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The Wall Street Skinny

Kristen and Jen
The Wall Street Skinny
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  • 154. Bond Market Chaos: Unpacking the Basis Trade Blowup Theory. Cause...or Convenient Excuse?
    Send us a textThere has been some speculation that the reason for "chaos in the bond markets" isn't loss of confidence in the US but rather the result of an unwind in "the basis trade" leading hedge funds to blow up and causing yield spreads to widen. To explore this theory we need to get super granular. We go deep into the relationship between cash bonds, futures, and interest rate swaps—and explain why so many market participants prefer the derivatives over buying Treasuries outright. We also walk through how structural leverage, repo financing, and margin exposure interact in this high-stakes trade, and why even a small dislocation can trigger major losses when trades are levered 50 to 1 (or more). Don't worry, we do keep it accessible—even if you’ve never heard of the Treasury Bond Basis book or you’re not fluent in swaps. HOWEVER, this episode does assume a basic understanding of the bond markets and is definitely "advanced" for those not fluent in fixed income speak, so you might need to listen a few times like Kristen. Finally, we tackle what the Fed can and can’t do in the face of this volatility, whether quantitative easing or regulatory changes could help, and why some argue the blowups are a symptom of something bigger—not the cause. Whether you're a market pro or just trying to understand what all the chaos in the headlines actually means, this episode gives you the tools to make sense of it.Visit Vanta.com/wallstreet for $1,000 off Start your FREE TRIAL of Training The Street's Turbo Macros HEREOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...
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  • 153. Steve Eisman, the Real-Life "Big Short" Investor, on Tariff Panic and Lessons From the 2008 Crisis
    Send us a textThis week on The Wall Street Skinny, we’re diving headfirst into one of the most volatile weeks in recent memory—and we brought backup. After a whiplash-inducing reversal in the bond and equity markets, Jen and Kristen break down how the tariff announcements are rippling through rates, treasury auctions, and investor sentiment. From the Fed’s shrinking balance sheet to the rising fear that the U.S. may be losing its “flight to quality” status, we unpack what’s really happening beneath the headlines—and why the bond market might be the biggest canary in the coal mine.Then, we’re joined by legendary investor Steve Eisman—yes, the Steve Eisman portrayed by Steve Carell in The Big Short—for a candid conversation about the state of the global economy, what everyone’s missing in this moment of policy upheaval, and why he’s not panicking. We get his take on the implications of Trump’s tariffs, the fate of the U.S. dollar, and what it would actually take for the Fed to step in meaningfully. Steve also shares how he spotted the subprime crisis before anyone else, and why he’s still staying cool in today’s environment of uncertainty and anxiety.Whether you’re an investor trying to make sense of the macro crosswinds or a Wall Street hopeful wondering how the system reacts in real time, this episode is packed with hard-earned perspective, market wisdom, and—yes—a few deep cuts from Battlestar Galactica. Stay tuned to hear how Steve really feels about being played by Steve Carell, and why sometimes the best strategy is to zoom out, shut off CNBC, and not sell your soul to the volatility gods.Visit Vanta.com/wallstreet for $1,000 off Start your FREE TRIAL of Training The Street's Turbo Macros HEREOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...
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  • 152. It Wasn’t Equity Turmoil That Spooked Trump — It Was the Bond Market. A Deep Dive into WHY
    Send us a textThis week on The Wall Street Skinny, we dive headfirst into the chaos that’s been roiling the markets—and specifically why what's happening in the bond market has investors spooked. Treasury auctions, bond yields, the dollar, and gold are all flashing red, and we break down exactly why. Kristen turns the mic to Jen, who spent nearly a decade on the interest rates desk at Morgan Stanley, Lehman, and Barclays, for an explainer on what exactly is going on in the bond markets and what it means.We unpack the mechanics of recent treasury auctions, why foreign demand may be evaporating, and what that means for the U.S. government’s ability to finance its ballooning debt. If you've ever glossed over headlines about yield curves or direct bidder participation, this episode connects the dots—from tariff policy and inflation fears to bond market dysfunction and reserve currency status. We also tackle the growing concerns around private equity and private credit, where volatility may be hidden under the surface due to lack of mark-to-market transparency.And while it may sound like doom and gloom (spoiler: Jen is not sleeping well), we’re here to arm you with clarity—not panic. Whether you're a finance student trying to break in, a junior banker watching the headlines, or a PE associate wondering how this impacts your portfolio companies, this is your crash course in macro stress, treasury dynamics, and the unintended consequences of trade wars. Visit Vanta.com/wallstreet for $1,000 off Start your FREE TRIAL of Training The Street's Turbo Macros HEREOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...
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  • 151. Tariffs 101: Why the Markets and U.S. Dollar Are Tanking
    Send us a textMarkets are in chaos, which is why on this week’s episode Kristen and Jen ditch the interviews to break down what the hell is happening in markets right now. From tariffs to the dollar and everything in between, we’re unpacking the massive moves in equities, the near-trigger of the circuit breaker, and what April 2nd — aka "Liberation Day" — really means.We dive deep into the economic mechanics behind tariffs — what they are, how they work, and why they’re suddenly wreaking havoc. Jen gives a mini masterclass on the history of U.S. tariff policy, from Smoot-Hawley to modern-day trade wars, plus the ripple effects on the dollar and inflation. We talk stagflation risks, interest rates, retaliation from global trade partners, and whether this all signals a bigger shakeup — including real questions about the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency (along with some conspiracy theories about whether there’s an ulterior motive for these moves).Finally, we pivot to some deal talk, focusing on the all-stock merger between Elon Musk’s xAI and X (formerly Twitter). We break down what the deal actually means, why valuations seem... dubious, and how the whole thing serves as a real-world lesson in equity dilution. Bonus: we close with a little pickleball, skiing, and business etiquette chat — because it’s not all macro mayhem all the time.Visit Vanta.com/wallstreet for $1,000 off Start your FREE TRIAL of Training The Street's Turbo Macros HEREOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...
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  • 150. Real Estate, Sports Investing, and Venture Capital Feat. David Adelman
    Send us a textIt's our special 150th episode!! We’re reuniting with billionaire investor and CEO David Adelman (whom you may remember from our “Sports Investing 101” episode) for a deep dive into his multifaceted empire and brilliant business acumen. David’s story is the stuff of legend. After making his first real estate investment with his bar mitzvah money at the age of 13, David ultimately rose to become CEO of Campus Apartments, followed by FS Investments and Darco Capital.  First, David walks us through the key principles of investing in commercial real estate.  He shares lessons about utilizing leverage, identifying niche markets, and paying attention to young trend-setters. We get a crash course on Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REIT”s), and learn how to avoid the pitfalls of chasing frothy markets. Then, by explaining the history of FS Investments, David walks us through being an early mover on delivering access to private capital investments to non-institutional investors. Next, David delves into his role as a partner in Harris Blitzer Sports Entertainment. He covers the nuances of sports investing vis-a-vis his ownership stakes in the Philadelphia ’76ers, the New Jersey Devils, the Washington Commanders, and Premier League football team (a.k.a., soccer) Crystal Palace. But it’s not just about the teams. David is laser-focused on his newest passion project: developing a world-class sports arena in Philadelphia, set to open in 2030.  And last — but certainly not least — we discuss American Harvest, his luxury vodka brand, and the challenges of conquering the alcohol segment of consumer retail.  Above all, David shares countless hard-fought lessons he’s learned in business. Chief among them? “Don’t be afraid to fail”. Follow David on Instagram @davidadelman and https://www.darcocapital.comVisit Vanta.com/wallstreet for $1,000 off Start your FREE TRIAL of Training The Street's Turbo Macros HEREOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...
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About The Wall Street Skinny

This podcast is a smart and entertaining peek into the world of investment banking, sales & trading, private equity, hedge funds and more. Hosted by two lifelong friends with a passion for teaching, and over two decades of experience on Wall Street.  Discover the basics, ranging from “what is investment banking?” to “what moves markets?".  Learn about different roles and exit opportunities, and get tips on how to land the job.  Our mission is to make the world of Wall Street accessible to everyone, while keeping things relatable and fun.Whether your goal is to work on Wall Street, or if you have NO idea what any of those things are and just want to learn some basics, this podcast is for you.
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