Alf and Brent discuss recent market developments with a focus on the ''big beautiful bill'' that Republicans are trying to pass in the House and Senate. The initial estimate suggest new tax cuts would increase US budget deficits by about $500bn per year for the next decade. Will the market give another free pass to US deficits, or will the bond/USD vigilantes show up this time?

Alf and Brent discuss the reflexivity bias: now that the S&P500 is rallying again, investors are keen to talk about AI Capex driving indexes higher - where were they when we hit 4,800? Always be aware of your negative and positive biases. The duo also discusses recession odds and a gameplan to approach rates, FX and equity markets.

To contact Alf: ping Alfonso Peccatiello on Bloomberg

To contact Brent: ping Brent Donnelly on Bloomberg

Podcast transcript: https://www.spectramarkets.com/tmtf-transcript-01may25/

This week, Alf and Brent focus on an obscure yet crucial component of FX flows: the hedging needs from large institutional investors. These whales own $33+ trillion of USD-denominated assets, and over the last 15 years they have systematically under-hedged their USD exposure - were they to change their mind forecasting a weaker USD, there could be trillions of US Dollars to sell.

Want to chat with Alf? Ping him (Alfonso Peccatiello) on Bloomberg

Want to chat with Brent? Ping him (Brent Donnelly) on Bloomberg

Alf and Brent discuss the incredible price action we are witnessing: USD down, equities down, and now bond yields up too. This is what Bond Vigilantes price action looks like, and while it's typical in emerging markets it's almost unprecedented in the US. 

Want to reach out to Alf? Ping him on BBG: Alfonso Peccatiello

Want to reach out to Brent? Ping him on BBG: Brent Donnelly

Transcript: https://www.spectramarkets.com/tmtf-transcript-10apr25/

Alf and Brent discuss the ''Liberation Day'' deadline for tariffs - and come up with some interesting conclusions. Also, the duo assesses what the Trump administration's long-term plan might be. Finally, Alf and Brent discuss the concept and risk management behind carry trades.

Transcript: https://www.spectramarkets.com/tmtf-transcript-27mar25/

Alf and Brent discuss the German fiscal stimulus announcement: with its gigantic magnitude and fast-track process, this marks a historical turnaround for Germany and Europe. The implications for markets are big in stocks, bonds, and FX.

If you want to chat with Alf, ping him (Alfonso Peccatiello) on Bloomberg or send an email to [email protected]

If you want to chat with Brent, ping him (Brent Donnelly) on Bloomberg.

Alf and Brent unpack the last big market moves which investors are broadly interpreting as a growth scare. Is that the correct interpretation? And in general: are we going to have a US growth scare or not?

Interested in Alf's institutional macro research?

Contact him (Alfonso Peccatiello) on Bloomberg or via [email protected]

Interested in Brent's daily FX research reports?

Contact him (Brent Donnelly) on Bloomberg or check out Spectra AM/FX

Markets are caught between cross currents, and the thesis for a stronger USD / sticky inflation seems as valid as the thesis for gentle disinflation / slower growth. Brent and Alf discuss what the next big macro trade could be.

Want access to Alf's institutional macro research? Ping him (Alfonso Peccatiello) on Bloomberg or send an email at [email protected]

Want access to Brent's research notes? Ping him (Brent Donnelly) on Bloomberg or visit https://www.spectramarkets.com/am-fx/

Transcript: https://www.spectramarkets.com/tmtf-transcript-20feb25/

In this episode, Alf and Brent reflect on the upcoming ''Tariff Day'' and how to trade it. The duo shares their scenario-based approach covering multiple asset classes including bonds, FX and equities.

Alf can be reached via X (@MacroAlf) and on Bloomberg (Alfonso Peccatiello)

Brent can be reached via X (@@donnelly_brent) and on Bloomberg (Brent Donnelly)

Show notes: https://50in50.substack.com/p/trade-6-options-or-cash

Transcript: https://www.spectramarkets.com/tmtf-transcript-17jan25/

Alf and Brent discuss the big moves in UK bond markets and the drop in the UK Sterling: bond vigilantes are in action, but what next? They also focus on the upcoming tariff announcement and the impact on US bond markets, the US Dollar and equity markets.

Transcript: https://www.spectramarkets.com/tmtf-transcript-10jan25/