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.&nbsp; For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: <a href="https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer</a>. You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at <a href="mailto:unhedged@ft.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unhedged@ft.com</a>.<hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Markets had an incredible year. Can that continue?

Can 2026 match 2025?

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.&nbsp; For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: <a href="https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer</a>. You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at <a href="mailto:unhedged@ft.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unhedged@ft.com</a>. <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/7894265d-dae0-4e96-8884-50b0ca42a8d7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Paramount and Netflix battle to acquire a legendary studio

Who gets to buy Warner Bros Discovery?

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.&nbsp; For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: <a href="https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer</a>. You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at <a href="mailto:unhedged@ft.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unhedged@ft.com</a>. <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/c5040528-c2bc-467b-ad3c-d02d77b4cf48" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Weighing the weakening of institutions

A satanic list of inflationary factors

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.&nbsp; For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: <a href="https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer</a>. You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at <a href="mailto:unhedged@ft.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unhedged@ft.com</a>. <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/8d7dcd7c-bdb2-4755-8f93-17db32895661" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

What can the world learn from the UK Budget?

Bonds vs budgets

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.&nbsp; To sign up for free to the new FT Alphaville newsletter on substack, go to <a href="http://ftav.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ftav.substack.com</a>. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: <a href="https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer</a>. You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at <a href="mailto:unhedged@ft.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unhedged@ft.com</a>. <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/c01d23b4-39b9-48e2-81fe-020432a24437" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

A look at the strategies of the supposedly smartest people in finance

What are the hedge funds shorting?

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.&nbsp; For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: <a href="https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer</a>. You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at <a href="mailto:unhedged@ft.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unhedged@ft.com</a>. <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/a040d305-e530-4237-adf7-7f6af3f1c1aa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Do Nvidia’s huge earnings make the case for or against a bubble?

Nvidia's crazy day

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.&nbsp; For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: <a href="https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer</a>. You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at <a href="mailto:unhedged@ft.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unhedged@ft.com</a>. <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/fb60908a-d54f-44a2-824e-8c0a43d1645a" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

What the bidding war over Metsera says about the drug business

Big deals in Big Pharma

Companies such as Procter &amp; 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.&nbsp; For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: <a href="https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer</a>. You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at <a href="mailto:unhedged@ft.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unhedged@ft.com</a>. <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/579a4640-d089-4f7f-8001-388a9f658a2e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com</a> <hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Testing a buzzword with data

Is the K-shaped economy real?

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.&nbsp;&nbsp; For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: <a href="https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer</a>. You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at <a href="mailto:unhedged@ft.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unhedged@ft.com</a>. <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/267111c5-a850-4800-849f-e1067a1e3575" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Live from Kilkenomics Festival

Is the US an emerging market?

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.&nbsp; For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: <a href="https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer</a>. You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at <a href="mailto:unhedged@ft.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unhedged@ft.com</a>. <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/ee540ccf-dd1b-4c8c-949f-ec61c3aee6f3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

With the government shut down, US investors are looking for data in new places

DIY data

Tech companies are spending historic amounts of money on computing power and data centres.&nbsp;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&amp;A, short free buses, and long cleanfluencers.&nbsp; For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: <a href="https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer</a>. You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at <a href="mailto:unhedged@ft.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unhedged@ft.com</a>. <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/0a40dea6-4118-4285-ba64-c5b76fd56f30" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Tech stocks are spending billions of dollars. What are they getting?

Is Big Tech spending too much money?

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: <a href="https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer</a>. You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at <a href="mailto:unhedged@ft.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unhedged@ft.com</a>. <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/93e38d69-9210-494b-bcaf-c8c566b98624" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

A conversation about the long-term measurable effects of populist policies

Martin Wolf on the economics of populism

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.&nbsp; For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: <a href="https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer</a>. You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at <a href="mailto:unhedged@ft.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unhedged@ft.com</a>. <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/d828a724-1556-4725-a4b0-b652ef962f0e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

How the US Treasury secretary manages up

The vigorous nods of Bessent

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.&nbsp;&nbsp; For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: <a href="https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer</a>. You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at <a href="mailto:unhedged@ft.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unhedged@ft.com</a>. <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/e0e6de4a-219b-407f-b1de-f845167f8983" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Or is this the end for Javier Milei’s experiment in “anarcho-capitalism”?

Will the US bail out Argentina?

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.&nbsp; For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: <a href="https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer</a>. You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at <a href="mailto:unhedged@ft.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unhedged@ft.com</a>. <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/d5bccc63-552b-498a-aed4-2e7319d98413" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

A new prime minister may mean new policies

Japan’s next move

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.&nbsp; For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: <a href="https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer</a>. You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at <a href="mailto:unhedged@ft.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unhedged@ft.com</a>. <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/0e02944b-6246-46df-96d0-3683e708f4ee" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

The US and China stand-off over the metals of the future

Rare earth quake

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.&nbsp; For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: <a href="https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer</a>.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at <a href="mailto:unhedged@ft.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unhedged@ft.com</a>. <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/398b7843-5c25-489c-a78a-258bcd624f61" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

How will the UK balance spending and taxes?

UK Budget blues

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.&nbsp; For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: <a href="https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer</a>. You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at <a href="mailto:unhedged@ft.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unhedged@ft.com</a>. <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/fee5e37c-a400-4441-bc88-4f432af2efde" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

What does cross-ownership mean for the markets?

AI peak is peak AI

Introducing Toxic Legacy, a new season of Untold from the Financial Times. Host Laura Hughes uncovers a lead poisoning epidemic across the UK. You might be living with lead and not know it: the toxin is often invisible to the human eye, but wreaks havoc on our bodies once we’re exposed. The first episode of Untold: Toxic Legacy launches October 22.&nbsp; Listen on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/untold-the-retreat/id1724826952" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1GUc0a6lsMCaTDbgIU4tgJ?si=09ccf1177eb04f24" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://pca.st/podcast/006b38d0-9135-013c-9fe5-0acc26574db2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pocket Casts</a> or wherever you get your podcasts. For information on how to live safely with lead, please visit the <a href="https://leappalliance.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LEAPP Alliance</a> website.<hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Introducing Untold: Toxic Legacy

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.&nbsp; For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: <a href="https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer</a>. You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at <a href="mailto:unhedged@ft.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unhedged@ft.com</a>. <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/48cda0f9-0422-4091-8f90-7f2810319920" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Is it possible to get more excited about gold?

Gold now! Gold forever! Only gold! Gold! Gold!

Financial Times & Pushkin Industries

Katie Martin, Robert Armstrong and other markets nerds at the Financial Times explain the big ideas behind what’s happening in finance right now. Every Tuesday and Thursday.<hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

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