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The Supreme Court just overturned President Donald Trump's use of the emergency powers provision to impose tariffs. Now importers are suing for refunds, and the president has scrambled to leverage another old law to find a legal way to slow imports. Today on the show, Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong are joined by Alan Beattie, of the FT's Trade Secrets newsletter, to sort the mess out. Also, they go short the “Halo” trade and long irony. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On Monday, a report by Citrini Research appeared to rattle traders on Wall Street. Its thesis was that massive efficiency increases would lead to widespread job losses and a disastrous fall in consumption. Today on the show, Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong discuss the doomsday scenario. Also, they go short New York in the snow and short shrinkflation. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
World markets continue to be down on the dollar. Today on the show, Katie Martin and senior markets correspondent Ian Smith discuss how inflation, politics and trade are weighing on the once mighty greenback. Also, they go short curling and long wealth managers in the age of AI. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Buried deep in the heart of this week's US jobs report is a hint that companies may be increasing hiring to build all those AI data centres we keep hearing about. Also on the show, Rob Armstrong and Katie Martin parse what the report says about the US consumer, and what it means for US interest rate policy. And they go long volatility and short sugar.For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Liberal Democratic Party dominated in a snap election on Sunday and the country's stock market loved it. This week, the Nikkei 225 hit an all-time high. Today on the show, Hakyung Kim joins Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong to discuss what the election means for markets in Japan, the US and Europe. Also, they go short Alphabet's 100-year bond, streaming services and the luge. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Markets, data and sentiment are often looked to as indicators of the present and guides to the future. But these data points aren't helping as much as they used to. Today on the show, Robert Armstrong, Hakyung Kim and John Foley try to understand why major numbers are in such constant conflict. Also, they go long Matcha and long data centres in space.For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
President Donald Trump announced his pick for the next Fed chair at the end of last week. It was Kevin Warsh, a former member of the Fed Board of Governors. Today on the show, Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong dissect Warsh's previous statements and try to figure out how being in charge will change his outlook. Also they go long theme parks and short grindcore. Take the FT's anonymous annual bonus survey here. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Since the second inauguration of US President Donald Trump, the dollar has been in a slow but persistent decline. Today on the show, Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong try to figure out what is happening and if it will continue. Also they make a bold prediction for the next chair of the Federal Reserve. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Steve Fretzin, Robert Armstrong, and Sandy Fisch discuss:Legal expertise without systems limits growthFocus outperforms expansion without infrastructureValue-based models outperform time-based billing in an AI-driven futureFuture-proof firms are systemized, collaborative, and diversified Key Takeaways:Most firms are built by technicians who understand legal work but not business operations. Sustainable firms require deliberate work on systems, strategy, and management.Deep specialization strengthens results, clarity, and scale. Expanding practice areas too early dilutes effectiveness and increases operational drag.Hourly billing weakens as automation accelerates legal work. Flat-fee pricing combined with strong human relationships aligns better with efficiency and client outcomes.Recurring revenue, acquisition-ready structures, and trusted peer communities reduce dependence on individuals. Long-term resilience comes from systems, relationships, and adaptive business models. "There's a difference between working on the business and working in the business." — Sandy Fisch Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/ Thank you to our Sponsor!Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ About Robert Armstrong: Robert Armstrong is President of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys and co-founder of Armstrong, Fisch & Tutoli, a leading San Diego estate planning firm. A U.S. Navy veteran and summa cum laude graduate of UC San Diego, he earned his Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego in 1976.A recognized thought leader in estate planning, Robert has authored several books, including The E-Myth Attorney, and has been quoted in national publications such as the Wall Street Journal. He frequently appears on television as an estate planning expert.Robert lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, with his wife, Jennifer, and enjoys reading, daily workouts, and time outdoors with his family. About Sandy Fisch: Sanford Fisch is a principal at Armstrong, Fisch & Tutoli, a leading San Diego estate planning firm recognized nationwide for excellence. He co-founded the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys to help attorneys and law firms improve their skills and practices.Known for expertise and enthusiasm, Sanford seeks more effective ways to serve clients, support fellow attorneys, and advance the practice of estate planning law across the United States. Connect with Robert Armstrong & Sandy Fisch: Website: https://www.aftattorneys.com/ Connect with Steve Fretzin:LinkedIn: Steve FretzinTwitter: @stevefretzinInstagram: @fretzinsteveFacebook: Fretzin, Inc.Website: Fretzin.comEmail: Steve@Fretzin.comBook: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!YouTube: Steve FretzinCall Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
Not long ago, markets would have lurched if a president threatened to impose tariffs, attack a foreign nation or compromise Federal Reserve independence. Since Donald Trump’s return to office, though, traders have been buying on these threats and cashing in when they don’t come to pass.On today’s episode of the Big Take, Bloomberg Opinion’s John Authers and columnist Robert Armstrong of the Financial Times – who coined ‘Trump Always Chickens Out’ – join host David Gura to discuss the latest TACO trading statistics and what happens when financial markets have muted reactions to White House headlines. Hosted by David Gura; Produced by David Fox; Reported by John Authers and Robert Armstrong; Edited by Jeffrey Grocott. Fact-checking by Eleanor Harrison-Dengate and Rachael Lewis-Krisky; Engineering by Katie McMurran. Senior Producer: Naomi Shavin; Deputy Executive Producer: Julia Weaver. Executive Producer: Nicole Beemsterboer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gold and silver are both racing to record highs. But can it last? Today on the show, Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong talk about factors that might put the brakes on the frenzy. Also they go long the Melania Trump documentary and long the New England Patriots. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The “Taco trade” proved profitable again this week as US President Donald Trump walked back his proposals for invading Greenland. ("Taco", of course, is the acronym for "Trump always chickens out".) Gone too are threatened tariffs on allies that stood up to defend the island. Today on the show, Rob Armstrong and Lex editor John Foley discuss the president's retreat and the market's joy. Also they go short Grønlandsbanken and long wintry days in New York. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As Donald Trump threatens a takeover of Greenland, Europe responds with military deployments, sending the markets into a low-key swivet. Today on the show, Rob Armstrong and Alphaville reporter Toby Nangle discuss what financial weapons the EU has to defend against an increasingly warlike US president. Also they go long Dutch tech company ASML and long a return to live television. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The results of the FT's 2025 stock picking contest are in! Today on the show, Katie Martin, Rob Armstrong and the FT's asset aanagement reporter Alan Livsey take a look at the winning and losing ideas of 2025. Also they go short prediction markets and short the dollar. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nicolle Wallace covers the mass resignation from the criminal section of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, an exodus which was caused by the unit refusing to investigate the death of Renee Nicole Good. Good was killed by an ICE officer in Minneapolis last week.Later, Financial Times commentator Robert Armstrong joins Nicolle to talk about the Trump administration's criminal probe into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.For more, follow us on Instagram @deadlinewhTo listen to this show and other MS NOW podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. For more from Nicolle, follow and download her podcast, “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace,” wherever you get your podcasts.To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
UBS chief executive Sergio Ermotti is planning to step down in April 2027, and Paramount threatened a proxy fight in its latest move to force Warner Bros Discovery back to the negotiating table. Plus, the FT's Robert Armstrong explains what could come next in US President Donald Trump's crackdown on the Federal Reserve. Mentioned in this podcast:UBS boss Sergio Ermotti plans to step down in April 2027Paramount threatens proxy fight in battle for Warner Bros DiscoveryWhat is behind the criminal investigation into Jay Powell?Former Fed chiefs attack DoJ probe into Jay PowellFT subscription sale Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today's FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino and produced by Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley is the FT's Global Head of Audio. The show's theme music is by Metaphor Music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On Sunday night, Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell took the extraordinary step of issuing a video saying he is being threatened with a criminal indictment because the Fed failed to follow "the preferences of the President." Today on the show, Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong ask if the Fed can survive a Soviet-style smear campaign and legal attack. Also they go long print and long Are You Dead?, an app for checking if you're dead or not.For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Markets continue their sunny cruise, whistling along as the world is upended by nationalistic meddling in both corporations and other countries. Today on the show, Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong discuss the stunning resilience of the global economy. Also, they go short bank consolidation and short Grok nudifying people. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
US President Donald Trump has attacked Venezuela and removed its leader. The markets remain nonchalant. Does that make sense? Today on the show, Rob Armstrong and Katie Martin speak with US Energy Editor Jamie Smyth about regime change, oil and the global economy. Also they go long cricket in Australia and long US markets. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Robert Armstrong and Sanford Fisch join Joe Pardavila to explain why most attorneys struggle to build sustainable law firms and how the Enterprise Law Firm Model helps them change that. Drawing on decades of mentoring estate planning attorneys, they break down the five essential systems every firm needs, why flat-fee value pricing builds stronger client relationships, and how recurring revenue transforms a practice from a monthly grind into a long-term asset.They also share the origin story of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, why attorneys resist systemization, and how AI will reshape rule-based legal work. Robert and Sandy walk through the shift from a two-meeting model to a five-meeting relationship model, why bundling legal, financial, and insurance services creates deeper trust, and what attorneys leave on the table when they avoid this approach.The conversation ends with practical steps for attorneys who want more freedom, more predictable revenue, and a business that supports their life instead of draining it.
Katie Martin spent a restful 20 hours on a plane coming up with some devilishly hard questions for her colleagues, Rob Armstrong and John Foley. Today on the show, we find out who is the best at making wild guesses. Also, all three unveil their new year's resolutions. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What went right in 2025? What could go wrong in 2026? Recorded for the FT's digital conference The Global Boardroom, Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong talk with Ian Smith, the FT's senior markets correspondent, about the incredible resilience of the US stock market, and the challenges ahead. Also, they go long boring companies and short KPop Demon Hunters. Subscribe to Unhedged to hear more.For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.This is a repeat of an episode published on Unhedged, a sister podcast of The FT News Briefing, on Dec. 11, 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why do companies care about their share price so much? Is Switzerland in danger of losing its banks? What would regime change in Venezuela do to global oil markets? Today on the show, Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong answer listener questions. Or try to. Also, they go short gift cards and long crypto islands. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today on the show, Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong take a look at some revealing numbers about jobs, inflation and borrowing against the Treasuries market. Also they go short “funny” videos from private equity and short Wham! For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Silver is on a tear this year, outperforming gold and even crypto. Today on the show, Rob Armstrong and Katie Martin look at the markets for substitutes for fiat currency. Also they go long the Christmas goose, and long sweet pastry. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What went right in 2025? What could go wrong in 2026? Recorded last week for the FT's digital conference The Global Boardroom, Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong talk with Ian Smith, the FT's senior markets correspondent, about the incredible resilience of the US stock market, and the challenges ahead. Also, they go long boring companies and short KPop Demon Hunters. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Netflix and Paramount are in a bidding war to take over Warner Bros. Discovery and its historic collections of movies and television series. Today on the show, Rob Armstrong talks to US deals correspondent Oliver Barnes and US finance editor James Fontanella-Khan about a battle that will have a lasting impact on entertainment and the news. Also they go long indie cinema and short Christmas. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A disgraced ex-ballplayer (Lloyd Nolan) gets a chance at redemption when he's hired to manage and rebuild the struggling Brooklyn Dodgers. Co-starring Carole Landis, William Frawley and Robert Armstrong.
Today on the show, Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong talk with special guest Adam Posen about the prospects for inflation and even a financial crisis. Posen has worked for both the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Bank of England, and is the current president of the non-profit Peterson Institute for International Economics. They talk about the options facing the next Fed chair, the conditions for serious inflation, and AI's role in our economic future. Also they go short crypto and long the New England Patriots. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mature economies such as France, the UK and the US are spending more than they take in. They make up the rest in borrowing. But how long can that last? Today on the show, Katie Martin speaks with Ian Smith, the FT's senior markets correspondent, about the UK's latest Budget and bond sales, and what it means for governments around the globe. Also they go long chocolate and short cats. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
John's Old Time Radio Show – “HODGEPODGE SHOW” w/ ROBERT ARMSTRONG & MARK POLLOCK. Just an old fashioned 78 rpm record hang with music from the collections of Hawaiian steel great & Cheap Suit Serenaders co-founder Robert Armstrong, fellow record collector Mark Pollock and yours truly. Thanks to Mark for helping record this show remotely. The Twelves – Kokomo Arnold Happy Hawaiian Blues – The Hawaiian Songbirds Stone Mountain Toddle – Walker's Corbin Ramblers Yodel Blues – Val and Pete The Hawaiian Vamp – Norman Clark & the South Sea Islanders China Boy – McKenzie & Condon's Chicagoans I'll Be A Friend With Pleasure – Bix Beiderbecke The Lonesome Road – Louis Armstrong Stagolee – Mississippi John Hurt Ka Moae – Kamehameha Alumni Glee Club She Ain't Built That Way – Asa Martin Captain George Has your Money Come? – W. F. Narmour & Smith Barbeque Bust – The Mississippi Jook Band Hot Time In The Old Town – Jerry's Novelty Orchestra Teasin' The Classics – Axel Christensen John Heneghan & Robert Armstrong Sourdough Slim & Robert Armstrong Robert Armstrong & Mark Pollock ukulele painted by R. Armstrong Robert Armstrong Robert Armstrong painting by Robert Armstrong East River String Band w/ Robert Armstrong, Meredith Axelrod & Jerron Paxton Armstrong, Meredith Axelrod & Heneghan
Short interest in the market is rising. But what are the big players betting against? And what can investors learn from it? Today on the show, Katie Martin joins the editor of the FT's Alphaville newsletter Robin Wigglesworth to discuss high finance's low expectations. Also they go short Bloom Energy and short the crypto bros. To sign up for free to the new FT Alphaville newsletter on substack, go to ftav.substack.com.For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the morning, Nvidia's earnings report seemed to have cured the market of its jitters about an artificial intelligence bubble. And then it didn't. Today on the show, Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong try to figure out if the chipmaker's numbers are soothing or scary. Also they go long a proposed stimulus cheque and short handbag investment funds. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The battle between Novo Nordisk and Pfizer to acquire Metsera is over. But is this merger a sign of strength or weakness for the industry? Today on the show, Rob Armstrong talks with US finance editor James Fontanella-Khan about the pressures on drug companies from Washington and the market. Also they go long Nasdaq and short Nasdaq. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Companies such as Procter & Gamble and Chipotle say lower-income customers are spending less, while upper-income customers keep splurging. But data from the Federal Reserve and others suggests incomes – and the differences between them – have remained steady. Today on the show, Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong try to understand why and if consumer behaviour is changing. Also, they go long passive investing and short banks checking their own employees' bank balances. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today's show is a live recording from the Kilkenomics Festival in Kilkenny, Ireland. Katie Martin hosts a panel with guests David McWilliams, founder of the festival, and Mark Blyth, professor of political economics at Brown University. From the Home Rule Club in Kilkenny, they ask if the US is starting to behave like an emerging market. Also, they go long sterling and short futuristic cities in the sand. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With the government shut down, US investors are looking for data in different places. Today on the show, Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong discuss home brewed data, and try to figure out what's really going on in the US economy. Also they go short flying taxis and the UK defaulting. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tech companies are spending historic amounts of money on computing power and data centres. Today on the show, Rob Armstrong and Katie Martin talk to Lex editor John Foley to try to understand the computing arms race. Also they go long M&A, short free buses, and long cleanfluencers. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How does populism affect the long-term health of economies? And is there a difference in outcomes between the extreme politics of the left and the right? Today on the show, Rob Armstrong and the FT's chief economics commentator Martin Wolf discuss an extensive study on populism and economics. Also, they go long China and short tech companies with no profits.For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent has one of the hardest jobs in recent history. He has to implement bizarre economic strategies and keep rational market players calm. Today on the show, Rob Armstrong and Katie Martin discuss Bessent's balancing act. Also they go long depreciation expense and short predictions about gold. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It won't be easy, and you'll think it's strange, when we try to explain … why US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent is suddenly reversing all current US policy and proposing to send billions of dollars to Argentina. Today on the show, Katie Martin, Rob Armstrong and the FT's Latin America editor Michael Stott discuss Javier Milei's cry for help. Also they go long renaissance composer Palestrina and professional wrestling. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sanae Takaichi is the first female prime minister of Japan. She also claims Margaret Thatcher as a role model. Today on the show, Katie Martin and the FT's Tokyo bureau chief Leo Lewis discuss this historic election and what it might mean for markets in Japan and globally. Also, they go long shorts – for real this time. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
China's announcement that it would be restricting the export of rare earths put markets into a tailspin on Friday. Today on the show, Rob Armstrong, Katie Martin and new Unhedged reporter Hakyung Kim ask if this is the card that will make Donald Trump fold? Also they go long Strava, and short protein. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On November 26, parliament will make the UK an offer it can't refuse: The 2026 Budget. But the UK can complain about it! And likely will, as it will almost certainly include increased taxes on the middle class. Today on the show, Katie Martin and the FT's economics commentator Chris Giles discuss Labour's big problem: social services are expensive. Also they short the IMF and go long people who say they're moving to Dubai actually moving to Dubai. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is AI making everybody richer? Or just more entangled in each others' business? Today on the show, Rob Armstrong and Lex editor John Foley try to untangle the growing web of companies investing in each other. Also they go long steak and long cocoa. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Gold keeps hitting all-time highs, and no sober talk about speculation or productivity has stopped it. Today on the show, Rob Armstrong and Katie Martin take stock of the frenzy. Also they go short the yen and long Japanese stocks. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today on the show, Rob Armstrong and Katie Martin take on three things they've been thinking about: the markets' complete lack of worry about a government shutdown, the growing balance sheet problem with artificial intelligence spending, and the rise of shadow banking. Also they short cyber attacks and the fall wave of Covid-19. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Electronic Arts, a publicly traded company, was just purchased for $55bn by a consortium of investors led by Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. The investors included the Saudis and Silver Lake Partners, one of the smartest players in private equity. Today on the show, Robert Armstrong speaks with US finance editor James Fontanella-Khan and US deals correspondent Oliver Barnes about the dollars behind the deal. Also, they go long and short a new wave of M&A. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
First Brands Group, a roll-up of car parts manufacturers, is preparing a bankruptcy filing after amassing as much as $10bn in debt. And last week, Tricolor, a subprime auto loan lender, ran into trouble. Today on the show, Rob Armstrong and Katie Martin ask if we are at a turning point in credit markets. Also they go long collective nouns for groups of canaries. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The dollar is down almost 10 per cent since the beginning of the year. Yes, it has fallen from a very strong position, but the drop might also reflect growing international unease about the direction of American institutions of government. Today on the show, Rob Armstrong and Katie Martin discuss the weakening of the dollar, and how traders are betting on it. Also, they go short not having joined a hedge fund and short a cup of matcha. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.