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The stock market produced another year of strong results in 2025, despite a whirlwind of policy changes that made our heads spin. But what is the outlook for the market and economy in 2026? Join us this week as we break down our views for what's to expect for investors.
Powering AI 2.0 is no longer just a technology story — it's an energy and infrastructure story reshaping capital markets and the global economy. As artificial intelligence scales from training to real-world inference, electricity demand is accelerating at a pace few anticipated.In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido is joined by Will Su from BlackRock's Fundamental Equities Group to examine how Powering AI 2.0 is transforming utilities, natural gas markets, renewables, and nuclear power. With data centers expanding rapidly and gigawatt-scale facilities coming online, the AI build-out is driving a structural shift in U.S. electricity demand after more than a decade of stagnation.Will explains why the energy sector sits at the center of AI investing. From the rise of “bring your own power” models to the growing role of natural gas as a dispatchable, scalable fuel source, the infrastructure required to support AI represents one of the largest capital investment cycles in modern history. The conversation also explores renewables, battery storage, and nuclear power — including the limits of restarts and the long timeline for new reactor construction.Key moments:00:00 Introduction Power Is Knowledge: AI's Exponential Energy Appetite02:31 From Tokens to ‘Yottaflops': Why Smarter Models Need More Electricity05:04 Training LLMs vs. Inference: The Next Wave of AI Power Demand06:45 Data Centers at City Scale: How Big Is the Load?11:15 Bring Your Own Power (BYOP): Why Natural Gas Is Back in Focus16:04 Renewables Reality Check: Solar Momentum, Wind Headwinds, and Batteries19:14 Nuclear's Comeback - Restarts Now, New Builds Later21:26 Can AI Beat Humans at Investing? Man + Machine as the Edge23:33 Wrap-Up, What's NextKey insights from this episode:· Why natural gas has emerged as a key “here and now” fuel for AI infrastructure· How renewables and battery storage fit into the AI electricity mix· The long-term outlook for nuclear power and reactor construction· What “bring your own power” means for hyperscalers and utilities· How electrification and reshoring intersect with AI investing· Why the relationship between compute and energy is reshaping stock market trendsPowering AI 2.0, AI investing, infrastructure, capital markets, energy transition, utilities, stock market trends, megaforcesSources: “From CES 2026 to Yottaflops: Why the AMD Keynote Highlights a Turning Point for AI Compute”, AMD 2026; “The Industrial Revolution, coal mining, and the Felling Colliery Disaster”, Lancaster University, 2026; Bureau of Economic Analysis data 2026; “Stargate's First Data Center Site is Size of Central Park, With At Least 57 Jobs”, Bloomberg 2026; “Energy Demand from AI”, IEA 2026; “Scaling bigger, faster, cheaper data centers with smarter designs”, McKinsey 2025; EEI 2024 Review; “Data Centers Ditching the Power Grid, Mark Carney's Viral Speech, and Some Joy”, Clearview Energy; “2024 North American Energy Inventory”, IER;This content is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or a solicitation. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the listener. Reference to any company or investment strategy mentioned is for illustrative purposes only and not investment advice. In the UK and non-European Economic Area countries, this is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. In the European Economic Area, this is authorized and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. For full disclosures, visit blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosures.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
US equity futures are pointing modestly higher, with Asian markets mixed and European equities trading firmer. US equities finished mostly lower on Thursday while energy stocks outperformed as crude extended gains, supported by escalating Middle East tensions and reports the US could act within days if negotiations with Iran fail. President Trump signaled a potential deal or alternative action within a ten-day window, keeping geopolitical risk in focus. Economic data surprised to the upside in labor and manufacturing, though housing remained soft, reinforcing the broader resilient macro narrative. Fed commentary highlighted firming goods inflation and debate around the pace of rate cuts, while investors also digested a heavy earnings slate and ongoing rotation beneath the surface.Companies Mentioned: Nvidia, OpenAI, Amazon, CSX Corp
Patricia and Christian talk to economist and author Dr Phil Armstrong about the least useful pieces of economic commentary from the last 12 months. In this episode: "Sure, the government *can* create money… (but it shouldn't)" "It's okay for the government to 'borrow'… if it's investing" "The national debt is a time bomb!" "Government 'borrowing' is okay… when interest rates are low" More to follow in part 2 Full conversation here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/150931987?pr=true Please help sustain this podcast! Patrons get early access to all episodes and patron-only episodes: https://www.patreon.com/MMTpodcast ******************************** STOP PRESS!! JOIN PATRICIA AND MMT CO-FOUNDER PROFESSOR BILL MITCHELL AT THE LAUNCH OF A NEW DEDICATED MODERN MONETARY THEORY THINK TANK - MMTUK POLICY RESEARCH GROUP! 7pm on Wednesday 25 February at Friends Meeting House, London Click here to register as an attendee: https://actionnetwork.org/events/mmtuk-launch-event/ MMTUK will be publishing its Job Guarantee policy on 25th February - read a short intro here: https://mmtuk.org/job-guarantee ******************************** Relevant to this episode: Join Patricia and Phil (and many more) at Scotland's Festival of Economics (Edinburgh and online) 19th - 21st March 2026: https://www.scoteconfest.org/#learnmore Join the new MMT UK discord server to connect with others looking to promote MMT and ecological economics in the UK!: https://discord.gg/S3UbxFe4FR "The self-financing state: An institutional analysis of government expenditure, revenue collection and debt issuance operations in the United Kingdom" (Berkeley et al, 2022): https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/sites/bartlett/files/the_self-financing_state_an_institutional_analysis_of_government_expenditure_revenue_collection_and_debt_issuance_operations_in_the_united_kingdom.pdf For more on the (Liz) Trussageddon, listen to Episode 147 - Dirk Ehnts: Do Markets Control Our Politics?: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-147-dirk-72906421 "How to Fight Back Against the False Idea that the Government is at the Mercy of Financial Markets" by Sheridan Kates: https://thealternative.org.uk/dailyalternative/2025/3/10/scotonomics-monetary-autonomy "There is no need to issue public debt" by Bill Mitchell: https://billmitchell.org/blog/?p=31715 Episode 148 - Pavlina Tcherneva: Why The Job Guarantee Is Core To Modern Monetary Theory: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-148-why-73211346 Quick read: Pavlina Tcherneva's Job Guarantee FAQ page: https://pavlina-tcherneva.net/job-guarantee-faq/ Episode 30 - Steven Hail: Understanding Government Bonds (Part 1) :https://www.patreon.com/posts/29621245 Episode 31 - Steven Hail: Understanding Government Bonds (Part 2): https://www.patreon.com/posts/29829500 "Federal Debt and Modern Money" by Steven Hail & David Joy: https://www.global-isp.org/wp-content/uploads/PN-121.pdf "Is exchange rate depreciation inflationary?" by Bill Mitchell: https://billmitchell.org/blog/?p=32922 Podcast Description In this compelling first part of their annual Fauxbel Prize discussion, Patricia Pino and Christian Reilly are joined by economist Dr Phil Armstrong to dissect the most deceptive economic talking points of 2026. What emerges is a masterclass in identifying the subtle linguistic tricks that maintain public misunderstanding about how government finance actually works. The conversation begins with Christian's astute observation about the phrase 'the government *can* create money' - a seemingly innocent statement that actually perpetuates dangerous misconceptions. As the panel explores, there's a world of difference between saying the government 'can' create money versus acknowledging that it 'does' create money with every pound it spends. This distinction matters because it allows economists and pundits to maintain outdated frameworks whilst appearing to acknowledge MMT insights. Dr Armstrong brings his characteristic clarity to explaining the consolidated view of government and central bank operations, illustrating why all government spending necessarily involves money creation. Using vivid analogies - from goldfish that must swim in water to the government's unique relationship with the Bank of England - he demonstrates why currency-issuing governments are fundamentally different from currency users like households or businesses. The discussion then tackles the politically damaging notion that governments should only 'borrow to invest'. Patricia explains why this framing misunderstands the true function of deficits whilst inadvertently supporting neoliberal arguments for privatisation. The panel reveals how this seemingly progressive talking point actually reinforces the household analogy and hands ammunition to fiscal conservatives. In his analysis of the 'public debt time bomb' narrative, Phil turns conventional wisdom on its head by pointing out that if foreign debt holdings were truly a source of power, then Britain - as the second-largest holder of US Treasury securities - would presumably have a decisive degree of control over America's economic destiny. Throughout, the conversation illuminates core MMT principles: the operational reality of government spending, the true nature of government bonds as private sector savings, and why exchange rate concerns, whilst legitimate, shouldn't drive us back to defunct fiscal rules. The panel's analysis reveals how even well-intentioned progressive economists can inadvertently perpetuate harmful misconceptions about monetary sovereignty. =========== Key Topics with Timestamps [02:15] Introduction to the Fauxbel Prize concept[05:30] "Government can create money" vs "does create money"[12:45] The consolidated view of government and central bank[18:20] Why all government spending is money creation[25:10] "Borrowing to invest" - the progressive own goal[35:45] Historical context: Keynes and bifurcating budgets[42:30] The "Tap" system vs bond auctions[48:15] "Public debt = time bomb" narrative analysis[55:40] Exchange rate concerns and industrial policy ========= Guest Bio Dr Phil Armstrong - Economist and author of "Can Heterodox Economics Make a Difference?". Researcher with expertise in monetary operations and MMT analysis. Key Takeaways Language matters: The difference between "can" and "does" in describing government money creation shapes public understanding All government spending creates new money: Currency-issuing governments cannot spend previously collected money - every expenditure creates new money The "government borrowing to Invest" narrative is counterproductive: This framing reinforces household analogies and supports privatisation arguments A government "debt" clock is a national SAVINGS clock: Government debt represents private sector savings, not a burden Exchange rate policy needs strategy: Arbitrary fiscal rules won't address structural economic vulnerabilities =============== All our episodes in chronological order: https://www.patreon.com/posts/43111643 All our patron-only episodes: https://www.patreon.com/posts/57542767 Scotland's Festival of Economics (Edinburgh and online) 19th - 21st March 2026: https://www.scoteconfest.org/#learnmore JOIN PATRICIA'S MMT ACTIVIST NETWORK (MMT UK): https://actionnetwork.org/forms/activist-registration-form Join the MMT UK Discord server to connect with others looking to promote MMT and ecological economics in the UK!: https://discord.gg/S3UbxFe4FR MMT: THE MOVIE! "Finding The Money", a documentary by Maren Poitras featuring Stephanie Kelton is now available worldwide to rent or buy: https://findingthemoney.vhx.tv/products/finding-the-money Updates on worldwide screenings of "Finding The Money" can be found here: https://findingmoneyfilm.com/where-to-watch/ To arrange a screening of "Finding The Money", apply here: https://findingmoneyfilm.com/host-a-screening/ STUDY THE ECONOMICS OF SUSTAINABILITY! Details of Modern Money Lab's online graduate, postgraduate and standalone courses in economics are here: https://modernmoneylab.org.au/ For an intro to MMT: Our first three episodes: https://www.patreon.com/posts/41742417 Episode 126 - Dirk Ehnts: How Banks Create Money: https://www.patreon.com/posts/62603318 Quick MMT reads: Warren's Mosler's MMT white paper: http://moslereconomics.com/mmt-white-paper/ Steven Hail's quick MMT explainer: https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-is-modern-monetary-theory-72095 Quick explanation of government debt and deficit: "Some Numbers Are Big. Let Me Help You Get Over It": https://christreilly.com/2020/02/17/some-numbers-are-big-let-me-help-you-get-over-it/ For a short, non-technical, free ebook explaining MMT, download Warren Mosler's "7 Deadly Innocent Frauds Of Economic Policy" here: http://moslereconomics.com/wp-content/powerpoints/7DIF.pdf Episodes on monetary operations: Episode 20 - Warren Mosler: The MMT Money Story (part 1): https://www.patreon.com/posts/28004824 Episode 126 - Dirk Ehnts: How Banks Create Money: https://www.patreon.com/posts/62603318 Episode 13 - Steven Hail: Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Banking, But Were Afraid To Ask: https://www.patreon.com/posts/41790887 Episode 43 - Sam Levey: Understanding Endogenous Money: https://www.patreon.com/posts/35073683 Episode 84 - Andrew Berkeley, Richard Tye & Neil Wilson: An Accounting Model Of The UK Exchequer (Part 1): https://www.patreon.com/posts/46352183 Episode 86 - Andrew Berkeley, Richard Tye & Neil Wilson: An Accounting Model Of The UK Exchequer (Part 2): https://www.patreon.com/posts/46865929 For more on Quantitative Easing: Episode 59 - Warren Mosler: What Do Central Banks Do?: https://www.patreon.com/posts/39070023 Episode 143 - Paul Sheard: What Is Quantitative Easing?: https://www.patreon.com/posts/71589989?pr=true Episodes on inflation: Episode 7: Steven Hail: Inflation, Price Shocks and Other Misunderstandings: https://www.patreon.com/posts/41780508 Episode 65 - Phil Armstrong: Understanding Inflation: https://www.patreon.com/posts/40672678 Episode 104 - John T Harvey: Inflation, Stagflation & Healing The Nation: https://www.patreon.com/posts/52207835 Episode 123 - Warren Mosler: Understanding The Price Level And Inflation: https://www.patreon.com/posts/59856379 Episode 128 - L. Randall Wray & Yeva Nersisyan: What's Causing Accelerating Inflation? Pandemic Or Policy Response?: https://www.patreon.com/posts/63776558 Our Job Guarantee episodes: Episode 4 - Fadhel Kaboub: What is the Job Guarantee?: https://www.patreon.com/posts/41742701 Episode 47 - Pavlina Tcherneva: Building Resilience - The Case For A Job Guarantee: https://www.patreon.com/posts/36034543 Episode 148 - Pavlina Tcherneva: Why The Job Guarantee Is Core To Modern Monetary Theory: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-148-why-73211346 Quick read: Pavlina Tcherneva's Job Guarantee FAQ page: https://pavlina-tcherneva.net/job-guarantee-faq/ More on government bonds (and "vigilantes"): Episode 30 - Steven Hail: Understanding Government Bonds (Part 1):https://www.patreon.com/posts/29621245 Episode 31 - Steven Hail: Understanding Government Bonds (Part 2): https://www.patreon.com/posts/29829500 Episode 143 - Paul Sheard: What Is Quantitative Easing?: https://www.patreon.com/posts/71589989?pr=true Episode 147 - Dirk Ehnts: Do Markets Control Our Politics?: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-147-dirk-72906421 Episode 144 - Warren Mosler: The Natural Rate Of Interest Is Zero: https://www.patreon.com/posts/71966513 Episode 145 - John T Harvey: What Determines Currency Prices?: https://www.patreon.com/posts/72283811?pr=true More on bank runs banking regulation: Episode 162 - Warren Mosler: Anatomy Of A Bank Run: https://www.patreon.com/posts/80157783?pr=true Episode 163 - L. Randall Wray: Breaking Banks - The Fed's Magical Monetarist Thinking Strikes Again: https://www.patreon.com/posts/80479169?pr=true Episode 165 - Robert Hockett: Sparking An Industrial Renewal By Building Banks Better: https://www.patreon.com/posts/81084983?pr=true MMT founder Warren Mosler's Proposals for the Treasury, the Federal Reserve, the FDIC, and the Banking System: https://neweconomicperspectives.org/2010/02/warren-moslers-proposals-for-treasury.html MMT Events And Courses: More information about Professor Bill Mitchell's MMTed project (free public online courses in MMT) here: http://www.mmted.org/ Details of Modern Money Lab's online graduate and postgraduate courses in MMT and real-world economics are here: https://modernmoneylab.org.au/ Order the Gower Initiative's "Modern Monetary Theory - Key Insights, Leading Thinkers": https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/modern-monetary-theory-9781802208085.html MMT Academic Resources compiled by The Gower Initiative for Modern Money Studies: https://www.zotero.org/groups/2251544/mmt_academic_resources_-_compiled_by_the_gower_initiative_for_modern_money_studies MMT scholarship compiled by New Economic Perspectives: http://neweconomicperspectives.org/mmt-scholarship A list of MMT-informed campaigns and organisations worldwide: https://www.patreon.com/posts/47900757 We are working towards full transcripts, but in the meantime, closed captions for all episodes are available on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEp_nGVTuMfBun2wiG-c0Ew/videos Show notes: https://www.patreon.com/posts/151023856
US equity futures are pointing modestly higher, with Asian markets broadly stronger and European equities trading lower. US equities finished higher on Wednesday, led by strength in big tech, high-beta names and most-shorted stocks, with memory, semis and software also rebounding. Treasury yields moved higher and the dollar strengthened following hawkish-leaning FOMC minutes, though markets continue to price in two additional rate hikes. Oil rallied sharply on concerns around potential US-Iran hostilities, supporting energy shares, while precious metals also advanced. Economic data came in broadly better than expected. Attention now turns to upcoming earnings, jobless claims, trade data and potential developments on tariffs.Companies Mentioned: OpenAI, eBay, Etsy, Live Nation Entertainment
News of a potential choreographed change at the top of the ECB has pushed Europe's Stoxx 600 to another record close. Wall Street also closed in the green even though FOMC minutes signal a rate cut pause in the near term. We are live at the A.I. Impact summit in New Delhi where we hear from Microsoft CEO Brad Smith. He tells CNBC that U.S. and European tech companies should be wary of increased Chinese competition within the A.I. sector. Continued tensions in the Arabian Sea over potential U.S. naval intervention in Iran, pushing crude prices more than 4 per cent higher in yesterday's session. Swiss food giant Nestlé beats Q4 sales expectations and has unveiled plans to streamline its product portfolio. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Today on All Things Markets, Mike and I tackle the forces reshaping everything — from AI replacing jobs to the real story behind tariffs, the dollar, and Bitcoin. If you think the ground isn't shifting under the global economy right now, you're not paying attention — and we're going to break down exactly what that means for your money and your future. Michael Novogratz is the Founder and CEO of Galaxy Digital. He was formerly a Partner and President of Fortress Investment Group LLC. Mr. Novogratz served on the New York Federal Reserve's Investment Advisory Committee on Financial Markets from 2012 to 2015. He serves as the Chairman of The Bail Project and has made criminal justice reform a focus of his family's foundation. Follow Anthony on X: https://x.com/Scaramucci Follow Novo on X: https://x.com/novogratz Anthony Scaramucci is the founder and managing partner of SkyBridge, a global alternative investment firm, and founder and chairman of SALT, a global thought leadership forum and venture studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
US equity futures are pointing modestly higher, with Asian markets firmer and European equities advancing. There was little change in the overarching narrative. Big tech was mixed, software resumed its pullback after a brief stabilization, and financials rebounded following recent weakness. The yield curve continued to flatten with a bearish tilt, while a firmer dollar weighed on precious metals. Corporate updates were largely underwhelming, though M&A and activist activity picked up. Fed commentary remained cautious, with officials signaling openness to rate cuts later this year but emphasizing the need for clearer evidence that inflation is returning to target.Companies Mentioned: Ovintiv, Riot Platforms, Live Nation Entertainment
Markets keep climbing, headlines keep swinging, and yet sentiment still feels stuck somewhere between cautious and confused. In Episode 175 of Facts vs Feelings, Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist at Carson Group, zoom out to examine what is actually driving markets right now and where investors may be misreading the signals. From shifting expectations around growth and inflation to the way earnings, liquidity, and policy are interacting beneath the surface, they separate the emotional narrative from the measurable data.The conversation moves through current market leadership, valuation concerns, recession odds, and the risks that deserve attention without overreacting to every headline. They also explore what history suggests about similar environments, how positioning can amplify volatility, and why staying disciplined often feels hardest right when it matters most.Key Takeaways:• Earnings remain the foundation: Corporate profits continue to anchor market strength, even as narratives shift week to week • Sentiment lags fundamentals: Investor psychology still reflects caution despite improving breadth and resilient data • Policy and liquidity matter: Rate expectations, fiscal dynamics, and capital flows are shaping the next phase of returns • Volatility is part of the process: Pullbacks and headline shocks fit within historical patterns of ongoing expansions • Discipline beats drama: Long-term investors benefit more from structure and perspective than from reacting to every news cycleJump to:0:00 - New Titles And Warm-Up Banter2:42 - Framing A Tale Of Two Markets5:10 - Sector Splits And Market Breadth11:55 - Global Equity Strength And Style Shifts16:30 - AI Shockwaves Across Industries22:40 - Tech's Three Tracks: Software, Semis, Telecom27:35 - Short Interest, Contrarian Signals In Tech31:30 - International Rallies And Country Leaders37:15 - Jobs Revisions And Labor Market Reality44:20 - Youth Employment, AI Fears, And Data50:05 - Spurious Correlations And Market Folklore56:20 - CPI Details, Shelter Math, And Services HeatConnect with Ryan:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandetrick/• X: https://x.com/RyanDetrickConnect with Sonu:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonu-varghese-phd/• X: https://x.com/sonusvarghese?lang=enQuestions about the show? We'd love to hear from you! factsvsfeelings@carsongroup.com
We are live at the A.I. Impact summit in New Delhi where Mistral CEO Arthur Mensch tells CNBC that a large proportion of enterprise software could end up heavily disrupted by artificial intelligence. German chemicals giant Bayer settles a $7.25bn litigation deal regarding of thousands of lawsuits over the roundup weedkiller. The agreement has pushed shares up by more than 7 per cent at yesterday's market close in Europe. The Reform UK party is to launch its plans for the OBR and the BoE later today but the central bank's independence is not up for discussion.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Adam Levitan welcomes back a long-time friend of the show, Chief Investment Officer at Caption Jason Strasser, for a record-breaking 5th time to deep dive into the evolving financial markets and how to make sense of them.Adam and Jason discuss the AI revolution, the pressure on social media and the future of Bitcoin, catching you up with all the crucial information you need to understand the current state of the financial markets.Want ETR on your team this season? Our 2026 NFL Best Ball product has you covered with:Real-Time RankingsResearch & Analysis ArticlesDraft Strategy ContentDraft LivestreamsDiscord CommunityQ&As with ETR TeamSubscribe now at https://establishtherun.com/subscribe/FREE NEWSLETTER: Tired of attention-seeking hot takes? Get the highest-quality fantasy football analysis in your inbox, FREE: https://establishtherun.kit.com/emailDFS OPTIMIZER: Sign up for THE SOLVER for access to the software we think fantasy players need to win: https://thesolver.com/?ref=etrSPORTSBOOK OFFERS: We've partnered with several major sportsbook outlets to help supply you with the best offers in the industry and ensure you're maximizing your bankroll from the start: https://establishtherun.com/offers/FOLLOW US: Check out our social media channels for FREE fantasy football & DFS videos, analysis, and more: https://linktr.ee/establishtherun
US equity futures are under pressure following a mostly higher Friday close, with Asian markets mixed in holiday-thinned trade and European equities trading modestly firmer. Markets continue to rotate beneath the surface. The broadening-out trade remains intact, supported by cooler headline inflation and a rate rally, though AI-related concentration risk and scrutiny around large-cap tech valuations remain an overhang. Investors are balancing softer consumer data against still-solid labor conditions and stable earnings trends, while positioning and sentiment appear less stretched than earlier in the year. Attention now shifts to the upcoming batch of economic releases and policy signals, with inflation trends and Fed communication remaining central to the outlook.Companies Mentioned: Masimo, Danaher, Norwegian Cruise Line, Tesla
Big Tech is splurging around $700 bln on artificial intelligence investments this year, while others are braced for disruption. In this episode of The Big View, Peter Thal Larsen talks to Andrew Sheets, Morgan Stanley's head of fixed income research, about what happens next. Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt-out of targeted advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The recent software selloff shows the market is recognizing AI's disruptive power. Natalie Gill, Portfolio Strategist at the BlackRock Investment Institute, unpacks why the hunt for winners and losers ultimately strengthens the case for AI's massive buildout.General disclosure: This material is intended for information purposes only, and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation or an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any securities, funds or strategies to any person in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The opinions expressed are as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the reader. Investing involves risks. BlackRock does and may seek to do business with companies covered in this podcast. As a result, readers should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this podcast.In the U.S. and Canada, this material is intended for public distribution.In the UK and Non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries: this is Issued by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2N 2DL. Tel:+ 44 (0)20 7743 3000. Registered in England and Wales No. 02020394. For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded. Please refer to the Financial Conduct Authority website for a list of authorised activities conducted by BlackRock.In the European Economic Area (EEA): this is Issued by BlackRock (Netherlands) B.V. is authorised and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. Registered office Amstelplein 1, 1096 HA, Amsterdam, Tel: 020 – 549 5200, Tel: 31-20- 549-5200. Trade Register No. 17068311 For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded.For Investors in Switzerland: This document is marketing material.In South Africa: Please be advised that BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited is an authorised Financial Services provider with the South African Financial Services Board, FSP No. 43288.In Singapore, this is issued by BlackRock (Singapore) Limited (Co. registration no. 200010143N). This advertisement or publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. In Hong Kong, this material is issued by BlackRock Asset Management North Asia Limited and has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. In Australia, issued by BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited ABN 13 006 165 975, AFSL 230 523 (BIMAL). This material provides general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, needs or circumstances. Before making any investment decision, you should assess whether the material is appropriate for you and obtain financial advice tailored to you having regard to your individual objectives, financial situation, needs and circumstances. Refer to BIMAL's Financial Services Guide on its website for more information. This material is not a financial product recommendation or an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any financial product in any jurisdictionIn Latin America: this material is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice nor an offer or solicitation to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any shares of any Fund (nor shall any such shares be offered or sold to any person) in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities law of that jurisdiction. If any funds are mentioned or inferred to in this material, it is possible that some or all of the funds may not have been registered with the securities regulator of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay or any other securities regulator in any Latin American country and thus might not be publicly offered within any such country. The securities regulators of such countries have not confirmed the accuracy of any information contained herein. The provision of investment management and investment advisory services is a regulated activity in Mexico thus is subject to strict rules. For more information on the Investment Advisory Services offered by BlackRock Mexico please refer to the Investment Services Guide available at www.blackrock.com/mx©2026 BlackRock, Inc. All Rights Reserved. BLACKROCK is a registered trademark of BlackRock, Inc. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.BII0226-5221288-EXP0227
European equities futures point south as Wall Street is set to return to trading following the President's Day holiday. A.I. concerns remain with the Nasdaq stuck deep in the red. Eurogroup ministers meet in Brussels to plan to strengthen the euro's role globally. The bloc is also preparing to unveil new draft laws designed to protect key sectors of industry. In Geneva, a second round of nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran are due to begin with President Trump indirectly involved. Officials from Ukraine, Russia and the U.S. also meet for another round of peace negotiations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Overview: Tune into this week's episode of Launch Financial as we discuss a big week in the markets as it continues to get hit on fears that AI could replace the software sector. All eyes remain on key economic data including the Fed's preferred measure of inflation, PCE, on Friday. For questions or inquire, email info@shermanwealth.com. Show Notes:
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio insists that Washington wants to reform rather than abandon the trans-Atlantic alliance. We speak exclusively to German foreign minister Johann Wadephul at the Munich Security Conference who says Rubio's speech assured the path of future cooperation. European equities are called higher while U.S. markets are shut for President's Day with A.I. concerns continuing to be felt across sectors. Japanese Q4 GDP disappoints, coming in at only 0.2 per cent on the year and far below expectations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Mark Thornton sits down with Ben Mumme of Living Your Greatness for a wide-ranging, long-form conversation, starting with gold and silver's run-up and sudden correction, zooming out to inflation, saving, and why Austrian economics matters for everyday life. Watch the original interview at https://livingyourgreatness.org/podcastOrder a Minor Issues tumbler today! https://mises.org/MinorIssuesTumblerBe sure to follow Minor Issues at https://Mises.org/MinorIssues
Thematic investing is increasingly shaping how investors interpret markets heading into 2026, as artificial intelligence, geopolitical fragmentation, and infrastructure constraints intersect across the global economy.Jay Jacobs, Head of U.S. Equity ETFs at BlackRock, joins Oscar to discuss why mega forces are becoming harder to ignore—and harder to diversify away from—than in past market cycles. Their conversation explores how AI investing is evolving from a growth narrative into one focused on usage intensity, how national security considerations are reshaping the definition of defense, and why physical infrastructure is emerging as a critical market constraint.Key insights include:· Why thematic investing is gaining relevance alongside sector and style frameworks· How AI usage intensity reframes the AI investment conversation· Where infrastructure and energy constraints may influence adoption timelines· How geopolitical fragmentation is expanding the definition of defense· Why overlapping mega forces may shape market outcomes into 2026Key moments in this episode:00:00 Introduction to Thematic Investing in 2026: AI and Market Forces00:40 The Rise of Thematic Investing01:43 Deep Dive into AI's Market Impact05:22 Understanding Token Consumption07:55 Evaluating AI Investments11:12 Geopolitical Fragmentation and Defense13:51 Infrastructure's Evolving Role16:42 Future of AI and Broader Implications18:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thematic investing, AI investing, Capital markets, Infrastructure, Megaforces, Stock market trends, Geopolitical fragmentation, Defense spendingSources: iShares Thematic Outlook, 2026This content is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or a solicitation. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the listener. Reference to any company or investment strategy mentioned is for illustrative purposes only and not investment advice. In the UK and non-European Economic Area countries, this is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. In the European Economic Area, this is authorized and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. For full disclosures, visit blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosures.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
US equity futures are pointing modestly lower, with Asian markets sharply weaker and European equities trading mixed. AI-related disruption fears remained the dominant market theme. Investors rotated further into defensive sectors as volatility picked up and the VIX moved above 20. Economic data showed weekly jobless claims broadly in line, continuing claims slightly higher, and existing home sales falling sharply month over month despite some improvement in affordability. Treasury auctions drew strong demand at the long end following earlier mixed results. Market attention now turns to January CPI, with expectations centered on a modest monthly increase in both headline and core inflation. Market has pared back Fed rate cut expectations to July move versus June.Companies Mentioned: Humana, Sumitomo Forestry, Tri Pointe Homes, OpenAI, DeepSeek
AI disruption fears hit equity markets once again, sending the S&P 500 and Nasdaq lower with transport, commercial real estate and software stocks all under pressure. Meanwhile, global leaders gather for the Munich Security Conference as U.S. allies in Europe look to chart a more independent course. And in corporate news, L'Oreal Q4 sales miss expectations as strong numbers out of the U.S. and Europe fail to offset weakness in China, sending U.S.-listed shares sharply lower, but CEO Nicolas Hieronimus tells CNBC he's confident the French beauty giant will bounce back.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
US equity futures are pointing modestly higher, with Asian markets mostly firmer and European equities trading broadly higher. A stronger-than-expected payrolls report was the central driver, reinforcing resilience in the labor market and prompting a backup in yields while tempering expectations for near-term rate cuts. Market leadership remained highly dispersed, with semiconductors and memory stocks outperforming even as broader software renewed its weakness amid ongoing AI-related scrutiny and hyperscaler capex concerns. Big tech lagged overall, and the rotation into cyclicals appeared more selective rather than broad-based. Geopolitical tensions, including heightened focus on Iran, supported crude prices, while trade uncertainty and deficit dynamics also remained in the backdrop ahead of upcoming inflation data.Companies Mentioned: Microsoft, Strategy, Baidu, Knowledge Atlas Technology
U.S. stocks give up an initial bounce as investors digest a mixed jobs report - the headline figure more than double expectations but growth for last year revised lower. German industrial giant Siemens raises its outlook after posting a 10% jump in first quarter orders, but Mercedes full year earnings more than halve as the automaker takes a €1 billion hit from tariff costs. And in Japan, Softbank notches a fourth straight quarter of profit, boosted by rising valuations of its stakes in AI giants Nvidia and Open AI.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
US equity futures are higher, following Tuesday's mixed performance. Bonds mixed. US 10-year yield steady at 4.1% after notable drop in prior session after soft US retail sales. Gilts 2 bps lower. Dollar weaker, with biggest move versus yen. Oil gains, gold higher. Industrial metals gain. Bitcoin lower. Asia equities buoyed again by another positive finish on Wall Street overnight with the added tailwind of a weaker dollar/higher regional currencies. Several prominent Asia currencies are strengthening, among them we see the yen, almost 1% stronger on little fresh newsflow, the AUD on hawkish RBA comments, and the offshore yuan, which advanced to a near three-year high. Companies Mentioned: Warner Bros, Discovery, Netflix, Mattel, ConocoPhilips
Futures stretch into the green on both sides of the Atlantic as investors await a crucial U.S. non-farm payrolls print with the White House aiming to temper expectations. Dutch brewing giant Heineken announces it will be slashing thousands of jibs in the next two years and it has lowered its FY growth forecast after weak demand for its beers. German lender Commerzbank enjoys a Q4 beat on the top and bottom line and expects net profit for the year to top expectations. CEO Bettina Orlopp tells CNBC the bank is always open to renewed interest from Unicredit. On Wall Street, shares in U.S. financial stocks plunge following the unveiling of Altruist's new A.I.-powered tax planning tool. We hear from Anthoropic's CCO Paul Smith who says his company is set on extracting real value from A.I.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S&P futures are pointing to a slightly higher open today. Asian markets ended mostly higher on Tuesday. Japan's Nikkei climbed +2.4% to a record high for the second consecutive session, driven by a post-election rally and a +10% gain in Softbank. South Korea and Taiwan also posted gains, supported by optimism over potential tariff reprieves. European markets are narrowly mixed in early trading. Companies Mentioned: Clear Channel Outdoor, Stripe
Wall Street rebounded during Monday's session with strong performances from tech giants Oracle, Broadcomm and Nvidia. Asian equities have followed suit but Europe is set to open flat. Embattled UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to Labour MPs that he will fight on as pressure mounts on him to step down over his appointment of Peter Mandelson as U.S. ambassador. In luxury news, sales of Gucci plunge 10 per cent in Q4. It's the tenth consecutive quarter of falling revenue for parent company Kering which misses FY forecasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In today's increasingly globalized financial markets, international investor engagement is more important than ever. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Craig Marks, Head of Investor Relations at Sandoz, to discuss the practical realities of planning and executing successful international roadshows. Drawing on two decades of experience across major pharma companies, Craig shares his hands-on insights for navigating logistics, targeting the right investors, and maximizing the impact of every meeting. Listen to the full episode to learn more about: How to tailor outreach strategies for different regions and investor types The importance of detailed logistics planning, from city-by-city travel tips to private lunches Approaches for targeting, engaging, and policing brokers to ensure the right investors are reached Myths and realities about regional differences in investor engagement and conversation style The evolving role of ESG in investor relations and why its focus may be shifting Building long-term relationships by revisiting key markets and leveraging local knowledge Craig's personal tips for making investor meetings productive and memorable Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin. For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts.For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir
Overview: Tune into this week's episode of Launch Financial as we discuss a huge week ahead of key economic and inflation data, following recent record highs in the stock market as a shift into value-oriented stocks occurs. Show Notes:
S&P futures are pointing to a slightly higher open today. Asian markets rallied Monday, driven by a risk-on sentiment following Japan's general election outcomes and Friday's tech-driven bounce on the Nasdaq. The Nikkei surged +3.9%, with Takaichi trade sectors leading the charge. Hong Kong, Mainland China, and South Korea also posted strong gains. European markets are also firmer in early trading with industrial and tech sectors leading the gains. Companies Mentioned: Intel, Netflix, Kroger
Emerging market stocks and bonds are off to a strong start to the year following a stellar 2025. Axel Christensen, Chief Investment Strategist for Latin America at the BlackRock Investment Institute, shares why we think returns can deliver again, though selectivity is key.General disclosure: This material is intended for information purposes only, and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation or an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any securities, funds or strategies to any person in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The opinions expressed are as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the reader. Investing involves risks. BlackRock does and may seek to do business with companies covered in this podcast. As a result, readers should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this podcast.In the U.S. and Canada, this material is intended for public distribution.In the UK and Non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries: this is Issued by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2N 2DL. Tel:+ 44 (0)20 7743 3000. Registered in England and Wales No. 02020394. For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded. Please refer to the Financial Conduct Authority website for a list of authorised activities conducted by BlackRock.In the European Economic Area (EEA): this is Issued by BlackRock (Netherlands) B.V. is authorised and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. Registered office Amstelplein 1, 1096 HA, Amsterdam, Tel: 020 – 549 5200, Tel: 31-20- 549-5200. Trade Register No. 17068311 For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded.For Investors in Switzerland: This document is marketing material.In South Africa: Please be advised that BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited is an authorised Financial Services provider with the South African Financial Services Board, FSP No. 43288.In Singapore, this is issued by BlackRock (Singapore) Limited (Co. registration no. 200010143N). This advertisement or publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. In Hong Kong, this material is issued by BlackRock Asset Management North Asia Limited and has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. In Australia, issued by BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited ABN 13 006 165 975, AFSL 230 523 (BIMAL). This material provides general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, needs or circumstances. Before making any investment decision, you should assess whether the material is appropriate for you and obtain financial advice tailored to you having regard to your individual objectives, financial situation, needs and circumstances. Refer to BIMAL's Financial Services Guide on its website for more information. This material is not a financial product recommendation or an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any financial product in any jurisdictionIn Latin America: this material is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice nor an offer or solicitation to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any shares of any Fund (nor shall any such shares be offered or sold to any person) in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities law of that jurisdiction. If any funds are mentioned or inferred to in this material, it is possible that some or all of the funds may not have been registered with the securities regulator of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay or any other securities regulator in any Latin American country and thus might not be publicly offered within any such country. The securities regulators of such countries have not confirmed the accuracy of any information contained herein. The provision of investment management and investment advisory services is a regulated activity in Mexico thus is subject to strict rules. For more information on the Investment Advisory Services offered by BlackRock Mexico please refer to the Investment Services Guide available at www.blackrock.com/mx©2026 BlackRock, Inc. All Rights Reserved. BLACKROCK is a registered trademark of BlackRock, Inc. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.BII0226-5194293-EXP0227
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi secures a snap election landslide to pave the way for major fiscal spending. Her decisive victory pushed the Nikkei beyond the 57,000-mark for the first time and drove JGB yields higher. In the U.S., beleaguered tech and software stocks rallied on Friday to help the Dow close about 50,000 for the first time ever. Italian lender Unicredit smashes Q4 net profit forecasts and raises its FY 2026 profit guidance. Speaking exclusively to CNBC, CEO Andrea Orcel says his bank has ‘more optionality' to potential dealmaking than other European rivals.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Welcome back to All Things Markets and today, Mike Novogratz and I are diving headfirst into a world where crypto gets punched in the face, AI threatens white-collar jobs, and global capital starts quietly packing its bags. I'm joined by Mike Novogratz to cut through the noise, call out the real risks, and talk honestly about where markets, money, and opportunity are heading next. Michael Novogratz is the Founder and CEO of Galaxy Digital. He was formerly a Partner and President of Fortress Investment Group LLC. Mr. Novogratz served on the New York Federal Reserve's Investment Advisory Committee on Financial Markets from 2012 to 2015. He serves as the Chairman of The Bail Project and has made criminal justice reform a focus of his family's foundation. Follow Anthony on X: https://x.com/Scaramucci Follow Novo on X: https://x.com/novogratz Anthony Scaramucci is the founder and managing partner of SkyBridge, a global alternative investment firm, and founder and chairman of SALT, a global thought leadership forum and venture studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Has silver become a Giffen good, the famous textbook anomaly where higher prices supposedly lead to higher demand? In this episode, Mark Thornton argues the story is compelling... but wrong. Mark explains why recent surges in silver demand amid rapidly rising prices don't overturn the law of demand. They reflect shifting demand curves as market conditions, expectations, and classifications change. The bottom line is that silver is not a paradox: it's a timely lesson in how markets adjust while economic laws hold.Additional Resources"What Are Giffen Goods? Definition, Examples, and Economic Insights" by Andrew Bloomenthal (Investopedia): https://mises.org/MI_162_A"Did Silver Break a Fundamental Law of Demand?" Money Metals' Weekly Market Wrap Podcast (December 10, 2025): https://mises.org/MI_162_B"Money Costs, Prices, and Alfred Marshall" by Murray Rothbard (Man, Economy, and State with Power and Market): https://mises.org/MI_162_C“Notes on the History of the Giffen Paradox” by George J. Stigler (The Journal of Political Economy, April 1947): https://mises.org/MI_162_D"Giffen Behavior: Theory and Evidence" by Robert T. Jensen and Nolan Miller: https://mises.org/MI_162_E“Gray and Giffen Goods" by Etsusuke Masuda and Peter Newman (The Economic Journal, December 1981): https://mises.org/MI_162_F“Beware of Giffen-ish Vibes in the Money Market” by Tim Hartford (Financial Times, May 2025): https://mises.org/MI_162_G“Sir Robert Giffen and the Great Potato Famine: A Discussion of the Role of a Legend in Neoclassical Economics,” by Terrence McDonough and Joseph Eisenhaur (Journal of Economic Issues, September 1995): https://mises.org/MI_162_HOrder a Minor Issues tumbler today! https://mises.org/MinorIssuesTumblerBe sure to follow Minor Issues at https://Mises.org/MinorIssues
In the Oscar-winning film Shakespeare in Love, theater owner Henslowe explains that the theatrical business faces "insurmountable obstacles on the road to imminent disaster," yet somehow "it all turns out well.” It's a mystery he can't explain. This week's podcast channels that spirit as Moody's Analytics economist, Dante DeAntonio, joins Mark and Cris to dissect the labor market despite the delayed employment report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The team navigates volatility across financial markets and examines the outlook for employment and consumer spending in light of AI adoption and the stabilization of the saving rate. Like Henslowe's faith that the show goes on, they explore whether the economy will find its way through even when the data arrives fashionably late.Hosts: Mark Zandi – Chief Economist, Moody's Analytics, Cris deRitis – Deputy Chief Economist, Moody's Analytics, and Marisa DiNatale – Senior Director - Head of Global Forecasting, Moody's AnalyticsFollow Mark Zandi on 'X' and BlueSky @MarkZandi, Cris deRitis on LinkedIn, and Marisa DiNatale on LinkedIn Questions or Comments, please email us at helpeconomy@moodys.com. We would love to hear from you. To stay informed and follow the insights of Moody's Analytics economists, visit Economic View. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Retirement planning is becoming more complex as careers grow less linear, lifespans extend, and financial decisions start earlier in life. From early-career savers to small business owners and those approaching retirement, people are asking how to build financial security while staying flexible in an unpredictable world.In this Ask Me Anything episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido is joined by Jaime Magyera, Head of BlackRock's U.S. Wealth Advisory and Retirement Businesses, to answer listener-submitted questions on retirement realities. Jaime shares perspectives drawn from her work with individual savers, financial advisors, and small business owners across the country.The conversation reframes retirement as the freedom to choose what comes next, rather than a fixed end point. Jaime discusses the importance of starting early, maintaining discipline through market cycles, and building plans that can adapt as careers, families, and goals evolve. The episode also explores the role of professional advice, the challenges facing non-traditional career paths, and why preparation — not prediction — is central to long-term financial resilience.Key insights include:• Why retirement is best viewed as a transition, not a destination• How starting early and staying invested can shape long-term outcomes• Why flexible planning matters for non-linear careers and families• What advisors should consider when working with small business owners• How professional advice differs from social and digital guidance• Why preparedness and emergency savings support financial resilienceKey moments in this episode:00:00 Introduction to The Bid00:50 Meet Jamie Magyera: Insights on Retirement Planning01:48 Transitioning into Retirement: Key Considerations04:05 Financial Planning for Younger Generations06:41 Non-Traditional Retirement Timelines09:56 Advisors and Small Business Owners: Planning for the Future12:45 How To Build Long-Term Client Relationships15:33 The Value of Professional Financial Advice17:28 Conclusion and Key Takeaways18:16 Closing Remarks and Up Nextretirement planning, financial security, wealth planning, capital markets, long-term investing,Sources: BlackRock's Read On Retirement Survey, September 2025This content is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or a solicitation. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the listener. Reference to any company or investment strategy mentioned is for illustrative purposes only and not investment advice. In the UK and non-European Economic Area countries, this is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. In the European Economic Area, this is authorized and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. For full disclosures, visit blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosures.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
US equity futures are modestly lower though paring most of earlier losses, with Asian markets mostly lower and European equities trading softer. US markets were driven by renewed downside pressure in growth and technology. Weak US labor market signals took center stage, as job openings fell to their lowest level since 2020 and layoffs surged to the highest January reading since the global financial crisis, triggering a pronounced rally in Treasuries and reinforcing curve steepening dynamics. The risk-off backdrop spilled into crypto and precious metals, with Bitcoin posting its sharpest drop since late 2022 and silver seeing an outsized decline. Meanwhile, investors continued to reassess positioning as elevated volatility, softer economic data and crowded trades weighed on sentiment, despite relative resilience in select defensive and rate-sensitive sectors.Companies Mentioned: Boeing, Apple, Lukoil, Chevron Carlyle
The tech rout Stateside looks set to continue into a third day with giants such as Oracle, Palantir and Salesforce all suffering double-digit losses for the week. The gloom is contagious in the crypto space with Bitcoin briefly plunging below the $61,000 mark. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer offers an apology to victims of Jeffrey Epstein for his appointment of Peter Mandelson as U.S. ambassador, despite being aware of his close ties to the late, convicted paedophile. We hear from BoE governor Andrew Bailey who says the upheaval seen in Westminster is being felt globally. And in e-commerce news, Amazon posts its first quarterly miss in more than three years and announces $200bn for capex spending for 2026. Shares plummeted 11 per cent in after-hours trading as a result. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
US equity futures are pointing modestly higher after a mixed Wednesday close, with Asian markets broadly lower and European equities trading mostly weaker. Technology and AI concentration risk remained the dominant theme. Investors continued rotating toward cyclical sectors. More volatility seen in precious metal prices overnight. Geopolitical risk stayed elevated as headlines around renewed US-Iran nuclear talks drove sharp volatility in energy and precious metals markets, while attention also turned to upcoming large-cap technology earnings later in the week.Companies Mentioned: SpaceX, Nvidia, Bytedance, KKR
The Nasdaq suffers back-to-back losses of more than 1 per cent for the first time since April following a massive tech sell-off that sees almost $1tn wiped from tech stocks as A.I. related concerns reverberate around markets. Alphabet posts FY revenue of more than $400bn for the first time and signals it is prepared to more than double its A.I. investment. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set upon by Labour backbenchers and forced to release documents about the vetting process of former peer Peter Mandelson for the post of U.S. ambassador and his links to the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Michael Novogratz is the Founder and CEO of Galaxy Digital. He was formerly a Partner and President of Fortress Investment Group LLC. Mr. Novogratz served on the New York Federal Reserve's Investment Advisory Committee on Financial Markets from 2012 to 2015. He serves as the Chairman of The Bail Project and has made criminal justice reform a focus of his family's foundation. Follow Anthony on X: https://x.com/Scaramucci Follow Novo on X: https://x.com/novogratz Anthony Scaramucci is the founder and managing partner of SkyBridge, a global alternative investment firm, and founder and chairman of SALT, a global thought leadership forum and venture studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
S&P futures are pointing to a slightly higher open today ahead of a busy earnings slate. Asian markets ended mixed on Wednesday. Japan's Nikkei underperformed due to a selloff in software names on AI disruption fears. The Hang Seng was flat while the Shanghai Composite was higher on stronger-than-expected services PMI data. European benchmarks are flat or slightly higher in early trading.Companies Mentioned: NVIDIA, Texas Instruments, Ford, OpenAI
UBS posts quarterly profit of $1.2bn and hikes its dividend by 22 per cent and reaffirms its forecasts for the year. The Swiss lender says it is on track to fully integrate Credit Suisse later this year but CEO Sergio Ermotti says clients remain wary due to geo-political considerations. Pharma giant Novo Nordisk sees U.S.-listed shares plunge after warning of disappointing sales due to competition to its flagship obesity drugs. CEO Mike Doustdar believes the GLP-1 market will only get bigger. And in tech news, Anthropic's new ‘Claude' model causes a wider sell-off in enterprise and cloud software as the threat of A.I. disruption looms over white-collar sectors. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Overview: Tune into this week's episode of Launch Financial as we discuss a huge week of economic data including earnings from the Magnificent Seven which have caused a sell-off in technology stocks. All eyes remain on commodities, tech earnings and key inflation data as we head into February. Show Notes:
In today's show, The Right Side, we go beyond headlines and into the hidden architecture of power that shapes nations, markets, and everyday life.This episode breaks down why markets move on confidence, not just data, how the Federal Reserve and U.S. Treasury operate as two separate keys to the same financial system, and why **legitimacy — not force — is what ultimately holds a Republic together.We explore how money, law, and meaning interact to create stability or chaos, why unelected institutions shape daily life more than most people realize, and how global actors read America's internal signals as cues for pressure, testing, and leverage.This is a civic deep-dive for listeners who want more than talking points — a master-class in understanding how power really works inside a constitutional Republic.
S&P futures is up +0.3% and pointing to a higher open today. Asian markets rallied sharply on Tuesday, with the Kospi surging +6.8%, its largest gain in over three years, and Japan's Nikkei advancing +3.9%. Hong Kong lagged due to rumors of higher taxes on internet firms. European markets are trading firmer. Positive sentiment follows Monday's gains and optimism around German fiscal stimulus. Companies Mentioned: AES Corp, OpenAI
US equity futures is under pressure with S&P lower. Bonds firmer, which sees US 10-year yield down 4 bps at 4.2%. Dollar is easier versus yen, firmer elsewhere with biggest move against Aussie. Gold is selling off sharply, leaving it 20% below Thursday's record high level. Oil down more than 5%. Industrial metals broadly lower. Bitcoin is weaker. Commodity volatility is the big market-moving story as gold and silver tumble, extending Friday's plunge, where gold experienced its biggest daily drop in decades and silver suffered record decline. Dollar's rebound on Kevin Warsh's nomination as Fed chair is mentioned as downside catalyst though magnitude of selloff has brought more focus on very crowded longs and speculative froth being fueled in part by Chinese traders. Moves being made to curb frenzy with CME sharply raising gold and silver margins while some Chinese banks hiked minimum investment amount for gold accumulation services.Companies Mentioned: NCC, Nvidia, Ford Motor, Xiaomi
In this special episode, Mark Thornton presents a timely interview with Elijah K. Johnson that underscores how quickly “melt-ups” can flip into sharp corrections. Mark frames the discussion around three themes: why investors should temper expectations after a major run-up; why political and financial elites will move aggressively to protect their interests when markets wobble; and why soaring gold and silver prices (however tempting) ultimately signal deeper economic and social distress rather than a clean “win” for the private sector.Join us for the Mises Institute's first event of 2026, featuring Keith Smith, Caitlin Long, Ryan McMaken, Per Bylund, and Timothy Terrell: "Entrepreneurship Beyond Politics: Mises Circle in Oklahoma City." Register today at https://mises.org/okcOrder a Minor Issues tumbler today! https://mises.org/MinorIssuesTumblerBe sure to follow Minor Issues at https://Mises.org/MinorIssues
Latest mega cap tech earnings continue to show massive spending on AI, even amid market volatility and dispersion. Vivek Paul, Global Head of Portfolio Research at the BlackRock Investment Institute, shares why infrastructure stands out as a clear beneficiary beyond mega cap tech.General disclosure: This material is intended for information purposes only, and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation or an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any securities, funds or strategies to any person in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The opinions expressed are as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the reader. Investing involves risks. BlackRock does and may seek to do business with companies covered in this podcast. As a result, readers should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this podcast.In the U.S. and Canada, this material is intended for public distribution.In the UK and Non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries: this is Issued by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2N 2DL. Tel:+ 44 (0)20 7743 3000. Registered in England and Wales No. 02020394. For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded. Please refer to the Financial Conduct Authority website for a list of authorised activities conducted by BlackRock.In the European Economic Area (EEA): this is Issued by BlackRock (Netherlands) B.V. is authorised and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. Registered office Amstelplein 1, 1096 HA, Amsterdam, Tel: 020 – 549 5200, Tel: 31-20- 549-5200. Trade Register No. 17068311 For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded.For Investors in Switzerland: This document is marketing material.In South Africa: Please be advised that BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited is an authorised Financial Services provider with the South African Financial Services Board, FSP No. 43288.In Singapore, this is issued by BlackRock (Singapore) Limited (Co. registration no. 200010143N). This advertisement or publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. In Hong Kong, this material is issued by BlackRock Asset Management North Asia Limited and has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. In Australia, issued by BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited ABN 13 006 165 975, AFSL 230 523 (BIMAL). This material provides general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, needs or circumstances. Before making any investment decision, you should assess whether the material is appropriate for you and obtain financial advice tailored to you having regard to your individual objectives, financial situation, needs and circumstances. Refer to BIMAL's Financial Services Guide on its website for more information. This material is not a financial product recommendation or an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any financial product in any jurisdictionIn Latin America: this material is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice nor an offer or solicitation to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any shares of any Fund (nor shall any such shares be offered or sold to any person) in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities law of that jurisdiction. If any funds are mentioned or inferred to in this material, it is possible that some or all of the funds may not have been registered with the securities regulator of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay or any other securities regulator in any Latin American country and thus might not be publicly offered within any such country. The securities regulators of such countries have not confirmed the accuracy of any information contained herein. The provision of investment management and investment advisory services is a regulated activity in Mexico thus is subject to strict rules. For more information on the Investment Advisory Services offered by BlackRock Mexico please refer to the Investment Services Guide available at www.blackrock.com/mx©2026 BlackRock, Inc. All Rights Reserved. BLACKROCK is a registered trademark of BlackRock, Inc. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.BII0126-5172186-EXP0127
Hedge fund strategies are gaining renewed attention as market volatility rises and traditional stock and bond diversification becomes less reliable. With inflation uncertainty, shifting monetary policy, and growing macro instability, investors are reassessing how different sources of return and risk management show up across capital markets.In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido speaks with Mike Pyle, Deputy Head of BlackRock's Portfolio Management Group, about how hedge fund strategies work and why they are being re-examined in today's environment. Mike explains what defines hedge fund strategies, how their flexibility seeks to allow managers to express views more precisely, and why they can play different roles within portfolios depending on investor objectives.They explore common misconceptions around hedge fund strategies, including the idea that they are inherently high risk or designed solely to outperform equities. Mike outlines how these strategies span a wide range of risk profiles and can be used for diversification due to their potentially lower correlation to traditional assets. The conversation also examines why macro volatility since 2021 has created a more favorable backdrop for hedge fund strategies, and how their ability to either navigate or reduce macro exposure is shaping investor interest.Key moments in this episode:00:00 Introduction: Navigating Uncertainty in Today's Market03:57 Debunking Myths About Hedge Funds07:36 The Growing Interest in Hedge Funds Strategies12:18 Hedge Funds vs. Other Alternatives16:31 Evolution of the Hedge Fund Industry18:28 Key Takeaways for Investors19:41 Conclusion and Next UpKey insights include:• What hedge fund strategies are and how they differ from traditional investments• Why lower correlation, not market outperformance, is often the core objective• How higher volatility and macro uncertainty are reshaping portfolio construction• How hedge fund strategies compare with other alternatives like private markets and infrastructure• Why scale and multi-strategy platforms are changing the hedge fund landscapehedge fund strategies, capital markets, portfolio diversification, alternatives investing, market volatility, megaforcesThis content is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or a solicitation. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the listener. Reference to any company or investment strategy mentioned is for illustrative purposes only and not investment advice. In the UK and non-European Economic Area countries, this is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. In the European Economic Area, this is authorized and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. For full disclosures, visit blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosures.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.