Odd Lots

Kaiser Kuo, host of the Sinica podcast and an authority on US-China relations, shares insights into China's rapid technological advancements. He explains how President Xi Jinping's directives influence researchers and businesses, creating a unique drive for innovation. The discussion highlights key projects like DeepSeek's AI model that challenge American tech dominance. Kuo contrasts China's optimistic view on technology with America's anxieties, exploring the cultural and political factors that propel China's tech sector forward.

Sarah LaFleur, the founder and CEO of M.M.LaFleur, shares her insights on the challenges of running a women's workwear brand amidst escalating tariffs. She discusses the urgent scramble for shipping space and how tariffs are reshaping her business strategies. LaFleur reveals the impact on fabric sourcing and production timelines, as well as the broader implications for the clothing industry facing a turbulent economic landscape. Her transparent approach provides a unique look at navigating a crisis in fashion.

Arthur Kroeber, a long-time expert on the Chinese economy and founding partner at Gavekal Dragonomics, delves into the complexities of the U.S.-China trade war. He discusses China's strategic responses, including its historical narratives and the push towards self-sufficiency. Kroeber highlights the challenges facing China's economic rebalancing, the impact of reduced exports, and the shifting dynamics in trade negotiations. He also touches on domestic strategies to boost consumer spending amidst external pressures, revealing a nuanced take on future U.S.-China relations.

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.