Unhedged

FT's Wall Street editor Sujeet Indap delves into the downfall of Red Lobster, analyzing the impact of the Endless Shrimp promotion and ownership disputes. They also explore the benefits of real estate investment trust structures for business valuation and discuss the struggles faced by Red Lobster post-split from Darden. Insightful discussions on fast-casual dining preferences and artistic admiration wrap up the podcast.

Joshua Oliver, real estate expert, discusses the slow adjustment of commercial property values to interest rates in the UK and US. Exploring sellers' reluctance to accept reality or a property economy on hold. He also touches on the impact of cryptocurrency on property markets.

The podcast delves into the surprising price surge of cocoa and other staples, discussing the factors driving this increase. Topics include cocoa market complexities, challenges faced by farmers, impact of speculators, climate change effects on crops, and investment insights like AI and gardening.

The podcast discusses the new CEO of Bridgewater Associates and their ability to maintain the fund's legendary returns. It also covers topics like deep sea submarines, going long on Walmart, and shorting the troubled merger of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck.

Keith Gill, aka the GameStop memelord, sparks a rally in GameStop and AMC. The podcast discusses if it signals a return of animal spirits. They also cover the impacts of social media on meme stocks, the rise of online communities in investment, and the challenges faced by regulators. Additionally, they explore investment strategies for GameStop, crypto tokens, and utilities.

Deals editor James Fontanella-Khan discusses the intense battle for control over Paramount Studios between Wall Street, private equity, and producer David Ellison. They also delve into the impact of the streaming industry on Hollywood and share insights on private equity's influence in the entertainment industry.

Legendary investor Warren Buffett discusses recent investments in energy stocks and Apple, as well as the succession plan at Berkshire Hathaway. FT correspondents also talk about creating a new festival, TrackerFest, and criticize Shell's climate credit actions.

Discussion on the Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates, concerns about inflation surpassing 2% target, shorting Starbucks, analyzing Ray Dalio's bet on civil war, and exploring the impact of rising prices and potential civil war on the economy.

Exploring the impact of the strong US dollar on global markets, importers, and manufacturers. Analyzing the US economy's performance, GDP numbers, and uncertainties in the current landscape. Delving into the risks associated with the US dollar, debt repayment, and investor risk. Discussing pub spending in the UK and McDonald's recent successes.

Tim Harford, host of Cautionary Tales, discusses Ponzi schemes, their spiral out of control, and the differences from bubbles. They talk about the dangers of investment schemes, Sarah Howe's experience, and the chaos of Sam Israel's scheme. They also explore the psychology of fraudsters, the financial implications of obesity, and compare Bitcoin to Ponzi schemes.