The Wall Street Skinny

Political tensions heat up as former President Trump clashes with Fed Chair Jerome Powell, affecting market stability. The discussion dives into the falling U.S. dollar and its implications for inflation and global trade. Yale's massive $6 billion sale of private equity raises eyebrows on liquidity challenges in endowments. Insights on 'Operation Twist' shed light on its effects versus traditional monetary policies. Lastly, the complexities of currency wars and the balance of power in the U.S.-China economic relationship are examined, revealing the stakes for all involved.

Send us a textThis week, we break down the tension between Jerome Powell and Donald Trump—and what it actually means for monetary policy. If you listened to Powell’s latest remarks at the Economic Club of Chicago, you may not have thought much of it, but anyone knows how to decode the Fed’s deliberately vague words noticed unmistakably hawkish tone. We explain how to read between the lines of Fed speak, what it really means when the Fed prioritizes price stability over growth. We also get into why Trumps remarks on Truth Social led some to be concerned he's considering firing the Fed Chair... we discuss what that would mean for the credibility of U.S. markets.We dive into the economics of elite universities and the real impact of pulling federal research funding. We explain how endowments actually work, where that money goes, and why cutting research dollars isn’t just about punishing a school—it risks gutting innovation across biotech, national defense, and the U.S. economy more broadly. Finally, we unpack the return of the Big Tech breakup debate. With Meta and Google back in court over antitrust issues, we explain what a corporate spinoff actually is, how it works, and why breaking up a giant like Meta might help your portfolio. From conglomerate discounts to split-offs and subsidiary IPOs, we walk through the corporate finance mechanics that could drive the next big move in tech.Sign up for our Talent Accelerator HERE today! Visit Vanta.com/wallstreet for $1,000 off Start your FREE TRIAL of Training The Street's Turbo Macros HEREOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...

Send us a textThere has been some speculation that the reason for "chaos in the bond markets" isn't loss of confidence in the US but rather the result of an unwind in "the basis trade" leading hedge funds to blow up and causing yield spreads to widen. To explore this theory we need to get super granular. We go deep into the relationship between cash bonds, futures, and interest rate swaps—and explain why so many market participants prefer the derivatives over buying Treasuries outright. We also walk through how structural leverage, repo financing, and margin exposure interact in this high-stakes trade, and why even a small dislocation can trigger major losses when trades are levered 50 to 1 (or more). Don't worry, we do keep it accessible—even if you’ve never heard of the Treasury Bond Basis book or you’re not fluent in swaps. HOWEVER, this episode does assume a basic understanding of the bond markets and is definitely "advanced" for those not fluent in fixed income speak, so you might need to listen a few times like Kristen. Finally, we tackle what the Fed can and can’t do in the face of this volatility, whether quantitative easing or regulatory changes could help, and why some argue the blowups are a symptom of something bigger—not the cause. Whether you're a market pro or just trying to understand what all the chaos in the headlines actually means, this episode gives you the tools to make sense of it.Sign up for our Talent Accelerator HERE today! Visit Vanta.com/wallstreet for $1,000 off Start your FREE TRIAL of Training The Street's Turbo Macros HEREOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...

Send us a textThis week on The Wall Street Skinny, we’re diving headfirst into one of the most volatile weeks in recent memory—and we brought backup. After a whiplash-inducing reversal in the bond and equity markets, Jen and Kristen break down how the tariff announcements are rippling through rates, treasury auctions, and investor sentiment. From the Fed’s shrinking balance sheet to the rising fear that the U.S. may be losing its “flight to quality” status, we unpack what’s really happening beneath the headlines—and why the bond market might be the biggest canary in the coal mine.Then, we’re joined by legendary investor Steve Eisman—yes, the Steve Eisman portrayed by Steve Carell in The Big Short—for a candid conversation about the state of the global economy, what everyone’s missing in this moment of policy upheaval, and why he’s not panicking. We get his take on the implications of Trump’s tariffs, the fate of the U.S. dollar, and what it would actually take for the Fed to step in meaningfully. Steve also shares how he spotted the subprime crisis before anyone else, and why he’s still staying cool in today’s environment of uncertainty and anxiety.Whether you’re an investor trying to make sense of the macro crosswinds or a Wall Street hopeful wondering how the system reacts in real time, this episode is packed with hard-earned perspective, market wisdom, and—yes—a few deep cuts from Battlestar Galactica. Stay tuned to hear how Steve really feels about being played by Steve Carell, and why sometimes the best strategy is to zoom out, shut off CNBC, and not sell your soul to the volatility gods.Sign up for our Talent Accelerator HERE today! Visit Vanta.com/wallstreet for $1,000 off Start your FREE TRIAL of Training The Street's Turbo Macros HEREOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...

The podcast dives into the turmoil shaking the bond market and why it’s a big deal for investors. Recent treasury auctions and the dynamics of bond yields are explored, along with concerns over foreign demand and U.S. fiscal management. Listeners learn about the implications for the dollar's reserve status and the hidden risks within private equity markets. The discussion balances the chaos of inflation fears and trade policies while providing clarity for anyone navigating these turbulent financial waters.

Send us a textMarkets are in chaos, which is why on this week’s episode Kristen and Jen ditch the interviews to break down what the hell is happening in markets right now. From tariffs to the dollar and everything in between, we’re unpacking the massive moves in equities, the near-trigger of the circuit breaker, and what April 2nd — aka "Liberation Day" — really means.We dive deep into the economic mechanics behind tariffs — what they are, how they work, and why they’re suddenly wreaking havoc. Jen gives a mini masterclass on the history of U.S. tariff policy, from Smoot-Hawley to modern-day trade wars, plus the ripple effects on the dollar and inflation. We talk stagflation risks, interest rates, retaliation from global trade partners, and whether this all signals a bigger shakeup — including real questions about the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency (along with some conspiracy theories about whether there’s an ulterior motive for these moves).Finally, we pivot to some deal talk, focusing on the all-stock merger between Elon Musk’s xAI and X (formerly Twitter). We break down what the deal actually means, why valuations seem... dubious, and how the whole thing serves as a real-world lesson in equity dilution. Bonus: we close with a little pickleball, skiing, and business etiquette chat — because it’s not all macro mayhem all the time.Sign up for our Talent Accelerator HERE today! Visit Vanta.com/wallstreet for $1,000 off Start your FREE TRIAL of Training The Street's Turbo Macros HEREOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...

Send us a textIt's our special 150th episode!! We’re reuniting with billionaire investor and CEO David Adelman (whom you may remember from our “Sports Investing 101” episode) for a deep dive into his multifaceted empire and brilliant business acumen. David’s story is the stuff of legend. After making his first real estate investment with his bar mitzvah money at the age of 13, David ultimately rose to become CEO of Campus Apartments, followed by FS Investments and Darco Capital.  First, David walks us through the key principles of investing in commercial real estate.  He shares lessons about utilizing leverage, identifying niche markets, and paying attention to young trend-setters. We get a crash course on Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REIT”s), and learn how to avoid the pitfalls of chasing frothy markets. Then, by explaining the history of FS Investments, David walks us through being an early mover on delivering access to private capital investments to non-institutional investors. Next, David delves into his role as a partner in Harris Blitzer Sports Entertainment. He covers the nuances of sports investing vis-a-vis his ownership stakes in the Philadelphia ’76ers, the New Jersey Devils, the Washington Commanders, and Premier League football team (a.k.a., soccer) Crystal Palace. But it’s not just about the teams. David is laser-focused on his newest passion project: developing a world-class sports arena in Philadelphia, set to open in 2030.  And last — but certainly not least — we discuss American Harvest, his luxury vodka brand, and the challenges of conquering the alcohol segment of consumer retail.  Above all, David shares countless hard-fought lessons he’s learned in business. Chief among them? “Don’t be afraid to fail”. Follow David on Instagram @davidadelman and Sign up for our Talent Accelerator HERE today! Visit Vanta.com/wallstreet for $1,000 off Start your FREE TRIAL of Training The Street's Turbo Macros HEREOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...

Susan Moffitt, co-founder and president of Curated Wealth Partners, dives into the fascinating world of wealth management. She discusses the stark contrasts between wirehouses and independent RIAs, offering insights into the multifamily office model. Moffitt shares her journey through finance, revealing tips for navigating career changes and the importance of personalized service for ultra-high-net-worth clients. Tune in for her thoughts on the evolving landscape of wealth management and the essential skills needed for success in this competitive field.

Send us a textSign up for our Talent Accelerator HERE today! Visit Vanta.com/wallstreet for $1,000 offOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...

Send us a textIn this episode, we sit down with Brian Kelly, aka The Points Guy, to break down the basics of optimizing your credit card strategy, especially for finance professionals and consultants who travel frequently, entertain clients, or rack up significant corporate expenses.We dive deep into: ✅ Choosing the Right Credit Card: The best cards for maximizing points on travel, dining, and business expenses—and why cash-back cards might not be your best bet.✅ Making Your Corporate Travel Work for You: How to strategically use company travel, corporate cards, and even reimbursable expenses to build a massive points portfolio.✅ Elite Status vs. Points Hoarding: Why blindly chasing status might not be worth it—and how to actually leverage loyalty programs for the best perks.✅ Redeeming: The biggest mistakes people make when cashing in points, how to unlock business and first-class flights for a fraction of the cost, and why  redemptions (like gift cards) are a terrible deal.✅ The Perks No One Talks About: From purchase protections to travel insurance, lounge access, and unexpected ways your credit card can save you thousands.If you’re in investment banking, consulting, private equity, or any high-travel finance role, this episode will change the way you think about credit card points—and help you optimize every dollar you spend.Find Brian's book, "How to Win at Travel" HERESign up for our Talent Accelerator HERE today! Visit Vanta.com/wallstreet for $1,000 off Start your FREE TRIAL of Training The Street's Turbo Macros HEREOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...