Odd Lots

In this engaging discussion, Rob Bittencourt, a Partner at Apollo Global Management specializing in opportunistic credit, dives into how tech giants are reshaping credit markets. He explains the shift as major companies seek debt financing to fund AI and infrastructure projects. The conversation highlights the role of private credit in this transition, the impact of government initiatives like the CHIP Act, and the evolving trends in risk assessment within credit investing. Bittencourt also shares insights on how historical market events inform today’s dynamics.

Discover how contract lifecycle management software can reshape business strategies. The discussion highlights the transformation from traditional review methods to generative AI and machine learning, emphasizing efficiency and precision. Learn about groundbreaking advancements that significantly cut down contract review times through automation. Insights for mid-sized businesses on leveraging generative AI to harness valuable data and enhance decision-making are also explored, showcasing practical strategies for embracing this technology.

Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee joins to share his expertise on the evolving US economy. He highlights the unexpected success of reducing inflation without significant unemployment rises. Goolsbee discusses the shifting focus of the Federal Reserve from merely battling inflation to navigating labor market risks. He delves into the implications of strong job reports and explains why risk management is crucial in this economic cycle. His insights shed light on the delicate balance the Fed must maintain as it addresses both inflation and employment.

Atossa Araxia Abrahamian, author of "The Hidden Globe: How Wealth Hacks The World," delves into the phenomenon of ultra-rich enclaves like Dubai and Miami. She reveals how these cities tailor themselves with unique laws and tax incentives to attract wealth. The conversation explores the rise of offshore zones, transformation of freeports into art storage havens, and the controversial practices of wealthy entrepreneurs navigating legal loopholes. Abrahamian also discusses the implications of these parallel worlds on global wealth distribution.

Dan Morillo, co-founder of Freestone Grove Partners and former partner at Citadel, dives into the fascinating world of multi-strategy hedge funds. He clarifies the differences among fund business models and discusses the importance of selecting the right portfolio managers. The conversation touches on managing crowding risk with a poker analogy and the intricacies of compensation structures affecting trader performance. Morillo also highlights the balance between quantitative analysis and intuition, emphasizing the value of team dynamics in optimizing returns.

Stacy Rasgon, a semiconductor analyst at Bernstein Research, and Mackenzie Hawkins, a Bloomberg News reporter, dive into Intel's pressing challenges as it navigates a competitive landscape. They discuss Intel's struggles with its fab operations amidst the U.S. push for domestic semiconductor manufacturing. The conversation highlights the impact of government subsidies, missed opportunities in AI, and the critical role of leadership in shaping Intel’s future. Additionally, they explore Intel's ambitious vision for 2030 and the complexities of restoring its market position.

In this conversation, Kevin Brady, former Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and architect of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, delves into the complexities of U.S. tax reforms. He discusses the looming tax increases set for 2026 and the necessity for bipartisan cooperation to navigate these changes. Brady reflects on how tax cuts can drive economic growth while addressing income inequality. He sheds light on the political dynamics shaping future tax policies, emphasizing the importance of preserving crucial business tax credits for middle-class families.

Jigar Shah, Director of the Loan Programs Office at the Department of Energy, discusses the revival of nuclear energy in the U.S., sparked by renewed interest and government incentives. He delves into the reopening of the Three Mile Island reactor, highlighting its historical significance and modern implications. The conversation covers the evolving dynamics of power purchase agreements, regulatory challenges, and the potential for new reactors at existing sites. With clean energy on the rise, Shah emphasizes the importance of skilled labor and innovative solutions to meet future energy demands.

Craig Fuller, the Founder and CEO of FreightWaves, discusses the looming threat of strikes at East Coast ports. He sheds light on the negotiations between dockworkers and employers, emphasizing the stakes involved, including wage demands and technological impacts. Fuller also covers potential government interventions and how strikes could disrupt not just supply chains but the entire economy ahead of the presidential election. With growing trade tensions and looming holiday distributions, the conversation highlights the fragility of current logistics.

Vivek Chibber, an NYU sociology professor and author specializing in development, dives into the complexities of industrial policy. He highlights current US efforts in clean energy and semiconductors, questioning their effectiveness. Chibber discusses the political conditions necessary for these policies to succeed, warning about the risks of monopolies and lack of competition. He contrasts successful cases like South Korea with the hurdles faced in India, emphasizing the delicate balance between state support and market dynamics.