth. The discussion delves into concerns about Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, and how tax reforms could affect these programs. Listeners are encouraged to consider the long-term fiscal implications and investor sentiments as they navigate this complex landscape.
Jun 22, 2025 • 30min
What 401(k) Investors Need to Know About Private Markets
Holly Verdeyen, a partner at Mercer, sheds light on integrating private investment assets into 401(k) portfolios, discussing their potential impact on long-term savings. She elaborates on how private assets differ from traditional stocks and bonds. Anne Tergesen, a retirement and personal finance reporter, shares insights on the suitability of these investments for various investors. They delve into the implications of a groundbreaking private credit ETF and the additional fees tied to private assets, emphasizing the need for careful consideration in retirement planning.
Jun 18, 2025 • 22min
How Has Investing in DEI and ESG Changed Under Trump?
Rachel Robasciotti, Founder and Co-CEO of Adasina Social Capital, dives into the evolving landscape of socially conscious investing. Discussing how investments in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can influence corporate governance, she highlights the financial benefits of aligning portfolios with social justice metrics. Robasciotti critiques corporate responses to political pressures, revealing the importance of transparency and authenticity in DEI practices. Tune in for her insights on the balance between investor goals and genuine commitment to social principles.
5 snips
Jun 15, 2025 • 24min
Is Investing in Treasury Bonds Still Low Risk? Bank of America Strategist Weighs In
Meghan Swiber, a Senior U.S. rates strategist at Bank of America, discusses the evolving landscape of the U.S. Treasury market. She explains why long-term Treasury bond yields have risen recently, raising concerns about their perceived safety. Swiber offers insights on navigating volatility in assets typically viewed as low-risk and how inflation affects investor demand. Additionally, she emphasizes the implications of these shifts for portfolios during times of economic uncertainty, providing a nuanced view of Treasury securities today.
10 snips
Jun 8, 2025 • 31min
Moody’s Chief Economist on Recession Fears and How Politics Shapes the Economy
Mark Zandi, Chief Economist of Moody’s Analytics, shares his insights on the U.S. economy and its resilience amidst rising tariffs and political tensions. He discusses critical economic indicators like employment rates and inflation, emphasizing their impact on consumer sentiment. Zandi delves into the effects of tariffs on trade and job statistics, while exploring the psychological facets of recessions. He also highlights the role of immigration in economic growth and warns of potential stagflation, urging the need for adaptive policies.
