Boxes and Lines

Join Ronan and JR as they kick off 2024 with Dave Nadig, a “Financial Futurist” for ETF Trends and ETF Database, and an all-around expert in the ETF industry. In this episode, Dave shares his predictions for the year, discussing the election's impact on investments, the prospects of ESG and clean energy, the implications of SEC-approved Bitcoin ETFs, challenges in active ETFs, insights on Cathie Wood’s ARK in 2023, and the role of AI in finance. Get out your crystal balls out and compare your notes on what lies ahead with Dave on this special episode. Recorded January 9, 2024.

Shelley Eleby, Head of Marketing for Electronic Trading at BMO Capital Markets, discusses the importance of market microstructure, her skepticism towards AI, and the value of diversity in finance. She shares advice for women in the industry: know your product deeply and always ask 'why'.

Amy Magnotta brings her expert take on the state of equity markets to the pod as we approach 2024. The Co-Chief Investment Officer at Ategenos Capital sheds light on everything from the fed's stance on interest rates, alpha drivers and the promising outlook for Japan, and potential tailwinds from the U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. As 2024 looms as a “spicy” election year, Amy shares her strategies for navigating these politically choppy waters. Recorded December 5, 2023.

Finance industry veteran Michael Seigne discusses the intricacies of share buybacks, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing corporate client benefits over maximizing margins. Topics include market abuse rules, broker fees alignment, challenges in transparency laws, and the evolution of trading desks. The podcast culminates in a fun hypothetical scenario with the Wall Street bull and a listener survey with a sock giveaway.

Ramon Gonzalez, Head of Technology Operations for IEX Exchange, discusses the daily checklist his team goes through to prepare the stock market for a smooth day. They also delve into topics such as 'bare metal' infrastructure, data centers, and the potential for exchanges to move into the cloud.

Jim Toes, President and CEO of the Securities Traders Association and a leading voice in market structure, joins Ronan and JR on the pod this week. Jim gives the guys a sneak peek of what's on the docket for STA’s 90th Annual Market Structure Conference, and also discusses the rise of stablecoins and Bitcoin ETFs, his thoughts on the SEC's proposed market structure reforms, the implications of a 24-hour trading day, and the greatest moment in the Big Short. Recorded October 3, 2023.  

Anna Kurzrok, Managing director of market structure at Jefferies, discusses the impact of SEC's market structure proposals on institutional players and everyday traders, the trajectory of AI in trading, the fragmentation of trading venues, and off-exchange trading.

Barry Ritholtz, CIO of Ritholtz Wealth Management and host of the popular Bloomberg podcast “Masters In Business,” discusses poking holes in financial status quo, inflation myths, and the value of patience. He gained reputation by criticizing flawed interview questions and brings transparency to the industry. They explore the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on 'too big to fail'. They debunk misconceptions about inflation and discuss its measurement flaws. They also touch on luck in achieving success, shared delusion in currency, and express gratitude to the guest.

JR and Ronan are joined by Giancarlo, Annabelle, and Dennis - three of IEX’s 2023 summer interns - for this special episode about the aspirations of America’s upcoming workforce. Though Gen Z had to navigate remote schooling during Covid, grappling with global warming, and witnessing seemingly constant political and economic shifts, this episode reveals that what’s on their mind might resonate more closely with previous generations than one might think. Recorded August 8th, 2023. 

What needs to change about the finance industry in order to close the gender gap? What will the next generation of Wall Street leaders look like? How will Gen Zers shape workplace culture - and the finance industry? On the latest episode of Boxes and Lines, Ronan and JR are joined by Katherine Jollon Colsher, President and CEO of Girls Who Invest, to discuss the longstanding gender gap within the finance industry and how Girls Who Invest is providing young women access to resources and education programs in asset management. They also discuss the necessity of bringing diverse perspectives into the workplace, the importance of management training, and what intersectionality really means. Recorded July 19, 2023.