Breaking down the bond market
Summary
FT Alphaville editor Robin Wigglesworth joins Katie Martin to discuss his new book on the bond market, explaining why US Treasuries remain the bedrock of global finance. They analyze recent bond sell-offs driven by inflation fears, the Iran conflict, and massive government deficits, arguing that while acute debt crises are unlikely for sovereign nations, a slow-motion "chronic" debt problem looms. The episode concludes with a "Long Short" segment where Wigglesworth promotes his upcoming episode on the economic causes of witch trials.
Topics discussed
VantageScore Ad: Modernizing Credit Scores
Intro: The Bond Market's Hidden Influence
Robin Wigglesworth on His New Book About Bonds
Why US Treasuries Dictate Global Borrowing Costs
Why Bonds Are Confusing: Yields vs. Prices
Drivers of Recent Bond Sell-Offs: Inflation & Iran
The End of the 40-Year Bond Bull Run
Current Debt Levels and Market Pressure
Acute vs. Chronic Debt Crises in Sovereign Nations
The Power of Bond Investors Over Governments
Long Short: Robin Goes Long on Witches
Long Short: Katie Goes Short on Yachts
Promo: The Next Five Podcast on Data Sovereignty
VantageScore Ad: Modernizing Credit Scores
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