

The Macro Trading Floor
Alfonso Peccatiello & Brent Donnelly
The Macro Trading Floor is a fun and actionable macro and markets podcast hosted by Alfonso Peccatiello and Brent Donnelly. If you are looking for banter, financial education, and actionable trade ideas this is the podcast for you!
Episodes
Mentioned books

28 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 34min
Is The Fed Ready To Capitulate Dovish?
Alf and Brent dive into the weak labor market and how it may influence the Fed's next moves. They discuss the importance of market pricing when making macro trades, sometimes outweighing whether you're directionally correct. The shifting dynamics of currency, particularly around the yen and euro, are examined, alongside the risks of short selling in equities. They also tackle market volatility and the complexities of trading strategies, highlighting the unpredictable nature of current market conditions.

35 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 32min
The Tariff Mismatch Theory
Economic uncertainties are front and center as experts debate the subtle effects of tariffs on growth. The discussion includes labor market conditions and the Federal Reserve's challenge with inflation amidst skeptical monetary policy. Recent tariffs on copper and rare earths are examined for their unexpected influences on housing prices. Additionally, the Canadian banking system’s oligopoly and the evolving dynamics of currency trading are explored, with some light-hearted cultural anecdotes thrown in for good measure.

45 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 37min
Carry & Options In A Trump World
The discussion dives into the tensions between the Trump administration and the Federal Reserve, highlighting tariff deals and their economic implications. There's an analysis of how U.S. and foreign manufacturers are responding to tariffs amidst a variable dollar. The hosts also explore strategies for navigating market volatility and options trading, emphasizing the importance of catalysts and risk management. They touch on significant political developments, including legal issues tied to interest rate decisions, shaping the future of monetary policy and market dynamics.

20 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 36min
Macro Crossroads: What's Next For Markets?
Alf and Brent explore the current crossroads for the economy, analyzing how recent trends are affecting the dollar and trading strategies. They delve into the complexities of the job market and bond dynamics, while also evaluating the impact of tariffs on fiscal spending and inflation. Discussions also cover the Federal Reserve's role amidst shifting policies and market uncertainty. Finally, they consider the potential global ramifications of upcoming Japanese elections and the prevailing bearish sentiment surrounding the dollar.

62 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 33min
Time For The Fed To Turn Dovish?
Alf and Brent delve into the latest soft CPI report and its implications for the Federal Reserve's potential shift in strategy. They tackle the surprising stability in markets despite tariff concerns and examine inflation trends influenced by the labor market. Insights on currency dynamics, especially the euro versus the dollar, reveal interesting trading strategies. Additionally, the discussion covers challenges in current carry trades and highlights the rising interest in platinum and cryptocurrencies, showcasing evolving market psychology.

52 snips
May 16, 2025 • 23min
Another $5 Trillion of US Deficits in 10 Years: Now What?
Alf and Brent dive into the potential impact of a new Republican bill that could add $5 trillion to U.S. deficits. They discuss whether the market will ignore this looming deficit or if bond vigilantes will finally react. The duo also examines the complexities in bond markets amid low unemployment and emerging market fluctuations. They unpack strategies for navigating investments during uncertain times and highlight the Federal Reserve's cautious approach in responding to economic data.

68 snips
May 2, 2025 • 36min
Recession Risks & Reflexivity
Alf and Brent dive into the reflexivity bias, pondering investor enthusiasm for AI-driven market rallies. They question why this excitement emerged post-4,800 and urge listeners to recognize their biases. Discussions also cover recession risks, the behavior of equity market volatility, and the nuances of currency performance amid fluctuating rates. They unravel the complexities of bond markets while weighing the potential for Federal Reserve rate cuts, all while navigating the unpredictable landscape of trading strategies.

33 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 32min
Trillions of US Dollars To Sell?!
This week, Alf and Brent focus on an obscure yet crucial component of FX flows: the hedging needs from large institutional investors. These whales own $33+ trillion of USD-denominated assets, and over the last 15 years they have systematically under-hedged their USD exposure - were they to change their mind forecasting a weaker USD, there could be trillions of US Dollars to sell.Want to chat with Alf? Ping him (Alfonso Peccatiello) on BloombergWant to chat with Brent? Ping him (Brent Donnelly) on Bloomberg

52 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 37min
The Bond Vigilantes Are Here
The podcast dives into the current chaos of the markets, highlighting the unusual behavior of bond yields amidst falling equities and a weakening dollar. It examines the volatility in bond markets, drawing parallels to past crises and detailing how institutions are adjusting strategies amid evolving geopolitical tensions. The discussion also tackles the implications of rising yields for banks and investors searching for safe havens. Additionally, it explores the complexities of global trade negotiations and the impact of economic uncertainty on capital markets.

16 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 37min
You Ready For Liberation Day?
The hosts dive into the implications of the looming ''Liberation Day'' deadline for tariffs, sparking insightful discussions on market reactions. They dissect the Trump administration's economic strategies, including the potential depreciation of the dollar and its impact on global currencies. Risk management in carry trades takes center stage, revealing both the thrill and dangers investors face. From foreign investment flows to the complexities of bond yields, the conversation navigates through economic uncertainties and the interconnectedness of global markets.