As Donald Trump continues to upend the US economy with a bizarre series of tariff announcements and reversals, Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong head to Spain. Today on the show, they host a live forum at the IE Business School in Madrid, covering an administration zig-zagging like a squirrel at rush hour and a market cowering in fear. Also, they take some questions from the audience. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ruchir Sharma, a columnist for the Financial Times and a seasoned investor at Rockefeller Capital Management, explores the changing landscape of Chinese investments. He argues that China isn't uninvestable and highlights promising opportunities in large tech stocks. The discussion also touches on the rise of Chinese equities and how recent government interventions have shifted investor sentiment. Sharma shares insights on the implications of a weakening dollar for emerging markets like China and Vietnam, emphasizing strategic shifts in investment focus.

In this discussion, John Foley, head of the Financial Times Lex column and financial markets guru, tackles the turmoil in equity markets driven by political upheaval. Investors shift focus from volatile tech stocks to the safety of bonds. They analyze the influence of tariffs and trade tensions on sectors like cardboard supplies. John also shares insights on future investments, particularly in potash and Tesla, while examining how the Trump administration's policies interplay with market trends and daily American lives.

Chris Giles, an economics commentator at the Financial Times, dives into the tensions between the Federal Reserve and the White House, particularly in light of President Trump's pressure for lower interest rates. He discusses a significant legal case that could influence the independence of the Fed's leadership and the broader implications for economic policy. The conversation also touches on the dollar's status as a safe haven and the risks associated with central bank policies. Plus, a light-hearted look at the importance of vowels in branding adds a humorous twist.

The podcast dives into the surprising success of European defense companies amidst President Trump's shifting stance on Ukraine. It explores the contrasting fortunes of U.S. and European stock markets, highlighting a potential investor preference for the latter. The discussion shifts to the implications of looming tariffs and their likely fallout on allies and consumer behaviors. Finally, the hosts lighten the mood with insights on the Oscars and share personal investment strategies focused on the U.S. dollar.

The discussion kicks off with the striking rise in semiconductor demand driven by AI, attracting investment like a modern gold rush. Market sentiment reveals a chilling downturn in housing and negativity towards the economy, contrasting past growth predictions. There's an examination of stagflation concerns alongside the Fed's challenges with rising unemployment. Geopolitical shifts stir changes in U.S. defense stocks, particularly impacting major players like Lockheed Martin, while investor bullishness shows slight declines amidst economic uncertainty.

The podcast dives into the current slump of the IPO market, revealing a stark contrast between a booming economy and a lack of fresh investment opportunities. Experts discuss the misalignment of private equity valuations with investor expectations, along with the innovative potential of tokenization for accessing private companies. They highlight the vital role of regulations in ensuring market safety and accountability. Additionally, the conversation touches on the complexities of monetizing the U.S. balance sheet and its implications for investor strategies.

The discussion opens with the exciting concept of a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, weighing its potential benefits against political and transparency challenges. Insights into the massive implications of a $2 trillion market investment raise eyebrows regarding inflated valuations. The conversation takes a light-hearted turn with reflections on Jack Ma's comeback and Diet Coke's cultural influence. Listeners are treated to a blend of serious finance and enjoyable anecdotes, showcasing the delicate balance between opportunity and uncertainty.

The discussion dives into the global implications of tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, examining their ripple effects on employment and trade. Insights into the significance of steel and aluminum reveal their ties to industrial might and political pressures. The hosts also analyze the resilience of globalization, exploring how companies are recalibrating supply chains in response to changing policies. Additionally, there's a light-hearted segment focusing on investment strategies in AI and whimsical market commentary.

The recent surge in gold prices highlights a growing demand amid market uncertainty. Experts dive into its dual role as a safe haven asset while tackling the challenges posed during mild downturns. The playful rivalry between tech giants Musk and Altman adds a sprinkle of humor, revealing the absurdity of the industry. Discussions also uncover the outdated U.S. gold reserve practices and their implications on the economy. Amidst geopolitical tensions, the conversation juxtaposes the gold boom with quirky trade ideas, like shorting pennies.