Odd Lots

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.

Zichen Wang, a writer for the Pekingnology newsletter and former research fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, reflects on his recent return to China after studying at Princeton. He discusses the complexities of U.S.-China relations amid rising tensions and offers insights into the experiences of Chinese students in America. The conversation also explores the diverging paths of public policy education, the impact of state influence on private entrepreneurship in China, and the role of soft power in shaping global perceptions of the U.S.

In this engaging discussion, Gillian Tett, a Financial Times columnist and Cambridge academic, dives deep into the world of complex financial derivatives. She reassesses the legacy of the 2008 financial crisis, questioning the perception of complexity as inherently negative. Tett explores how understanding these instruments could reshape economic discourse and shares insights on the evolving landscape of capitalism. She also highlights the challenges of transparency in derivatives markets and the role of non-bank financial institutions in today's economy.

Jim Egan, a Morgan Stanley housing strategist known for his insights on mortgage trends, dives into the current state of the American housing market. He highlights the stark divide between homeowners with ZIRP-era mortgages and those without, revealing how low, stable payments have insulated some from financial strain. Egan also discusses rising inventories and the potential for a nationwide price downturn, emphasizing the complexities of consumer debt amidst high interest rates and evolving mortgage dynamics. It's a captivating look at today's financial landscape.