The Investor's Diary: Recent Episodes
Investor Diaries
Two economics & finance students analysing and discussing the latest market updates to empower the average investor.
Disclaimer: All topics/ideas discussed during the podcast are our personal views and should not be considered as financial advice.
Why do we celebrate birthdays and when did getting older become such big business? In this episode, we explore the history of cakes and candles, why birthdays feel psychologically important, the rise of the birthday industrial complex, corporate freebies, and gift giving economics. Because apparently one more lap around the sun is enough to justify cake, presents, existential reflection and a free burger.
A joke about cockroaches became one of the biggest youth- ed challenges to Narendra Modi’s government. In this episode, we unpack India’s Gen Z protest movement and the rise of the satirical Cockroach Janta Party. We explain what NEET is, why millions of students treat it as the gateway to a medical career, and how allegations of a leaked exam paper triggered anger over corruption, unemployment and a system young Indians increasingly believe is rigged.
A solo, for-fun theory episode: I’ve noticed everything lately seems to be “for her” — movies, songs, gaming, travel — so I dig into why. Women now control roughly 80% of global consumer spending and are set to hold 75% of discretionary spending by 2028, they’re near parity (or ahead) in gaming audiences, education has already tilted female, the pay gap keeps narrowing, and women spend a higher share of what they earn while controlling most household purchasing. My theory: in industries sitting at a genuine 50/50 split — gaming, music, entertainment, travel, lifestyle — that combination of equal presence plus more purchasing power means those industries naturally tip toward female audiences next. Not ideology, just economics.
This is the second episode of our positive news series. The news cycle can make it feel like everything is getting worse, so this episode is about the stories that prove the world is still capable of progress.
We look at four recent positive stories: researchers identifying far more climate resilient coral reefs than previously expected, the creation of a genomic “BioVault” to preserve genetic material from endangered species, UK literacy rates increasing, and declining tobacco usage across the globe.
In this episode, we look beyond the football and dive into the major stories shaping Argentina, France, England and Spain. For Argentina, we unpack Javier Milei’s economic experiment. For France, we look at Marine Le Pen’s dramatic political comeback. In the UK, we dive into the hottest summer ever and Starmer's resignation, and lastly in Spain, we look into their traditional bull festival and potential snap elections.
Australia tried to ban under-16s from social media. Now the rest of the world is watching. We break down what the ban actually does, whether it’s working, how kids and parents are responding, and why countries like the UK are exploring similar rules. Is this a real solution to online harm, or just digital whack-a-mole?
In this solo episode, I start with a silly question: if every country is in debt, why don’t we just cancel it?
The answer explains a lot about how the global financial system actually works. Government debt is not just money owed by the state, it is also an asset held by pension funds, banks, insurers, central banks, foreign governments and ordinary investors. I break down what government debt really is, who owns it, why cancelling it would destroy trust, and why “debt forgiveness” is never actually free .Because in the end, debt is not just a spreadsheet. It is a promise, and the global economy runs on promises.
The World Cup just got a halftime show. Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Coldplay’s Chris Martin curating the whole thing — like it’s the Super Bowl now. And honestly? That’s kind of the perfect entry point into this episode. We commercialize everything we love — Christmas, Eid, now apparently the one sport that was never supposed to need a marketing department — and it’s worth asking what we lose every time we do that. But underneath the glitz, this World Cup is also happening in a pretty fractured world: a Somali referee turned away at the border, fans nervous about ICE outside the stadium, a tournament selling itself as “the world coming together” while a lot of the world quietly isn’t invited. Two different stories, same event, and I think they’re more connected than they look. Let’s get into it.
In this episode, we break down SpaceX’s blockbuster Nasdaq debut, its record breaking $75 billion raise, and how the company quickly surged past a $2 trillion valuation. We look at what SpaceX actually is today, launch business, Starlink, defence contractor, AI infrastructure play, and Mars optionality, and whether public markets are valuing a real business or a future that does not fully exist yet.
In this episode, we try to run fictional countries with only $100 each, and things get surprisingly revealing. We split our budgets across healthcare, education, defence, housing, infrastructure, climate, industry, culture, democracy and foreign policy, then argue over what kind of country we’ve created.
Somehow we end up debating whether growth matters more than welfare, whether vibes deserve serious funding, and how anyone can justify giving democracy zero dollars.
The AI boom is no longer just about Nvidia and Silicon Valley. In this episode, we dive into how Korea and Taiwan have become the backbone of the AI economy, from TSMC and Samsung to SK Hynix and high bandwidth memory. We explore the stock market boom, worker bonuses, fund-flow risks, and whether the Asian AI trade is becoming dangerously crowded.
In this episode, we break down the context going into the meeting, why Trump needed visible wins, and why Xi may have had the stronger strategic hand. We unpack the key issues: rare earths, tariffs, Taiwan, Iran, Boeing, fentanyl cooperation, and the broader shift from free trade to weaponised interdependence.
A hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship has made global headlines, but what actually is hantavirus, and should people be worried? In this episode, we break down how the virus spreads, why the Andes strain is unusual, and why health authorities are taking strong precautions despite saying the broader public risk remains low. We also ask the bigger question: after COVID, is the world actually ready for another pandemic?
From whether baby boomers shaped a system that favours asset owners, to the idea that most startups don’t actually need to exist — we break down the incentives, data, and real-world dynamics behind some uncomfortable truths.We also debate whether Universal Basic Income is inevitable in an AI-driven world, and challenge the idea that recessions might not exist in the way we once thought. This episode is less about being right and more about questioning how the system actually works.
The UAE has left OPEC, the Iran war is disrupting oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, and Saudi Arabia is under pressure to keep the cartel together. In this episode, we explain what OPEC and OPEC+ actually are, why members cheat on production quotas, and why the UAE’s exit matters more than past departures. We also break down the market impact: crisis-level oil prices, winners and losers, and whether today’s supply shock could turn into tomorrow’s oil glut.
Crypto got everything it asked for: institutional adoption, ETFs, regulation, and mainstream legitimacy. So why does it feel… boring? We debate whether institutions capped crypto’s upside, why retail hasn’t come back, how crypto lost its cultural edge, and whether the industry is quietly becoming financial plumbing rather than a speculative frontier. This episode explores whether crypto’s success created its biggest problem yet.
From trading and gambling to shopping and fitness, everything in the modern economy is starting to feel like a game. In this episode, we break down how companies are using gamification to shape behaviour, increase engagement, and drive revenue, often without users realising. We explore real-world examples like Temu, trading apps, and fitness platforms, and debate whether this shift is making us better off… or just easier to influence.
After 50+ years, humans are back around the Moon, but this isn’t Apollo 2.0. In this episode, we break down Artemis II, NASA’s $90B+ lunar program, and the shift toward private space companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin. We also dive into Boeing’s Starliner failure (and how SpaceX had to step in), and why China’s 2030 Moon ambitions are reigniting a global space race. This isn’t just about exploration anymore — it’s geopolitics, economics, and who gets to build the future of space.
Protein cereal, protein chips, protein ice cream — what’s actually going on? We unpack the sudden explosion of high protein products, the psychology behind why consumers are buying them, and whether this is a genuine health shift or one of the smartest marketing trends in recent years.
Private credit has grown into a $2 trillion market as non-bank lenders step in where traditional banks pulled back. But recent headlines including fund withdrawal limits, valuation questions, and high-profile lending problems - have sparked debate about the stability of the industry. In this episode we break down what private credit actually is, why it grew so quickly, and whether the recent stress signals bigger risks ahead.
Subscriptions are everywhere — from streaming and software to gyms and even car features. In this episode we break down why companies are shifting to recurring revenue models, how it impacts consumers, and whether the subscription economy is creating real value or quietly increasing the cost of everything over time.
What does it actually look like to build a startup today? In this episode we speak with a founder building a new product and discuss the realities of launching a company in the age of AI. We also dive into prediction markets, the AI race between US-China, and how this could reshape the global economy moving forward.
The latest escalation involving Iran, Israel and the United States is more than just a geopolitical story — it’s an energy story. In this episode we break down Iran’s history, the roots of today’s tensions, and why the Strait of Hormuz carries roughly 20% of global oil supply. We explore the ripple effects across global energy markets, India’s pivot toward Russian oil, China’s strategic position, and what higher oil prices could mean for inflation, central banks and investors.
The US-Iran conflict has triggered widespread airspace restrictions across one of the most critical regions in global aviation, forcing airlines to cancel flights, reroute aircraft, and absorb significant operational and financial costs. Because major hubs like Dubai and Doha serve as central connectors between Europe, Asia, and Africa, even short-term disruptions can ripple across the entire global network, increasing fuel consumption, reducing aircraft utilisation, disrupting crew scheduling, and weakening airline profitability. In this episode, we break down the economics of aviation disruption, explaining how conflict impacts airline cost structures, operational decision-making, and the stability of one of the most interconnected industries in the world.
In this episode, we break down the numbers behind the narrative: SpaceX’s profitability, Tesla’s valuation premium, the mechanics of Musk’s trillion-dollar compensation package, the reported SpaceX IPO, merger speculation, and even the idea of launching data centers into space. Is Musk a generational builder reshaping industries — or a master of capital structure and valuation engineering? We unpack the incentives, the risks, and the optionality markets are really pricing.
The news is built to show us what’s breaking — not what’s improving. In this episode, we step back from markets and crises to look at areas where real progress is happening. This isn’t an argument that the world is perfect. It’s a reminder that change is often slow, uneven, and easy to miss while it’s happening. Sometimes the most important trends don’t make headlines.
**The yen carry trade is one of the most important — and least discussed — forces in global markets.
In this episode, we break down how borrowing cheap Japanese yen has quietly fuelled global risk-taking for decades, why Japan became the world’s funding currency, and where that money actually flows. We then dive into what’s changed recently: political shifts under Japan’s new government, rising equity and FX volatility, Bank of Japan intervention risks, and why even rumours of policy change are enough to rattle markets. This isn’t just a Japan story — it’s a global liquidity story.**
Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve Chair. In this solo episode, we unpack why Fed independence matters, who was considered, how markets reacted, and what history tells us happens when politics takes control of money.
From Trump’s push to control Greenland to his proposal for a ‘Board of Peace’, global geopolitics has taken a dramatic turn. We unpack the history, the power plays, the market reactions, and what it all means for the future of world order.
Fewer babies today means fewer workers tomorrow. This episode explores the global fertility collapse, the growing pension burden, failed government incentives, and why demographics may be the biggest long-term risk to economic growth.
Commodities had a massive year in 2025 — from gold and copper to uranium and oil. We break down why the rally happened, what the Glencore–Rio Tinto talks signal about the cycle, and what 2026 could look like for real assets.
Donald Trump has reportedly taken Venezuela’s president into U.S. custody — a move with huge geopolitical, economic and market implications. We break down what it means for oil, sanctions, emerging markets and global risk.
From Black Friday to Dry January, consumer spending follows a surprisingly predictable cycle. In this episode, we break down the behavioural economics behind holiday overspending, the New Year ‘reset trade’, and who really profits when motivation fades and habits take over.
Australia banned social media for kids… and chaos followed. We unpack what sparked the law, why the rollout has stumbled, how teens are dodging the rules, and what governments should really be targeting if they want to fix online harm.
Inside the Fed rate Cut, the real risks behind the decision, and a cautious outlook for 2026
This started as a simple question: should Netflix be allowed to buy Warner Bros? And then it spiralled into politics, power, and the future of media. We break it down without the outrage and explain why Netflix might not be the villain everyone thinks it is.
In this episode, Parth and Abdul discuss the biggest IPO in Australia since 2021 - Guzman Y Gomez. They also dive into the European IPO market, discuss the two candidates for the US elections, and last have their usual crypto chat.
In this episode, Parth & Abdul the ongoing attempt from BHP to acquire Anglo American. They also explore the recent surge in the popularity of Ozempic, and the recent revitalisation of the Gamestop meme stock saga. Lastly, they briefly explored the Open AI’s newest release - ChatGPT4o.
In this episode, Parth & Abdul return to the podcast to discuss their latest life updates: Parth working in a sell-side role at a bank, with Abdul working in a buy-side position with a fund manager, both based in Sydney.
They dive deeper into their respective roles, give advice for students looking to break into the industry, and discuss the plan moving forward.
In this episode, Abdul breaks down the key takeaways from the 2024 World Economic Forum in Davos. From the societal impact of AI to digitization for sustainability, regulatory tipping points, and the debut of crypto ETFs, he explores the dynamic discussions that unfolded at this global gathering. Join us for a concise journey through the highlights that are reshaping our world.
In this episode, Abdul navigates the complex currents of global affairs. He unravels the strategic maritime maeuvering of many big shipping companies and discusses the economic implications of these developments. He then shifts focus to the US economy, dissecting the Consumer Price Index inflation report and its implications for the bond markets. Additionally, he delves into the groundbreaking approval by the US Securities and Exchange Commission for the first spot Bitcoin ETF's.
In this episode, Abdul dives into the financial whirlwind of gold's surge and market behaviour. Explore the mysteries behind gold's record high, challenge conventional wisdom on real rates, and dissect the market frenzy post-Federal Reserve meeting. Join us for insightful analysis and a touch of humor as we navigate the unpredictable landscape of global finance.
In this episode Abdul dives into the volatile world of tech stocks. Join the conversation as we dissect the recent performance of industry giants such as Nvidia, Google, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta. He also discusses the intricate relationship between interest rate hikes, inflation concerns, and the ever-sensitive stock market and there is also discussion about the possibility of rate hikes topping out.
In the episode Abdul starts the discussion in the Eurozone, which has witnessed the recent dip in inflation to 2.9%, raising questions about the region's economic policy and the European Central Bank's next moves. He then shifts focus to the United States, where a staggering $1 trillion is allocated for interest payments, signalling concerns about debt, deficits, and rising interest rates. Then, he delved into the intricate dance of power and influence in Microsoft's acquisition of Activision. Uncover the legal, financial, and global regulatory complexities that shaped this blockbuster deal. Join us as we draw parallels with historical challenges, offer predictions, and navigate the multifaceted tapestry of these economic narratives, examining the quest for stability, growth, and resilience in a world of uncertainties.
In this episode, Abdul delves into the world of finance and geopolitics, offering insights into safe haven trades during times of geopolitical tension. The discussion covers key safe haven assets like the Japanese yen, gold, bitcoin, and oil, analyzing their historical performance and their role in hedging against uncertainty. Additionally, the episode explores the evolving landscape of private equity, highlighting the significant changes it has undergone in recent years and the challenges it currently faces.
In this episode, Parth & Abdul interviewed Julian Khursigara, who is the co-founder of Search Party Property. They discussed Julian's upbringing, personal believes and motivations, and what problem his company aims to solve.
In this episode, Parth & Abdul catch up with a tech mogul who they previously interviewed 5 months ago. They discuss his latest startup, his hiring philosophy and his retirement goals.
In this episode, Abdul delved into the intriguing world of bond markets, where historic shifts are shaking the foundations of traditional investment strategies, he explored the factors behind the disconnect between stocks and bonds, from rising Treasury yields to inflation concerns and government funding risks. He also explored the recent surge of the US dollar and its potential impact on global economies. To cap it off, he provided an update on the trial of Sam Bankman-Fried.
In this episode, Abdul explored the global financial landscape, where central banks from different corners of the world have hit the pause button on rate hikes. He also shined a spotlight on the energy sector, where oil supply shortages have been making headlines. Tune in for updates on the Amazon lawsuit that has been capturing attention and updates on the Instacart IPO debut.
In this episode, Abdul discussed the latest IPOs from Arm and Instacart, providing valuable insights for potential investors. He also discussed The European Central Bank's decision to raise interest rate and analyzed its potential impact on the global economy. He also examines the concerning trend of rising US inflation and its implications and lastly explores the consequences of Bernard Looney's resignation at BP. Tune in for a concise yet informative snapshot of key financial developments in this episode.
In this episode, Abdul explored the latest in global finance and diplomacy on "Global Insights, he spoke about the key takeaways from the G20 summit, updates on the ARMS IPO, the expanding BRICS group, and the groundbreaking UBS deal. Gain a comprehensive understanding of these significant developments and their global implications.
In this episode, Parth & Abdul discuss the reasons behind the weakening AUD against foreign currencies. Additionally, they discuss the upcoming Arm IPO, the accumulation of AI chips from Saudi Arabia, and the Friendtech craze in Crypto.
In this episode, Parth & Abdul discuss the recent earnings releases in the financial sector. Furthermore, they discuss the Microsoft acquisition of Activision and its potential ripple effects on the gaming industry, and the "Taylor Swift Effect" singlehandedly battling recession.
In this episode, Parth & Abdul dive deep into the value drivers behind the Real Estate market and discuss the key trends impacting the future of the industry.
In this episode, Parth & Abdul explore the impact of the UBS acquisition of Credit Suisse, provide an update on the BTC spot ETF filings, discuss the suspiciously timed launch of EDX markets and the potential of fake AI news.
In this episode, Parth & Abdul discuss the ongong tensions in Russia between the Wagner Group and Putin. In addition, they explore the tight labour market, and talk about their plans for the future of this podcast.
In this episode, Parth & Abdul discuss the recent raise in the US Debt Ceiling. They also talk about the pause in interest rate hikes, the SEC lawsuits on Binance & Coinbase, and BlackRock filing for a spot BTC ETF.
In this episode, Parth & Abdul discuss the possibility of the US defaulting on its debt. Additionally, they discuss the reasons behind the recent surge in share price of NVIDIA, and the potential of OpenAI after its recent $30B valuation.
In this episode, Parth & Abdul interviewed two guests, specializing in Computer Science & Trading. They discussed their schooling and University struggles, and their personal investment philosophies in the financial markets.
In this episode, Parth & Abdul discuss how the US commercial real estate market may be the 'next shoe to drop'. In addition, they outline the reasons behind the declining Chinese FDI in Europe, and the recent memecoin hype in the Cryptocurrency industry.
In this 5-minute weekly snippet, Parth & Abdul summarize the most recent FED Interest Rate Decision, as well as the Non-Farm payrolls data for May, giving their opinions on the matter.
In this episode, Parth & Abdul discuss Q1 Earnings, Twitter legally changing their name to "X", and Bitcoin's recent volatility induced by Jump Crypto.
In this episode, Parth & Abdul discuss the recently release CPI figures in the US, coupled with the latest FOMC minutes. Additionally, they provide their thoughts on AI and its recent rise in popularity, as well as discuss the recent implementation of the Shanghai upgrade on Ethereum.
In this episode, Parth & Abdul interview a tech entrepreneur, discuss his startup and his outlook on the future. In addition, they dive into the interviewee's investment portfolio, and collectively discuss the ongoing banking crisis.
In this episode, Parth & Abdul discuss the US banking crisis, and the reasons behind the SVB shut down. Additionally, they talk about Balaji's bet on Bitcoin hitting $1M, and how much money they would need to retire.
In this episode, Abdul & Parth discussed the events leading up to the UBS acquisition of Credit Suisse, and Parth shared his internship experience working in the investment banking division of Credit Suisse.
In this 5-minute Weekly snippet, Parth breifly summarises Three Arrows Capital, their road to success, the wrongdoings from their co-founders, and how they went from an AUM of $10 billion, to facing bankruptcy.
In this episode, Parth & Kimse discuss the strength of the US Dollar against the Euro, soaring inflation across the globe, and how the economy is likely to perform in the upcoming months.
In this episode, Parth and Kimse discuss their thoughts on an upcoming potential recessionary phase for the economy, and why this may not be as bad as it may seem on face value.
In this snippet, Kimse discusses the recent increase in energy price in Australia with background information about how energy bill works.
In this snippet, Parth goes into detail and discusses the fundamental flaws in the Terra ecosystem, which eventually led to its fatal crash.
In this episode, Parth & Kimse discussed the potential upcoming recession in the US, rising rates globally, and the aggressive sell-off in markets.
In this episode, Parth & Kimse discuss the persistently rising inflation rate, the response of the RBA & FED, as well as Elon's hostile takeover bid on Twitter.
Additionally, a special announcement for all our listeners at the end.
In this episode, Parth & Kimse reflect on their experiences as international students studying Economics, Finance & Politics in Australia, specifically the University of Melbourne, and give real insights into the system.
In this episode, Parth & Kimse cover broad topics that have taken place in the first quarter of 2022 ranging from Inflation, Cryptocurrency volatility, and persisting geopolitical tensions.
In this episode, Parth & Kimse discuss the accelerating energy crisis caused by geopolitical tensions, in addition to surging nickel prices and how this impacts the global economy.
In this episode, Kimse and Parth discuss the financial and economic implications for the Russian invasion into Ukraine, and how this may impact global markets and economies.
In this episode, Parth & Kimse discuss the recent price action in Cryptocurrencies, where Parth discusses his NFT holdings and if NFT's are a scam.
This week Parth & Kimse recorded their first in-person podcast. The discussion revolved around the recent CPI data, as well as the rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
This week, Parth leads the discussion about his passion for the Metaverse and we talk about prior, latest, and potential future developments for the ecosystem.
This week, Kimse leads the discussion with one of his greatest interests over the past few weeks: The rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
In today's podcast, we discuss the recent release of the US inflation data, and compare it to Turkey's unorthodox monetary policy decisions.
We also briefly go over recent volatiliity in Crypto markets, and discuss investor sentiment.
Discussed the re-opening of the Australian borders and its impacts on international students, housing prices, wages and the general economy.
Also touched upon the 'Metaverse' and its potential future implications.
In today's podcast, we cover a brief market overview of the week, followed by an update on the US FED tapering and unemployment data. We also discuss the rising producing inflation in China, as well as the $BTC ETF approval by the SEC earlier this week.
In today's podcast, we cover the upcoming NFP data alongside the Chinese PMI. We discuss the US inflation rise, and continue our previous discussion regarding the Global Energy Crisis. Lastly, we give our opinion $BTC and other Cryptocurrencies, as Bitcoin rallies past $55k.
In this episode, we discuss the reasons behind the global energy shortage & surging oil prices. We also cover the insider trading by the Vice-Chair of the FED, and discuss the infrastructure bill by the Biden administration.
- Covered the Evergrande Crisis.
- Discussed updates from Jerome Powell and Lagarde
- Discussed the Chinese Crypto Ban
- The German elections