The Wall Street Skinny

Latest Episodes:

152. It Wasn’t Equity Turmoil That Spooked Trump — It Was the Bond Market. A Deep Dive into WHY Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

This 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.

Shop our Self Paced Courses:

Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HERE
Fixed Income Sales & Trading HERE

Subscribe to our Substack: https://substack.com/@thewallstreetskinny

151. Tariffs 101: Why the Markets and U.S. Dollar Are Tanking Apr 04, 2025

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

Markets 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.

Shop our Self Paced Courses:

Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HERE
Fixed Income Sales & Trading HERE

Subscribe to our Substack: https://substack.com/@thewallstreetskinny

150. Real Estate, Sports Investing, and Venture Capital Feat. David Adelman Mar 29, 2025

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

It'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.com

Shop our Self Paced Courses:

Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HERE
Fixed Income Sales & Trading HERE

Subscribe to our Substack: https://substack.com/@thewallstreetskinny

149. Private Wealth Management 102: RIAs vs. PWM in House at a Big Bank ("Wirehouse") feat. Susan Moffat Mar 22, 2025

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

Join hosts Jen and Kristen on The Wall Street Skinny for an insightful exploration of wealth management, as they sit down with Susan Moffatt, co-founder of Curated Wealth Partners, who expertly unpacks the intriguing differences between independent Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) and prestigious wirehouses like JP Morgan and UBS.

Susan provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the multifamily office model and private wealth management, sharing her personal journey and extensive industry experience. Learn firsthand what managing ultra-high-net-worth clients truly involves, from intricate asset allocations to bespoke financial planning strategies. She also offers invaluable guidance on navigating career paths within this rewarding field, dispelling common misconceptions and revealing genuine opportunities available to those aspiring to enter the competitive world of private wealth management.

Additionally, Susan delivers insightful advice on successfully reentering or pivoting within finance, reflecting on her own unique experiences stepping away from and later returning to the industry. Tune in for actionable insights, compelling career stories, and insider knowledge designed to empower you

Susan Moffat is co-founder and president of Curated Wealth Partners, a multi-family office and investment advisor delivering financial advice and well-being to a growing community of clients.

Shop our Self Paced Courses:

Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HERE
Fixed Income Sales & Trading HERE

Subscribe to our Substack: https://substack.com/@thewallstreetskinny

148. "Bitcoin and Birkins": The Ethics of Crypto and the Evolution of Female Investors in the Middle East, feat. Mona Hamdy Mar 15, 2025

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

Shop our Self Paced Courses:

Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HERE
Fixed Income Sales & Trading HERE

Subscribe to our Substack: https://substack.com/@thewallstreetskinny

147. Points & Travel Guide for Wall Street Professionals feat. The Points Guy's Mar 08, 2025

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we sit down with Brian Kelly, aka The Points Guy, to break down the basics of optimizing your credit card strategy, especially for finance professionals and consultants who travel frequently, entertain clients, or rack up significant corporate expenses.

We dive deep into:

✅ Choosing the Right Credit Card: The best cards for maximizing points on travel, dining, and business expenses—and why cash-back cards might not be your best bet.
✅ Making Your Corporate Travel Work for You: How to strategically use company travel, corporate cards, and even reimbursable expenses to build a massive points portfolio.
✅ Elite Status vs. Points Hoarding: Why blindly chasing status might not be worth it—and how to actually leverage loyalty programs for the best perks.
✅ Redeeming: The biggest mistakes people make when cashing in points, how to unlock business and first-class flights for a fraction of the cost, and why redemptions (like gift cards) are a terrible deal.
✅ The Perks No One Talks About: From purchase protections to travel insurance, lounge access, and unexpected ways your credit card can save you thousands.

If you’re in investment banking, consulting, private equity, or any high-travel finance role, this episode will change the way you think about credit card points—and help you optimize every dollar you spend.
Find Brian's book, "How to Win at Travel" HERE
Follow Brian Kelly on Instagram HERE
Follow The Points Guy on Instagram HERE

Shop our Self Paced Courses:

Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HERE
Fixed Income Sales & Trading HERE

Subscribe to our Substack: https://substack.com/@thewallstreetskinny

146. Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition 101 feat. Jesse Safir Mar 01, 2025

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

Join us as we dive deep into the world of Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) with our guest, Jesse Safir, President of ABG Print. In this episode, finance enthusiasts and budding entrepreneurs will find a treasure trove of insights about search funds, self-funded searches, and the nitty-gritty of buying and operating a small business. Jesse shares his journey from being an investment analyst to becoming the President of a printing company, shedding light on the decision-making process, the importance of due diligence, and the challenges encountered along the way.

Discover the intricacies of financing acquisitions, including the roles of bank debt, seller debt, and SBA loans in structuring deals. Jesse's firsthand experience with navigating these financial tools provides a practical guide for anyone looking to understand the financial frameworks that support entrepreneurship through acquisition. He explains the nuances of asset versus stock purchase deals and the critical considerations for evaluating a business's financial health and growth potential.

Financial listeners will also hear about the impact of external market shocks, like the COVID-19 pandemic, on small businesses and the strategies employed to navigate these turbulent times. Jesse offers a candid look at operational pivots, cash conservation techniques, and the resilience required to not only survive but thrive through unprecedented challenges. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of finance and entrepreneurship, offering a masterclass in business acquisition, management, and recovery.

Follow Jesse on LinkedIn here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessesafir/

Follow ABG Print on Instagram @abgprint

Shop our Self Paced Courses:

Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HERE
Fixed Income Sales & Trading HERE

Subscribe to our Substack: https://substack.com/@thewallstreetskinny

INDUSTRY S2E6 | "Short to the Point of Pain": GameStop, Short Squeezes, Fundamentals and More Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we break down Season 2, Episode 6: "Short to the point of pain". The plot centers around FastAid, a company caught in the middle of a short squeeze reminiscent of GameStop’s 2021 rally. We analyze the mechanics of short selling, how hedge funds and institutional traders manage risk in volatile positions, and why liquidity and market perception play crucial roles in determining price action. The episode highlights how traders react to crowded short positions and the ways in which misreads on positioning can lead to significant losses. The discussion also touches on market-making, bid-ask spreads, and the importance of accurately assessing order flow in a high-pressure trading environment.

Jesse Bloom’s reference to the Martingale betting strategy provides insight into flawed risk management approaches that have historically led to major financial losses. We break down how doubling down on losing trades can amplify risk, drawing parallels to hedge fund collapses and the dangers of overleveraging in financial markets. Additionally, the episode examines how narratives and sentiment, rather than fundamentals, often drive price action—echoing the GameStop short squeeze, where retail traders forced institutional investors to exit short positions at unsustainable prices. The FastAid trade also raises questions about the role of market makers, liquidity providers, and how short-term pricing inefficiencies can be exploited.

Beyond the trading floor, the episode also explores the broader implications of professional decision-making in finance. Gus’s career shift highlights the tension between public service and financial ambition, mirroring real-world debates about the role of finance professionals in shaping economic policy. Meanwhile, the discussion of legacy and career trajectory reflects how individuals in finance weigh personal fulfillment against external expectations. As the episode unfolds, it underscores the high-risk, high-reward nature of trading and the broader structural forces that shape financial markets.

Shop our Self Paced Courses:

Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HERE
Fixed Income Sales & Trading HERE

Subscribe to our Substack: https://substack.com/@thewallstreetskinny

144. Pete Muller, Founder of PDT Partners on Building One of the Top Performing Quantitative Hedge Funds Feb 22, 2025

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Wall Street Skinny, we sit down with one of the most legendary quant investors of all time—Pete Muller. As the founder of PDT Partners, one of the top performing quantitative hedge funds that spun out of Morgan Stanley, Pete shares his fascinating journey. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at how statistical arbitrage strategies drive market success, the importance of building a strong research-driven team, and why trust and collaboration are essential in quantitative finance.

Beyond the trading floor, Pete’s story takes unexpected turns. From high-stakes poker games that sharpened his risk management skills to a deep passion for music, he discusses how these seemingly unrelated pursuits have shaped his approach to investing. He also delves into the emotional side of finance—how quants, despite relying on models, still experience the highs and lows of market movements, and why understanding human psychology is just as critical as analyzing data.

Whether you’re an aspiring quant, a seasoned investor, or just someone intrigued by the intersection of finance, strategy, and creativity, this episode is packed with insights.

Plus, as a special treat, we close the episode with a song from Pete Muller and the Kindred Souls—his band that embodies his lifelong love for music. Tune in for an engaging discussion on markets, models, and the unexpected ways in which finance and the arts collide.

Find more about Pete’s music at https://www.petemuller.com/

Shop our Self Paced Courses:

Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HERE
Fixed Income Sales & Trading HERE

Subscribe to our Substack: https://substack.com/@thewallstreetskinny

INDUSTRY S2E5 | "Kitchen Season" MD Promotion Process, On Campus Recruiting, M&A & More! Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

Season 2, Episode 5 titled Kitchen Season, kicks off with a discussion on the intricacies of investment banking promotions, specifically focusing on the elusive Managing Director (MD) title. Kristen and Jen explore how promotions in finance are not linear and often depend on numerous factors including firm politics, desk performance, and the candidate's rockstar qualities. They dissect Rishi’s predicament, comparing the rapid ascent of star traders versus those who languish in executive director roles for years.

The conversation then shifts to the critical implications of mergers and acquisitions, highlighting a potential Amazon and FastAid deal that could spell disaster for smaller competitors like Rican. As Gus finds himself privy to insider information in his political role, the stakes rise significantly for Jesse and Harper’s financial strategies. Kristen and Jen break down the potential fallout from these corporate maneuvers and what it means for the characters involved.

Listeners are then treated to an analysis of the recruitment strategies employed by investment banks, illustrated through Robert's experience at Oxford. They discuss how top-tier firms entice the brightest minds with promises of prestige and financial rewards, revealing the high-pressure tactics used to lure in future bankers. This episode is a must-listen for finance enthusiasts as it intricately ties personal struggles with professional growth in the high-stakes world of investment banking.

Shop our Self Paced Courses:

Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HERE
Fixed Income Sales & Trading HERE

Subscribe to our Substack: https://substack.com/@thewallstreetskinny

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected