Odd Lots

In this conversation with Itamar Drexler, a finance professor at the Wharton School, listeners dive into the surprising world of high credit card interest rates. Drexler explains how banks profit through swipe fees and marketing costs, revealing the stark differences between transactors and revolvers. He debunks the myth that default rates justify these high APRs and discusses the impact of rewards on consumer behavior. The discussion also touches upon the challenges faced by fintech and the implications of macroeconomic factors on credit card pricing.

Graham Allison, a Harvard Government Professor and expert on U.S.-China relations, discusses the 'Thucydides Trap,' a framework illustrating the risks of conflict between established and rising powers. He highlights historical parallels to the Peloponnesian War and World War I, explaining why great-power war has been avoided until now. Allison contrasts China's ambitions with the Soviet Union and examines how economic entanglement impacts stability. He identifies Taiwan and risky third-party incidents as potential flashpoints for conflict.

Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates and a seasoned macro investor, discusses the monumental changes currently reshaping the world. He outlines five forces driving historical dynamics, including wealth inequality, the AI boom, and national debt. Dalio shares insights on how technology compares to past transformations and the importance of meditation in maintaining equanimity through market fluctuations. He critiques traditional hedge fund models and emphasizes the need for cohesive leadership in navigating these complex changes.

Discover the art of decision-making through the lens of poker and data. The hosts blend psychology and statistics to tackle uncertainty in politics and everyday life. They discuss how poker strategies apply to risk assessment and explore themes like trust in reality TV. From AI hype to election forecasting, every choice is framed as a bet. Tune in for insights that will change how you view your own decisions!

In this discussion, Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF USA, dives into the challenges facing American cattle ranchers. He highlights the shrinking cattle herd due to drought and high feed costs, along with the adverse effects of consolidation in the meatpacking industry. Bill addresses how rising beef prices are tied to market distortions by large packers, and the difficulties young ranchers face in a boom-bust cycle. He warns that without protective policies, the future of independent ranching could be in jeopardy.

Susan Collins, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, dives into the complexities of monetary policy as she navigates inflation concerns outweighed by labor market issues. She discusses the delicate balance between inflation and employment, the Fed's responsive strategies to new job data, and the impact of tariffs on economic conditions. Collins also shares insights on the evolving role of AI in the workforce, its potential benefits for productivity, and how these factors intertwine with Fed policy decisions, all against the backdrop of a critical economic research conference.

Tyler Cowen, an economics professor and co-author of the Marginal Revolution blog, explores why AI's impact remains subtle despite its capabilities. He discusses the resistance of legacy firms to adopt new technologies and highlights sectors like programming and finance already transformed by AI. Cowen delves into the cautious approach of law firms regarding data privacy and the medical field's rapid advancements. He examines AI's influence on creativity in music, public discourse, and education, advocating for a balanced curriculum that includes AI alongside essential life skills.

Saagar Enjeti, co-host of the Breaking Points podcast, dives into the impending political storm surrounding AI. He discusses how AI's impact on labor and electricity costs is gaining traction as a hot-button issue ahead of the 2026 and 2028 elections. Public distrust toward tech leaders is palpable as ordinary citizens voice concerns over job displacement. With local resistance to data centers, Enjeti points to historical parallels in industrial backlash. He also explores the shifting dynamics in Washington, suggesting big tech may soon find itself isolated.

Jeffrey Gundlach, founder and CEO of DoubleLine Capital and a renowned fixed-income investor, shares his candid views on the current financial landscape. He warns that almost all financial assets, including stocks, bonds, and private credit, are overvalued and susceptible to downturns. Gundlach stresses the importance of holding more cash and gold while advocating for a cautious approach to long-term Treasuries amid rising inflation. He also explores the risks of private credit's liquidity and volatility issues, highlighting how institutional behaviors may shift in response to fiscal stress.

Dirk Willer, Global Head of Macro Strategy at Citigroup and a macro research expert, discusses the current bubble in the stock market, pinpointing its onset in May and offering precise indicators for timing. He delves into the similarities between today's market and the dot-com bubble while explaining his unique approach to trading during bubbles. Willer also addresses gold's impressive rise and its connections to central bank actions and retail enthusiasm, alongside lessons from emerging markets that are increasingly relevant to U.S. dynamics.