Macrocast by FTP & Markets Policy Partners

Hosted by FTP & Markets Policy Partners

Business Investing News

Website RSS feed

Episodes

111

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

A pod at the intersection of financial markets and government policy

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 12, 202635 min

Inflation, Blockbuster IPOs, and Soccer: All on Today's Episode

In this episode of the Macrocast, John, Brendan and Ed kick off with a discussion of this week's U.S. inflation data. The analyze both the CPI and PPI, noting that despite the elevated numbers, especially for producers, markets took the data in stride.Next, they discussed the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee meeting, the first with Kevin Warsh as Chair. They cover his views on the correct measure of inflation, possible changes to Fed communications going forward, and the challenges of chairing the Committee where all the other members have roles independent of his influence.The team also covers the SpaceX IPO, highlighting some of the opportunities and concerns for investors and what it could tell us about other IPOs expected this year.Finally, they talk a little about the World Cup and the excitement that many international tourists are sharing on social media about their visits to the U.S. For more about the hosts, please see below:FTPMarkets Policy Partners

June 5, 202640 min

Jobs Friday, Shifting Markets, and What Comes Next

In this episode of the Macrocast, John, Brendan, and Ed break down a surprisingly strong jobs report and what it is doing to expectations for markets and the Fed. They look at the mixed reaction across stocks and bonds, the shift in market leadership, and what it all signals for the path ahead.The conversation also steps back to cover upcoming tech IPOs, rising geopolitical tensions, and key policy debates in Washington. They finish with a broader view of the global economy and the pressures building across different regions.For more about the hosts, please see below: Forbes Tate PartnersMarkets Policy Partners

May 29, 202637 min

Iran Deal Hopes, Fed Headwinds, and the AI Trade

This week on the Macrocast, the team broke down the market’s reaction to potential Iran deal developments, exploring how lower oil prices and a possible reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could ease inflation pressures and influence Treasury yields. They also discussed the challenges facing incoming Fed Chair Kevin Warsh as the Fed continues to navigate sticky inflation and a still-hawkish policy backdrop.The episode also explored rising concerns around the AI trade, tech stock concentration, and whether the broader market rally may be starting to lose momentum. Ed shared updates from Capitol Hill, including bipartisan efforts to reform college athletics, while the team previewed upcoming May jobs data that could play a key role in shaping the Fed’s next moves.For more about the hosts, please see below: Forbes Tate PartnersMarkets Policy Partners

May 22, 202641 min

The Macro Picture: China, Rates, and Healthcare ft. Special Guest Barrett Thornhill

The Macrocast this week turns to healthcare and biotech with special guest Barrett Thornhill of FTP joining John Fagan, Ed Hill, and Brendan Walsh. China’s biotech boom is front and center, with more than half of global clinical trials now coming out of China. A faster, lower-cost regulatory system is driving that shift and forcing a rethink of how drug development competes globally. Barrett unpacks what this means for U.S. pharma, FDA reform pressure, and who leads innovation going forward.The group also covers China’s growing role in pharmaceutical manufacturing, and the macro forces behind it all, from interest rates and valuations to mounting pressure on U.S. healthcare spending.For more about the hosts, please see below: Forbes Tate PartnersMarkets Policy Partners

May 15, 202629 min

Markets, Mobility, and Economic Sentiment

This week on the Macrocast, the team is joined by John Dick of CivicScience to discuss a surprising rebound in the Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI), driven in part by improving outlook on the U.S. economy and the impact of tax refund season.The conversation also covers growing concerns around AI and the labor market, shifting housing trends as more Americans consider moving due to cost-of-living pressures, and major policy developments including President Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi and bipartisan momentum behind cryptocurrency regulation in Congress.For more about the hosts, please see below: Forbes Tate PartnersMarkets Policy Partners

May 8, 202633 min

Jobs Friday, Oil Pressure Builds, and the Next Inflation Signal

This week on the Macrocast, the team breaks down a stronger than expected April jobs report showing 115,000 new jobs and what it suggests about continued labor market strength and market expectations around growth and policy. The discussion then turns to rising geopolitical tensions between Iran and the U.S. and the resulting pressure on oil prices, inflation dynamics, and energy sensitive sectors.The episode also covers key policy developments including potential changes in Fed leadership, emerging Senate efforts on crypto regulation, and growing concerns around proposed AI oversight frameworks. The team closes with a preview of next week’s major data releases including CPI, PPI, and retail sales, and what they may indicate about inflation trends and the Federal Reserve’s policy path.For more about the hosts, please see below: Forbes Tate PartnersMarkets Policy Partners

May 1, 202635 min

Powell's Unconventional Exit, Warsh's Entry, and the Near-Term Fed Outlook

This week on Macrocast, the team examines Fed Chair Powell’s decision to remain beyond his tenure as chair and what it means for Fed independence as Kevin Warsh prepares to take over. The discussion also touches on the labor market and whether there is a case for interest rate cuts, weighing factors like inflation, the impact of AI on employment, and broader economic signals. The episode closes with a look at the AI boom and its effect on markets, the surge in data center anxiety, and updates from Washington.For more about the hosts, please see below: Forbes Tate PartnersMarkets Policy Partners

April 24, 202633 min

Groundhog Day Markets, Iran Tensions, and What’s Next

This week on the Macrocast, the team digs into the latest economic data and what it is signaling for the broader outlook, though as they joke, it is starting to feel a bit like Groundhog Day. Geopolitical tensions with Iran continue to loom, keeping energy markets unsettled and making it harder for broader risk sentiment to find direction. Inflation remains in focus as well, with energy price pressures adding another layer of uncertainty to the path ahead.On the political side, the run-up to the midterms is starting to pick up pace, bringing markets another variable to watch. Looking ahead, next week brings first-quarter GDP and a packed central bank calendar, setting up a busy stretch for both growth and policy expectations.For more about the hosts, please see below: Forbes Tate PartnersMarkets Policy Partners

April 17, 202639 min

Inflation, AI, and the Market Pulse with Special Guest John Dick

This week on the Macrocast, the whole team, with special guest John Dick returning, breaks down the latest inflation data and what it signals for the U.S. economy. They go through CPI, recent inflation trends, and moves in gas prices as markets reassess the path for prices and policy.The discussion also turns to artificial intelligence and its accelerating impact on growth, productivity, and market expectations. On the geopolitical side, they look at the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and its implications for energy markets and inflation pressures.For more about the hosts, please see below: Forbes Tate PartnersMarkets Policy Partners CivicScience

April 10, 202632 min

Inflation, Energy Shocks, and a Busy Week of Economic Data

This week on the Macrocast, John Fagan and Brendan Walsh discuss a busy stretch of economic data coming out this week, along with key developments in markets and geopolitics.Geopolitical risk tied to Iran continues to drive volatility, with particular attention on the Strait of Hormuz and its implications for global energy markets and inflation expectations. For more about the hosts, please see below: Markets Policy Partners