Odd Lots

Brian Yelvington, a seasoned veteran in the hedge fund arena and consultant at Carrington Fox, shares insights on the competitive world of multi-strategy hedge funds. He discusses how to land a portfolio manager position and the critical skills for long-term success. Yelvington highlights the importance of reputation, collaboration, and risk management in navigating these high-stakes roles. Plus, he draws parallels between gambling strategies and trading decisions, shedding light on the evolving role of AI in investment strategies.

In this discussion, Emily Sundberg, creator of the Feed Me newsletter, highlights the urgent concerns of Gen Z regarding finances and capitalism. She points out their pervasive fear that no one will rescue them amidst job threats and economic instability. Emily explores how their attitudes shape consumerism and investing, alongside the pressure to succeed in a volatile job market. The conversation also touches on Gen Z's redefining of personal success and their desire for self-reliance, raising critical insights into a generation grappling with immense societal expectations.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb, a renowned author and scientific advisor at Universa Investments, dives into the chaos of today's world. He emphasizes finding meaning by contributing to community rather than seeking personal gratification. Taleb discusses social media's impact on perceptions and the surprising resilience of markets amidst geopolitical tensions. He distinguishes between regular market fluctuations and unpredictable black swan events, while warning about the fragility of political systems. Ultimately, he shares insights on achieving fulfillment during uncertainty.

Charlie McElligott, a Managing Director and Cross Asset Macro Strategist at Nomura, dives into the surprising resilience of the stock market following a significant downturn. He discusses the relentless selling of volatility as investors react to the rally sparked post-April's 'Liberation Day.' McElligott also examines the complexities of market dynamics, including the impact of inflation and corporate behavior. He highlights challenges that traders face and ponders how long this bullish trend can sustain amidst global uncertainties.

Nellie Liang, a senior fellow at Brookings and former Treasury undersecretary, Ira Jersey, a chief interest rate strategist at Bloomberg, and Josh Younger, a Columbia lecturer, dive into the crucial U.S. Treasury market. They discuss concerns about bond demand amidst rising deficits and dissect the complexities of liquidity and volatility in financial markets. The trio draws parallels between historical strategies and current buyer motivations, exploring the impact of inflation and fiscal policies on market dynamics, while emphasizing the need for robust liquidity.

Vlad Tenev, Founder and CEO of Robinhood, discusses the company's ambitious plans to tokenize trading and its upcoming launch of a proprietary blockchain. He reflects on the 2021 meme stock phenomenon, the evolution of retail investing, and how platforms like Robinhood have transformed trading dynamics. The conversation also covers the regulatory landscape and the future of 24/7 on-chain trading in the U.S. Tenev addresses the diverse needs of investors and highlights Robinhood's innovative approach in adapting to changing market demands.

Jim Chanos, a renowned short seller, dives deep into the intriguing world of Bitcoin treasury companies. He questions why investors opt for shares in these firms instead of buying Bitcoin directly. The conversation also traverses NYC real estate dynamics, Tesla's latest challenges, and the complexities of short selling in tech and auto industries. Chanos critiques the financial practices of companies like Carvana and explores the potential disruptions AI may bring to accounting. His insights challenge conventional investment strategies and raise questions about fiscal sustainability.

Annette Kleiser, CEO of Dalan Animal Health, pioneers vaccine development for bees and shrimp, addressing critical issues in animal health. She shares insights on the alarming decline of bee populations and the challenges of biotech innovations for ecosystem sustainability. The discussion highlights the complexities of funding and regulations, where a twist at a climate conference offered new opportunities. Annette also contrasts the economic landscapes of bee and shrimp vaccines, emphasizing the vital role of these creatures in our food supply.

Iran is a huge country with a sizable stock market. And yet, years of sanctions and other restrictions mean it’s tough to even look up its stock prices (much less invest there.) In this episode, we catch up with Maciej Wojtal, CEO and CIO of AmtelonCapital, an Amsterdam-based fund that specializes in Iranian stocks. We talk about what the past week has been like for the market, what he’s hearing from people on the ground in Tehran, plus disruptions to businesses and oil. We talk about how Iranian investors handle major geopolitical risk and the outlook from here.Read more: Iran’s Khamenei Says US Intervention in War Achieved Nothing Only Bloomberg.com subscribers can get the Odd Lots newsletter in their inbox — now delivered every weekday — plus unlimited access to the site and app. Subscribe at bloomberg.com/subscriptions/oddlotsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blake Scholl, Founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, aims to revolutionize air travel by reviving supersonic jets. He shares insights on the lessons learned from the Concorde's legacy and how his company is addressing current challenges in aerospace. Discussions delve into the financial model for making supersonic travel viable, the innovative technology behind their engines, and the hurdles of regulatory approval. Scholl also contrasts the past with modern advancements, emphasizing potential growth for small startups amidst a stagnant industry.