Unhedged

Nick Megaw, a global markets expert, joins the discussion to unravel the recent market chaos. They explore the roots of the downturn, touching on unemployment rates and the impact of the Japanese carry trade. The duo analyzes the mixed fortunes of tech stocks amidst heavy AI investments and market volatility. They also discuss the blind spots of retail investors and share personal insights on investing in Google, all while likening market fluctuations to a riveting mystery novel.

Aiden Reiter, a reporter specializing in Tesla and the electric vehicle sector, joins Rob Armstrong to dissect the enigmatic company. They discuss Tesla's high stock valuation despite disappointing earnings. The duo explores the challenges and potential of Tesla's revenue streams, including automotive sales and energy innovations. The conversation takes a dive into the future of autonomous driving and the controversial role of humanoid robots. They also touch on the broader market dynamics, including insights on the yen and Bitcoin.

This week, deals reporter James Fontanella-Khan discusses the surprising financial backing Kamala Harris garnered from Wall Street, leading to a strategic push against Biden. He explains the intense courtship between Harris and financial power players, exploring how her background as a public prosecutor ignited interest. The conversation also touches on Wall Street’s delicate dance with Big Tech and the implications for economic policy. Plus, there's a lively debate on investment strategies, featuring insights about McDonald's and Bill Ackman's latest moves.

In this episode, Aiden Reiter discusses strategies to manipulate the US dollar, including interventions, cooperation with other nations, market tactics, and taxing foreign holdings. The impact on the trade deficit and capital inflows is explored, along with the challenges of affecting the dollar's value. Additionally, there is excitement for tomato season and insights into the French fry market competition.

Exploring the impact of a second Trump presidency on inflation, bond yields, currency manipulation, corporate taxes, protectionism, isolationism, Federal Reserve independence, and small-cap stock rally. Long sterling and short Russell 2000 positions discussed.

Financial expert Katie Martin and UK business correspondent Michael O’Dwyer discuss the new UK listing rules meant to attract innovative companies. They debate if the rules will boost London's status as a listing hub. Topics include challenges facing the London Stock Exchange, impacts of the rule revisions, and financial success of professional services firms.

Venture capitalist Vinod Khosla discusses his 20-year experience investing in renewable energy, emphasizing long-term bets on solutions like fusion power. The podcast also covers the future of green tech, the debate on existing green technology solutions, and the challenges and opportunities of investing in the sector.

Entertainment industry expert Robert Armstrong and deals reporter James Fontanella-Khan discuss the Paramount-Skydance merger and the future of entertainment in Hollywood. They delve into the complexities of the deal, the competitive landscape in the streaming industry, and explore the potential impacts of consolidation. Additionally, they share predictions and banter about the Euros football final.

FT's economics commentator Chris Giles discusses the impact of recent elections in the UK and France on global markets and finance. The podcast delves into the changes in government, economic strategies, market implications, and the importance of trust in politics. It also explores portfolio diversification, caution with election polls, and the role of the European Central Bank in stabilizing financial markets.

FT's US banking editor, Josh Franklin, discusses Morgan Stanley's CEO push for an 'integrated firm' model. They explore challenges in the banking industry, short the US housing market, and share insights on summer in NYC.