Odd Lots

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.

Zohran Mamdani, a Queens assemblyman and mayoral candidate, is a democratic socialist advocating key policies for New York City. He discusses his bold platform, including universal childcare, rent freezes, and proposals for city-run grocery stores to combat food deserts. Mamdani shares insights on enhancing public services and the importance of raising taxes on corporations to fund community initiatives. He also envisions Halal carts on every corner to improve access to food, emphasizing a new direction for the city that prioritizes its residents.

Eva Dou, a Washington Post reporter and author of 'House of Huawei', dives into the intriguing rise of Huawei, a tech giant that presents a formidable challenge to Nvidia. She explains Huawei’s intricate ties to the Chinese government and its role in shaping modern China’s tech landscape. The discussion touches on Huawei's corporate culture, its AI ambitions amid U.S. restrictions, and the strategic maneuvers that help it maintain resilience in a competitive market. Dou's insights reveal how Huawei's evolution embodies the intersection of technology and politics.

Explore the remarkable journey of living with type 1 diabetes through the eyes of an investigative reporter. Dive into personal stories of diagnosis and emotional struggles faced by families. Discover groundbreaking research aiming to create insulin-producing cells and transform diabetes treatment. Hear about the significant advancements in understanding this autoimmune condition. The discussion highlights hope for a future where innovative solutions could revolutionize life for those living with T1D.

Giuseppe Paleologo, Global Head of Quantitative Research at Balyasny Asset Management and author of 'The Elements of Quantitative Investing', delves into the world of quantitative investing, clarifying its complexities. He discusses the rise of quant strategies versus traditional methods, the nuances of factor identification, and the evolving roles within hedge funds. Paleologo also touches on the integration of AI in optimizing investment approaches, spotlighting the challenges of adapting to changing market dynamics and the significance of proprietary data for enhancing trading strategies.