Bubble Trouble features conversations between economist and author Will Page and independent analyst Richard Kramer that lay out some inconvenient truths about how financial markets really work. Like the “boy who cried wolf,” financial markets have a peculiar tendency to repeat past mistakes and get themselves into “bubble trouble.” They party hard, drink too much of the Kool Aid, and wake up with a pounding hangover...only to do the same thing the next day. With tech dominating daily headlines and teenage traders driving stocks to unprecedented valuations, you might be asking “What’s really going on?” “What am I missing?” Imagine having a set of tour guides to tell you the “story behind the story” of the world’s largest tech companies, and how they bend - or break - the rules of economics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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February 17, 20250 min
We're Taking A Break!
After 138 episodes and almost four years to the day since we recorded our first one, Will and Richard have decided to take a break. We do plan to continue Bubble Trouble, and we are not short of bubbles that are causing trouble, but we want to take time to recharge and reflect on how we can make the show better than ever. We hope you’ll look back through the archives as there are so many episodes that are every bit as relevant today as they were in 2021 when we started. We’ll have word soon on when you can expect new episodes, but thanks so much for listening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 3, 202547 min
An X-Rated Account of Twitter with Kurt Wagner
Who doesn’t like to talk about Twitter and Tweets? Word of mouth (or tweet) is the secret sauce of its success. But has it ever been successful? And if it hasn’t, how do you gauge the impact of Elon Musk’s shock therapy over the past two years? Journalist Kurt Wagner joins to share his deep dive profile of the tortured history of Twitter. [Repeat from May, 2024] For more on Bubble Trouble, including transcripts of the show, visit us online at http://bubbletroublepodcast.com You can learn more about Richard at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-kramer-16306b2/ More on Will Page at: https://pivotaleconomics.com (Times below correspond to the episode without considering any inserted advertisements.) This episode of Bubble Trouble features a conversation with Bloomberg journalist Kurt Wagner, author of 'Battle for the Bird,' a book about Twitter's tumultuous history and evolution, particularly under Elon Musk's ownership. The hosts, independent analyst Richard Kramer and economist Will Page, delve into Twitter’s origins, its struggle to monetize effectively compared to giants like Meta, and the significant influence of Jack Dorsey’s leadership style on the platform's direction. They discuss the platform's missed opportunities, such as Vine and Periscope, and how it became a place where 'good ideas go to die.' The discussion also covers Musk's takeover, his attempts to transform Twitter into 'X', and the challenges of balancing free speech with the need for content moderation and advertiser appeal. Wagner shares insights on the potential future of 'X', the impact of Musk's leadership on the platform's advertising and user engagement, and the skepticism surrounding the 'everything app' concept Musk envisions. 00:00 Introduction 01:02 Part One 01:02 Deep Dive with Kurt Wagner: The Story of Twitter 02:36 The Origins and Evolution of Twitter 06:20 Twitter's User Base and Business Model Explored 09:10 The Challenges of Twitter's Business Model 14:10 Board Dynamics and Google's Influence on Twitter 18:03 Extravagant Spending and Corporate Culture at Twitter 21:13 Reflections on Twitter's Stock Performance 23:47 The Almost Disney-Twitter Deal: A Glimpse into Corporate Negotiations 24:29 Twitter's Quest for a Savior and Its Struggle for Independence 25:53 Missed Opportunities: The Story of Vine and Periscope 27:27 Part Two 27:27 Transition to Part Two: The Elon Musk Era at Twitter 27:49 The Challenges of Rebranding Twitter to X and Musk's Controversial Leadership 28:32 The Impact of Elon Musk's Actions on Twitter's Ad Revenue and Brand Safety 36:52 The Struggle with Bots and Spam: Has It Gotten Worse? 40:06 Free Speech Under Musk: A Double-Edged Sword 44:26 The Everything App Ambition: A Skeptical View 46:33 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgements 47:01 Credits Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 27, 202556 min
Tectonic Shifts in TV with Doug Shapiro
This week let’s settle back to our sofas, grab our remote controls and work out what to watch with Doug Shapiro, among the most prominent voices in the world of television and its tech disrupters. His clear and concise work, all available to watch and read on his website is the go to for thousands. For more on Bubble Trouble, including transcripts of the show, visit us online at http://bubbletroublepodcast.com You can learn more about Richard at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-kramer-16306b2/ More on Will Page at: https://pivotaleconomics.com (Times below correspond to the episode without considering any inserted advertisements.) In this episode of Bubble Trouble, hosts delve into the intricacies of media disruption with Doug Shapiro, a prominent voice in TV, economics, and tech. Celebrating over a century of their show's success, they explore topics such as the supply and demand curve changes, the potential of AI in content creation, and the future of media companies amidst technological advancements. Shapiro offers insights into the tectonic shifts affecting the industry, from the rise of new media over traditional formats to the economic implications of infinite content in a world of fixed demand. The discussion also touches on intellectual property, the ethics surrounding AI, and the challenges faced by incumbents in adapting to rapid innovation. 00:00 Introduction 00:42 Part One 00:49 Guest Introduction: Doug Shapiro 01:12 Doug Shapiro's Career Journey 02:12 The Evolution of Media Consumption 03:50 Supply and Demand in Media 07:19 Generative AI and Content Creation 10:32 The Future of Media Distribution 23:09 The Creator Economy and Power Laws 27:13 Part Two 27:30 Hollywood vs. Big Tech 30:00 AI's Impact on Hollywood: A Double-Edged Sword 30:44 Disruption in the Entertainment Industry 31:23 The Future of High-End Content 32:06 AI as a Productivity Tool in Hollywood 32:46 The Rise of AI-Enabled Studios 33:43 Introducing Sora: The Future of Content Creation 35:14 The Turing Test in Video Content 38:22 Local Content vs. Global Tent Poles 40:21 The Copyright Conundrum 41:56 The Dirty Deal: Media and Tech Collusion 48:06 The Fair Use Debate 50:59 Disruption is Hard: Lessons from Netflix 54:22 Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook 55:42 Credits Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 20, 202550 min
Mapping the Terrain w/ Dror Poleg
In this episode of Bubble Trouble, hosts Richard Kramer and Will Page return with guest Dror Poleg, an expert in real estate and economic history. They discuss the volatility expected in 2025, reflections on the work-from-home trend, and the dynamic interplay between geopolitics and everyday life. With insights into real estate bubbles, economic predictions, and the evolving nature of productivity, Dror offers a deep dive into how technological advancements shape our physical and economic world. The conversation also covers topics such as the challenges in the housing market, defense spending, AI investment, and the impact of geopolitical shifts. This episode is packed with thought-provoking discussions and forecasts for the near future. 00:00 00:00 Introduction 00:52 Part One 01:00 Guest Introduction 03:34 Real Estate Market Insights 06:15 Challenges in Urban Development 11:46 Rethinking Productivity and Inequality 19:38 Future of Work and Education 24:06 The Flaw of GDP and Productivity 24:23 Discussing the Book: Mismatch Between Economy and World 26:31 Part Two 26:49 Encouraging Success and Taxing It 28:47 Innovation and Public Investment Funds 33:33 US Government and Defense Spending 43:28 AI and the Future of Compute 46:48 Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Book 49:54 Credits Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 14, 202542 min
All Your Eggs in One Big Tech Basket [Repeat]
This week we get into portfolio theory, or lack of, as for many the rush to big tech and wilful ignorance of everything else Wall Street has to offer seems to be the rule as opposed to the exception. Why is that, and is it sustainable? [Repeat from February, 2024] For more on Bubble Trouble, including transcripts of the show, visit us online at http://bubbletroublepodcast.com You can learn more about Richard at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-kramer-16306b2/ More on Will Page at: https://pivotaleconomics.com (Times below correspond to the episode without considering any inserted advertisements.) The Magnificent Seven: Unpacking the Impact of Big US Tech Stocks In this episode, Richard Kramer and Will Page, analysts specializing in financial markets, discuss the 'Magnificent Seven', a term referring to the big US tech companies and their significant market impact. Kramer eloquently illustrates the concentration of wealth within these tech giants and their extensive media coverage, which contributes to their continual growth. They discuss the concept of long tail distributions and how it correlates with a constraint in attention leading to invested interest in just a few companies. They scrutinize the implications of concentrated wealth and potential future industry shifts, emphasizing the need for cautious investment strategies, despite the allure of being swept up in booming tech sectors. 00:01 Introduction 00:48 Part One 00:48 The Role of Big US Tech in Portfolio Theory 03:30 The Magnificent Seven: Who Are They? 07:28 The Long Tail Effect in Financial Markets 22:56 The Investment Thesis: Backing Big Tech 23:13 Part Two 23:25 The Geographic Disparity in Big Tech 38:09 Smoke Signals: Indicators of Market Shifts 41:41 Conclusion: The Future of Big Tech Investments 41:54 Credits Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
December 30, 202447 min
Taking Stock Before a Bubbly Year
We have had over 30 episodes of Bubble Trouble this year, and had some real highlights along with a mad world we are living in. And now after a predictions show with Benedict Evans last week, we move on to our own look back to highlight the must-listen shows of 2024 and turn to the top troubles with bubbles to watch out for in 2025. Will’s favorite shows of 2024: Law Without Lawyers: A Conversation with Damien Riehl The Meltdown of Credit Suisse w/ Duncan Mavin You Can't Lead If You Don't Know Where You're Going Richards favorite shows of 2024: AI Supremacy and Ethical Dilemmas: A Conversation with Parmy Olson Kill the Chicken to Scare The Monkey with guest Linda Yueh The Meltdown of Credit Suisse w/ Duncan Mavin Fiscal Drag Queen Thames Water gets Whacked with guest Feargal Sharkey Will’s folder of research reports: HERE For more on Bubble Trouble, including transcripts of the show, visit us online at http://bubbletroublepodcast.com You can learn more about Richard at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-kramer-16306b2/ More on Will Page at: https://pivotaleconomics.com (Times below correspond to the episode without considering any inserted advertisements.) Bubble Trouble Year-End Review: Top Episodes and Predictions for 2025 00:00 Introduction and Year in Review 00:33 Part One 00:41 Predictions and Highlights of 2024 01:16 Memorable Moments and Listener Feedback 02:44 Bronze Medal: Bill Raduchel’s Insight 04:58 Silver Medal: Duncan Maven and Credit Suisse 07:43 Gold Medal: Law Without Lawyers 11:09 Richard's Oscar Categories 13:48 Social Impact: Fergal Sharky on Water Management 17:36 Market Bubbles and Fiscal Policies 22:13 Closing Thoughts and Part Two Teaser 22:38 Part Two 22:59 Predictions and Skepticism 23:32 AI and the Rationalization of Apps 24:47 Winners and Losers in the AI Era 25:57 The Future of Review Platforms 28:28 Emerging Companies to Watch 35:13 Market Trends and Volatility 40:36 The Crisis in Journalism 44:40 AI Hype vs. Reality 45:57 Closing Thoughts and Reflections 47:14 Credits Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
December 23, 202446 min
Into the Future with Benedict Evans
Back by popular demand, returning guest Benedict Evans to help us work out where we’ll be a year from now. This is our first predictions show, and Benedict has been brave enough to lead from the front with his latest presentation AI Eats the World . Will it? And if it does, what sort of indigestion will it bring? We double down on what the next twelve months will bring given the avalanche of “events-dear-boy-events” we’ve witnessed in the last twelve. For more on Bubble Trouble, including transcripts of the show, visit us online at http://bubbletroublepodcast.com You can learn more about Richard at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-kramer-16306b2/ More on Will Page at: https://pivotaleconomics.com (Times below correspond to the episode without considering any inserted advertisements.) Join hosts Richard Kramer and Will Page in one of the final episodes of 2024 as they team up with independent analyst Richard Kramer and economist and author Will Page, alongside returning guest Benedict Evans. In this prediction-packed episode, the trio dives into the year-long buzz around AI. They dissect the concept of 'AI Eats the World' — exploring if AI truly has the transformative power it's touted to have and what potential pitfalls could arise. From decoding AI trends to the proliferation of machine learning across industries, this episode provides a candid discussion on the future of AI, its impacts, and the upcoming challenges. Plus, they explore legal implications, the role of consultancy giants like Accenture in the AI wave, and the future landscape of professions impacted by AI innovations. Don't miss this insightful deep dive into what technology and AI advancements might hold for the year ahead. 00:00 Introduction and Show Setup 00:46 Part One 01:19 Understanding AI and Machine Learning 03:46 AI's Practical Applications 07:06 AI in the Legal Profession 15:58 Jevons Paradox and AI's Future Impact 21:01 Part Two 25:01 Creative Brainstorming with AI 25:11 The Value of Unique Perspectives 25:53 Skepticism Towards Big Consultancies 26:55 Accenture's Role in AI 28:33 Generative AI in Business 31:37 The Democratization of AI 34:02 AI's Impact on Various Industries 41:19 Future of AI in Media and Entertainment 45:51 Closing Thoughts and Reflections 46:38 Credits Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
December 16, 202447 min
Why Stocks Get Whacked
When markets get fooled, stocks get …well, WHACKED, to quote a famous Kramerism. Our audience deserves to know more about volatility - for all the PhDs, MBAs and CFAs working on Wall Street, for all the compliance rules and regulations, why is it that a stock can go from hero to zero so quickly? Why is stability in itself destabilizing? [Repeat from May, 2024] For more on Bubble Trouble, including transcripts of the show, visit us online at http://bubbletroublepodcast.com You can learn more about Richard at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-kramer-16306b2/ More on Will Page at: https://pivotaleconomics.com (Times below correspond to the episode without considering any inserted advertisements.) Understanding Market Volatility: The Seven Deadly Sins That Get Stocks Whacked In this episode of Bubble Trouble, hosted by independent analyst Richard Kramer and economist Will Page, the duo delves into the intricacies of stock market volatility and the factors that lead to significant drops in stock values, often referred to as getting 'whacked.' They explore why financial markets remain volatile despite compliance rules and thorough analysis by Wall Street's experts. Using recent examples like Duolingo and Double Verify, they highlight how sentiment, market expectations, and artificial intelligence fears influence stock performance. They introduce the concept of the seven deadly sins—ranging from expectations management to fake it till you make it—that companies and analysts commit, causing stocks to tank. The discussion covers essential themes like the role of credibility, influence of peer performance, external market factors, and the impact of fear and greed. They also touch on larger market dynamics, such as the dominance of tech giants and the influence of algorithmic trading. The episode is both an educational dive into market mechanics and a cautionary tale for investors, emphasizing the importance of understanding broader market sentiments and the potential pitfalls of speculative trading. 00:00 Introduction 01:18 Part One 02:30 Recent Examples of Stocks Getting Whacked 06:08 The Role of Expectations in Market Behavior 10:53 Credibility and Its Impact on Stocks 16:17 The Influence of Peer Groups and Market Share 18:19 Mathematical Models and Black Swans 23:09 Part Two 24:15 The Sheer Size of Companies and Market Impact 25:13 Big Companies and Revenue Growth Challenges 26:33 Market Dynamics and Money Managers 27:04 Thought Experiment: Market Crowding 28:53 Taxing Market Capitalization 34:18 Fear and Greed in Financial Markets 40:11 Unprofitable IPOs and Market Distortions 42:47 Seven Deadly Sins of Stock Trading 46:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 46:53 Credits Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
December 9, 202442 min
How Much Is Copyright Worth?
In the last couple episodes, we've looked at the property market, we've looked at the demise of Credit Suisse, but now we're gonna go one-on-one with Will Page, talking about his latest work: How much is copyright worth and the way in which music is having its own, getting back at cinema. For more on Bubble Trouble, including transcripts of the show, visit us online at http://bubbletroublepodcast.com You can learn more about Richard at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-kramer-16306b2/ More on Will Page at: https://pivotaleconomics.com In this episode of Bubble Trouble, Richard Kramer and economist Will Page dive into the fascinating world of music copyright. They explore the market value, currently pegged at $45.5 billion, and discuss what this number entails, including the roles of record labels, collecting societies, and publishers. They delve deep into the growing significance of vinyl records, the influence of streaming services, and the striking impact of globalization on music trade flows. Additionally, they discuss new market opportunities, the potential for further growth, and the future of direct artist-to-fan engagements. Join the conversation to understand the changing dynamics of the music industry and the economic forces shaping it. 00:00 Introduction to Bubble Trouble 00:35 Part One 01:10 Exploring the Value of Copyright 02:23 The Economics of Music Copyright 07:12 Streaming vs. Cinema: A Shift in Consumption 17:08 The Vinyl Revival 19:31 Part Two 19:31 Global Impact of Music Copyright 22:32 The Global Impact of Reggaeton 22:47 Economic Disparities in Music Streaming 23:25 The Big Mac Index and Media Trade 24:50 K-Pop's Global Dominance 26:20 The Role of Government in Music Industry Success 28:36 Canada's Multicultural Music Scene 30:06 The Rise of Punjabi-Canadian Artists 33:12 The Future of Music Copyright and Streaming 37:41 Direct Artist-to-Fan Relationships 40:50 Emerging Markets and the Future of Copyright 41:51 Conclusion and Future Episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
December 2, 202453 min
Learning From A Doer: A Conversation with Roger Madelin
Today we are going deep with a real creator. No, not one of the avatars of AI influencers in the creator economy, but someone who builds things that take 20 years to complete, Roger Madelin, CBE, the name behind the scenes in making London's Kings Cross a reality. For more on Bubble Trouble, including transcripts of the show, visit us online at http://bubbletroublepodcast.com You can learn more about Richard at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-kramer-16306b2/ More on Will Page at: https://pivotaleconomics.com (Times below correspond to the episode without considering any inserted advertisements.) Transformation and Challenges with King's Cross Visionary Roger Madeline In this episode of Bubble Trouble, co-hosts Richard Kramer and Will Page delve into urban development with Roger Madelin, CBE. Known for his transformative work at London's King's Cross, Roger shares insights on large-scale urban projects, navigating economic cycles, and the intricacies of aligning diverse stakeholders' interests. The discussion also covers the controversial HS2 rail project, the importance of integrating cultural elements in city planning, and the current political landscape influencing housing policies. Roger emphasizes the need for a strong vision, the significance of public spaces, and the necessity of balancing private and public sector efforts to create vibrant, inclusive urban environments. 00:00 Introduction 00:48 Part One 02:16 Transforming King's Cross 03:56 Reflecting on Urban Development 05:48 The Impact of Smartening Up Train Stations 08:45 Navigating Economic Cycles in Urban Projects 15:20 The Future of Workspaces Post-COVID 20:09 Balancing Luxury and Community in Property Development 24:48 Preview of Part Two: HS2 and Urban Planning Challenges 25:34 Part Two 26:50 Challenges of High-Speed Rail in the UK 29:43 The Flaws in High-Speed Two's Business Case 32:08 Comparing High-Speed One and High-Speed Two 34:00 The Importance of Comfort Over Speed 36:03 The Role of Arts and Culture in City Development 42:09 Political and Economic Challenges in Urban Development 52:24 Closing Remarks and Reflections 53:17 Credits Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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