

Odd Lots
Bloomberg
Bloomberg's Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway explore the most interesting topics in finance, markets and economics. Join the conversation every Monday and Thursday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

6 snips
Jun 6, 2024 • 53min
Orsted's Americas CEO on Fixing What Went Wrong in Wind Power
David Hardy, CEO of Orsted Americas, shares his deep insights into the wind power industry. He discusses last year's project cancellations and the shifting landscape due to higher interest rates and supply chain issues. Hardy also explores the implications of potential political changes and when we might see subsidy-free onshore wind projects in the U.S. Furthermore, he analyzes the urgent need for a robust supply chain and the financial complexities that could shape the future of renewable energy.

41 snips
Jun 3, 2024 • 56min
Corporations Learned The Maximum Amount They Can Charge For a Product
Lindsay Owens, executive director of the Groundwork Collaborative and author of "Gouge," joins David Dayen, executive editor of The American Prospect, to dissect the world of corporate pricing. They reveal how algorithms and data are reshaping what consumers pay for everyday items like hamburgers, highlighting the impact of gamification and dynamic pricing. The discussion touches on ethical concerns surrounding personalized pricing, the challenges it poses for lower-income consumers, and the widening economic disparities in pricing strategies.

6 snips
May 31, 2024 • 23min
Lots More on the Two Troubled NYC Office Buildings Everyone's Talking About
Hiten Samtani, founder of ten31 Media, offers valuable insights into the recent turmoil in New York's commercial real estate market. The discussion centers around the troubling fates of 1740 and 1440 Broadway, analyzing their impact on AAA-rated bonds and delinquency rates. Samtani explores the complexities of tenant concentration, financial implications, and the innovative ideas for repurposing vacant office spaces. He also delves into the evolving landscape of office real estate, highlighting the challenges and potential solutions for a struggling market.

13 snips
May 30, 2024 • 44min
The Big Problem With the Modern Electricity Grid
In a riveting discussion, Matt Huber, a geography and environment professor, and Fred Stafford, a pseudonymous writer on energy markets, delve into the quirks of the modern electricity grid. They explore the complex interplay between regulation and market dynamics that hampers nuclear energy's role. The duo reveals the ironic challenges of decarbonizing our power sources, scrutinizes how monopolistic tendencies affect competition, and highlights the fascinating landscape of renewable energy integration. Their insights make the intricacies of energy consumption accessible and thought-provoking.

16 snips
May 29, 2024 • 47min
Are We Doing Decarbonization Totally the Wrong Way?
Brett Christophers, a professor at Uppsala University and author specializing in clean energy economics, shares thought-provoking insights on decarbonization. He argues that current market-driven methods conflict with the urgent need to clean the grid. The conversation highlights the paradox of falling solar costs alongside rising electricity bills. Christophers critiques the profit motives in renewable energy funding and discusses the contrasting capabilities of wealthy and poorer nations in adopting clean technologies. He addresses the challenges in financing and investing in renewable energy amidst growing fossil fuel generation.

20 snips
May 27, 2024 • 52min
How a Professional Sports Bettor Really Makes Money
In this conversation, Isaac Rose-Berman, a professional sports gambler and author of the How Gambling Works newsletter, unveils his betting strategies and market insights. He discusses the explosive growth of sports gambling and how mobile betting is transforming the industry. Isaac delves into exotic bets, the art of spotting value, and the challenges bettors face with sportsbooks. He also addresses the societal effects of gambling, particularly on younger audiences, and shares tips for responsible betting amid the changing landscape.

6 snips
May 24, 2024 • 30min
Lots More With Luke Kawa on Memestock Mania 2.0
In this engaging discussion, Luke Kawa, former Bloomberg News markets editor and expert on WallStreetBets, breaks down the recent surge in GameStop's stock driven by social media buzz. He compares this wave of meme stock mania to the frenzy of 2021, exploring the power of retail investors and the impact of key influencers like Roaring Kitty. Kawa also dives into how the narrative around speculative trading is evolving, linking meme stocks with trends in crypto and sports betting. Get insights into the shifting dynamics of the market!

6 snips
May 23, 2024 • 46min
How a DOJ Economist Approaches Antitrust in America
Ioana Marinescu, a principal economist at the DOJ's Antitrust Division and a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, dives deep into the evolving landscape of antitrust in America. She discusses the impact of monopolies on pricing and innovation, with case studies like the Penguin Random House merger. Marinescu explores how corporate concentration affects wages and competition, emphasizing the critical role of antitrust in fiscal health. The conversation also touches on the implications for tech companies and labor markets, highlighting the need for robust enforcement.

May 21, 2024 • 2min
Introducing: Big Take Asia
Dive into the dynamic economies of Asia and explore the complex interplay of cultures and markets. Discover the challenges surrounding press freedom in India, innovative economic strategies from Japan, and the geopolitical tensions with North Korea. Each story uncovers the real forces shaping the region’s future, revealing why Asia's influence is more critical than ever.

108 snips
May 20, 2024 • 49min
How to Succeed at Multi-Strategy Hedge Funds
Giuseppe 'Gappy' Paleologo, a seasoned expert in multi-strategy hedge funds and author, shares his insights into this dynamic finance landscape. He explains the unique roles within multi-strat firms and what sets them apart from traditional hedge funds. The conversation covers essential strategies for success, focusing on risk management and innovative trade idea generation. Gappy also emphasizes the importance of diversification and the interplay between trader independence and organizational culture in driving performance.


