In this episode, V discusses developing as a trader through the 2021–22 bear market and how a macro framework shapes his approach. He breaks down positioning vs prediction, interest rate differentials, and carry trades, while exploring how macro conviction translates into intraday execution. The conversation covers narratives, data, Fed policy, crypto rotations, and possible next bear market scenarios — ending with insights on building edge, balancing discretion and quant, and leveraging the right tools.

00:00:00 Intro, V’s background, starting to trade during the 2021–22 bear market

00:05:09 Macro traders, positioning vs prediction, VAR shocks, applying macro to trading

00:23:54 2024 selloff, interest rate differentials, carry trades and correlations

00:33:11 Macro as conviction, holding trades, scalping liquidations, intraday execution

00:41:08 Market data, narratives vs positioning, outlook on Fed, Trump, tariffs and gold

00:51:26 Crypto rotations, lack of narratives, comparisons to 2021, seasonality and Q4 flows

00:58:21 Next bear market scenarios, stagflation fears, sideways chop vs crash

01:13:29 Closing thoughts on finding your edge, discretionary vs quant, importance of tools