

Macro Hive Conversations With Bilal Hafeez
Bilal Hafeez
We talk economics and markets with leading policymakers and investors.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 8, 2024 • 54min
Ep. 241: Gary Gerstle on Trump's Big Win and the Future of American Politics
Gary Gerstle is the Paul Mellon Professor of American History Emeritus and Paul Mellon Director of Research at the University of Cambridge. He is the author and editor of more than ten books, including two prize-winners, American Crucible: Race and Nation in the Twentieth Century (2017) and Liberty and Coercion: The Paradox of American Government from the Founding to the Present (2015). His most recent book, The Rise and Fall of the Neoliberal Order: America and the World in the Free Market Era (2022), was chosen as a Best Book of 2022 by the Financial Times and Prospect Magazine. He has also testified before the US Congress on immigration matters. This podcast covers: how Trump won, inflation vs threat to democracy, how migrant issue was nationalised, and much more. Follow us here for more amazing insights: https://macrohive.com/home-prime/ https://twitter.com/Macro_Hive https://www.linkedin.com/company/macro-hive

Nov 1, 2024 • 43min
Ep. 240: Ebrahim Rahbari on US Election Trades, Fed Cycle and German Challenges
Ebrahim Rahbari, an independent strategist and former Chief Currency Strategist at Citi, dives into the intriguing dynamics of the upcoming US elections. He discusses strategies for navigating market uncertainties, emphasizing how a Trump or Harris victory could impact financial trends. The conversation also explores the surprising resilience of the US economy amidst recession fears, alongside insights into inflation, policy implications, and the challenges facing Germany. Rahbari offers valuable advice for young professionals seeking longevity in their careers.

Oct 25, 2024 • 50min
Ep. 239: Thomas Drechsel on Measuring Political Pressure on Fed, Predicting Fed, and Better Nowcasts
Thomas Drechsel is Assistant Professor at the Economics Department of the University of Maryland. His research focuses on monetary policy, the role of commodities for emerging market economies, as well as real-time monitoring of economic activity. His work has been published in the Review of Economic Studies, the American Economic Journal and the Journal of Finance. He holds a PhD from the London School of Economics. In this podcast we discuss how to measure political pressure on Fed, the Nixon and LBJ cases, impact on inflation and growth, and much more. Follow us here for more amazing insights: https://macrohive.com/home-prime/ https://twitter.com/Macro_Hive https://www.linkedin.com/company/macro-hive

Oct 18, 2024 • 56min
Ep. 238: Rory Johnston on Oil to $65, Middle East Risks and Trump Agenda
In this discussion, Rory Johnston, an oil market researcher and founder of Commodity Context, delves into the nuances of the oil market for 2024. He highlights the impact of Middle East conflicts and Saudi supply adjustments on global prices. Johnston also analyzes the surprising decline in Chinese oil demand due to economic shifts and geopolitical factors, as well as the implications of U.S. oil policy amidst these dynamics. His insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the forces shaping the future of oil markets.

Oct 11, 2024 • 49min
Ep. 237: Antonio Del Favero on the Fed's Mistake, Inflation Risks and Financial Conditions
Antonio Del Favero, a macro strategist at Macro Hive with experience at top hedge funds, dives into the dynamics of the US economy and labor market. He discusses the implications of recent unemployment trends and the potential soft landing for markets. Del Favero highlights the shift from housing investments to equities amid rising credit card delinquencies and inflation risks. He also shares personal investment insights and essential career advice, urging alignment of one's career with passion for better financial stability.

Oct 4, 2024 • 1h 18min
Ep. 236: Sean McMeekin on the Return of Communism
Sean McMeekin, a PhD and Bard College professor, delves into the roots of Communism and its historical impact. He discusses the influence of the French Revolution on modern ideologies and draws parallels between COVID-19 lockdowns and communist policies. The conversation highlights the philosophical connections between socialism and ancient thought, contrasting Lenin and Stalin's differing approaches. McMeekin also examines contemporary challenges to freedom of expression in the digital age and the evolving landscape for aspiring historians in academia.

Sep 27, 2024 • 42min
Ep. 235: Christian Schwarz on AI Bubbles, Using AI in Trading and Synthetic Data
Christian Schwarz, Managing Director and Head of Data Science at Standard Chartered, shares his insights on AI's impact in finance. He questions whether we are in an AI bubble and discusses why credit markets are slower to adopt AI technologies. The conversation also covers the innovative use of generative AI to create synthetic data, enhancing trading strategies while addressing privacy concerns. Schwarz highlights the need for adaptive models and the benefits of long short-term memory (LSTM) models in the fast-evolving financial landscape.

Sep 20, 2024 • 1h
Ep. 234: Jay Pelosky on Bullish Equities, Early Cycle US and Trump Losing
Jay Pelosky, founder of TPW Advisory and a veteran with 35 years in financial markets, shares his insights on the current economic landscape. He discusses the resilience of global markets amid recession fears and emphasizes that equities extend beyond the tech sector. With an optimistic outlook for growth, he advocates for small-cap stocks and commodities. Pelosky also dives into the political implications of the upcoming elections, particularly the Trump vs. Harris matchup, and explores the evolving dynamics of a tripolar world.

5 snips
Sep 13, 2024 • 30min
Ep. 233: Mirza Baig on Best EM Trades, Fed Easing and China Carry Trade
Mirza Baig, a senior EM strategist with two decades in global FX and rates, shares his insights on emerging markets and the contrasting performance dynamics of China. He discusses the cautious optimism for Chinese stocks and the attractiveness of India's bond market to foreign investors. Baig emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation in trading and offers advice for young graduates entering finance, highlighting the need for proactivity and continuous learning in a rapidly changing workforce.

8 snips
Sep 6, 2024 • 37min
Ep. 232: Bob Elliott on US Recession Odds, Fed Policy and Equity Risks
Bob Elliott, co-founder of Unlimited, shares his expertise in alternative investment ETFs and his past at Bridgewater Associates. He discusses the evolution of economic cycles, emphasizing the shift from credit-driven dynamics to income-based ones, and draws parallels to the 1950s and 60s. Bob expresses skepticism about the Fed's interest rate strategies and analyzes the market risks related to the upcoming US elections. He also examines global monetary policies, particularly in Japan and Europe, while addressing implications for investment portfolios.


