In this episode, we unravel the mechanics of how modern markets work and what drives investment performance. You’ll learn how risk and return shape every decision, why the time value of money matters, and what really separates money markets from capital markets. We’ll also explore how stocks, bonds, and other securities are valued — and what investors mean when they talk about “pricing risk.” Then we dive into the deeper theories behind portfolio construction, from the logic of the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) to the flexibility of the Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT), and discuss how market efficiency and global transactions influence returns. Whether you’re an investor or simply curious about how financial systems create value, this episode connects theory to real-world impact.