Odd Lots

Join Stephen Burke, founder of Gamers Nexus, as he dives deep into the turbulent world of gaming hardware amid the looming tariff crisis. Discover how trade wars are disrupting supply chains and driving up prices for custom gaming rigs. Stephen shares insights from his documentary, ‘The Death of Affordable Computing,’ revealing the struggles of manufacturers and retailers. Will hardcore gamers face a future where high costs and limited options become the norm? Plus, a look at the challenges tech companies encounter in planning amidst unpredictable tariffs.

Brad Setser, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and expert on global capital flows, dives into the surprising rise of the Taiwanese dollar. He discusses its impact on Taiwanese life insurers, who face significant challenges due to currency fluctuations. The conversation explores the dynamics between the appreciation of the Taiwanese dollar and the weakening U.S. dollar, and strategies Taiwan might adopt to stabilize its economy. Setser also links these developments to broader regional economic conditions and trade relationships.

Henry Blodget, founder of Business Insider and a former tech analyst, dives into the similarities between the current AI boom and the late '90s dot-com bubble. He examines the implications of this market behavior and the extraordinary valuations of AI companies. Blodget reflects on the evolution of Wall Street, sharing insights on past regulations and challenges faced by modern investors. He also discusses storytelling in leadership with examples like Elon Musk, plus the media's transformation in a tech-driven world.

In a compelling discussion, Chris Hughes, Facebook co-founder and current Ph.D. candidate in economics, shares insights from his book, Market Crafters. He explores how both political parties are shifting towards active market shaping. Hughes dives into the concept of market craft, its historical significance in the U.S., and the crucial balance between institutional roles and government influence. He highlights the rising bipartisan support for anti-monopoly action and innovative policy proposals addressing inflation and housing challenges, making a strong case for a redefined economic approach.

Murad Al-Katib, the President and CEO of AGT Foods and Ingredients, is hailed as the 'Lentil King of Saskatchewan.' He discusses how Saskatchewan became a global leader in lentil exports and the importance of sustainable farming practices. Murad explains the impact of trade tariffs on the agriculture sector and the need for supply chain diversification. He also emphasizes the vital role of soil health and innovative strategies to navigate challenges in global trade, ensuring food security amidst shifting economic landscapes.

In this engaging discussion, Joe Dowling, the global head of multi-asset investing at Blackstone and former head of Brown University's endowment, shares his insights on the rise of alternative investments in collegiate finance. He explains why universities, including Yale and Harvard, have leaned heavily into alts and the pressures they're now facing. Joe dives into the long-term focus required for endowment investing, the significance of due diligence in evaluating hedge funds, and how strategies are adapting in the face of market volatility.

Bill Beach, former commissioner of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, shares his insights on the growing challenges in gathering economic data. He highlights the declining response rates to surveys, particularly along political lines, complicating the accuracy of economic indicators. Beach discusses the urgent need to modernize data collection methods and the implications of reduced funding on the quality of statistics. Join him for a fascinating exploration of how the state of data impacts our understanding of the economy.

Ira Jersey, Chief US interest rate strategist at Bloomberg Intelligence, shares his expertise on the bond market's latest turmoil. He explains how typical safe havens like US Treasuries have faltered, especially following President Trump's 'Liberation Day'. The conversation dives into the spike in yields during April 8-9, revealing unexpected selling and liquidity challenges. Jersey also discusses the implications of shifting foreign ownership patterns and how these dynamics impact U.S. fiscal policy and global investor confidence.

Benn Eifert of QVR Advisors, a savvy market strategist, dives into the latest shifts in trading dynamics. He discusses how retail traders have flooded the options market, particularly on TikTok, but notes a surprising silence from social media influencers amid recent volatility. Eifert analyzes the correlation between geopolitical events and trader confidence while exploring innovative concepts like the 'Terminal Olympics' for traders. He emphasizes the need for informed decision-making in an increasingly complex trading landscape.

Anna Wong, Chief US Economist at Bloomberg Economics, sheds light on the looming impact of tariffs on the supply chain and retail landscape. She details how shipping trends from China expose vulnerabilities as major retailers prepare for the holiday season. Wong argues that while economic data seems stable, the real consequences are felt in layoffs and profit margins. Listeners will find her insights into the disconnect between economic indicators and daily life particularly revealing, especially in light of rising household costs and altered consumer behaviors.