

Unhedged
Financial Times & Pushkin Industries
Katie Martin, Robert Armstrong and other markets nerds at the Financial Times explain the big ideas behind what’s happening in finance right now. Every Tuesday and Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

46 snips
May 29, 2025 • 22min
The nasty Taco question
The podcast dives into the hilarious yet impactful 'Taco trade,' stemming from a tense moment between a journalist and the President. Traders are left anxious about market reactions and potential implications. The conversation humorously critiques finance trends, like FOMO and ineffective acronyms, while also unpacking the serious impact of political statements on the economy. Moreover, there's a playful brainstorming session on finance-related acronyms alongside reflections on corporate leadership changes, all infused with wit and candor.

60 snips
May 27, 2025 • 22min
The ‘big beautiful’ budget vs the bond market
The discussion kicks off with President Trump’s 'big beautiful' budget and its implications for deficit spending. Experts analyze how this could shake up the bond market, especially with rising yields and investor anxieties. A lively debate unfolds around the euro's potential rise as an international reserve currency. The hosts inject humor by critiquing the trend of alcohol in bookstores, raising questions about financial sustainability. All this is wrapped in historical parallels to past budget crises, making for an engaging and insightful conversation.

31 snips
May 22, 2025 • 16min
When Spacs attack
Special Purpose Acquisition Companies, or SPACs, are making a surprising comeback after their 2021 boom and subsequent retreat. The podcast dives into the fluctuating landscape of SPACs, exploring both the allure and skepticism surrounding them. It highlights the significant trend of institutional investors abandoning SPAC investments, often before major events. Additionally, the hosts discuss the challenges posed by U.S. budget deficits and offer intriguing investment strategies, including a bullish take on jewels over the faltering dollar.

25 snips
May 20, 2025 • 23min
The microcap explosion
George Steer, a correspondent from the markets team in NYC, brings his expertise on microcaps. He discusses the surge of small cap IPOs, particularly from Chinese companies like a hot pot chain. The conversation dives into the motivations of underwriters and the implications of regulatory changes. They also explore the volatility of U.S.-China financial ties and critique the speculative nature of microcap investments. Finally, Steer shares laughs over a DJ's misstep and reflects on fashion choices at a recent event.

49 snips
May 15, 2025 • 22min
The UK’s trade deal
Alan Beattie, a trade expert and Financial Times writer, joins to unravel the recent UK trade deal's details and its implications. They dive into the unpredictable nature of US-China trade negotiations, the informal aspects of the UK-US deal, and the significant challenges it poses to global trade norms. Beattie also discusses the resilience of global supply chains post-COVID and shares humorous insights on the effects of the UK's dry weather on gardening, blending serious trade analysis with light-hearted anecdotes.

25 snips
May 13, 2025 • 22min
Not-so-bad news is the new good news
Lower-than-expected inflation and evolving trade negotiations with China sparked optimism in the market. The hosts dive into whether Americans are genuinely feeling good or just relieved. They analyze the complex dynamics of tariffs and market responses, focusing on corporate strategies and central bank adaptations amid economic uncertainty. Adding a dash of humor, they discuss trading strategies alongside entertaining Pope memes while also shorting gold. A lively mix of serious economic insights and light-hearted banter keeps listeners engaged.

50 snips
May 8, 2025 • 24min
Berkshire after Buffett
Warren Buffett's retirement announcement sparks a reflection on his unique investment legacy. The hosts delve into his journey from humble beginnings to global icon while assessing the challenges of succession. They explore the relentless energy behind influential business leaders and the importance of genuine talent over imitation. As they critique Google's evolving landscape, they also emphasize the need for investors to remain vigilant against complacency in a shifting economic environment.

28 snips
May 6, 2025 • 19min
Will the real money pivot to Europe?
Ian Smith, a Financial Times reporter specializing in markets, joins the conversation to unveil the shift from U.S. investments towards Europe. He delves into the reasons behind this trend, highlighting rising political risks and the decline of the S&P 500. The discussion touches on the growing preference for European assets among institutional investors, the intriguing dynamics of currency hedging, and the implications for the dollar's future. Smith also adds a playful twist by exploring asset allocation strategies and economic sentiment.

37 snips
May 1, 2025 • 23min
GDP goes negative
The hosts dissect a surprising dip in GDP, revealing the complexities behind the negative growth figure. They explore the disconnect between consumer spending and economic data, highlighting the K-shaped recovery’s impact on different income levels. Discussions also touch on the repercussions of declining oil prices and reduced imports on both consumption and production. Tariff strategies and their influence on the economy, especially for low-income Americans, take center stage, making for a nuanced look at current market dynamics.

22 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 22min
Bad shipping news
International cargo freight is facing a serious decline, raising alarms about empty shelves just in time for the holidays. The hosts debate whether political influences will affect trade dynamics, especially in light of previous tariff impacts on consumer costs. While exploring the complexities of U.S.-China trade, they also examine a mixed investor sentiment highlighted by a popular survey. The conversation lightens up with a humorous discussion about fast food preferences, including gourmet treats versus beloved classics, capturing the joy of culinary indulgence.