12 chapters across the catalog
Texas Stock Exchange, Anti-DEI Listing Venue
The proposed Texas Stock Exchange is positioning itself as an alternative to the NYSE and NASDAQ by avoiding diversity requirements and complex compliance rules. The venue aims to attract corporations frustrated with the "board diversity" mandates seen on other major exchanges.
New York Stock Exchange Technical Glitch and Erroneous Trades
A major technical glitch at the New York Stock Exchange caused hundreds of stocks, including Walmart and Exxon Mobil, to open at incorrect prices. The exchange was forced to cancel numerous trades that occurred outside of normal volatility bands. The hosts question if the "glitch" was a deliberate intervention to prevent market shorting.
Natural Asset Class, Wall Street Commodification of Nature
The Rockefeller Foundation and the New York Stock Exchange have introduced a new "Natural Asset Class" (NAC). This investment vehicle allows for the commodification of natural processes, such as air and water filtration, previously considered part of the commons. Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat also spoke about structured investments in nature as a way to unlock capital for climate goals.
Bakkt Bitcoin Platform and Institutional Crypto Adoption
A new venture called Bakkt, backed by the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), Microsoft, and Starbucks, aims to create a regulated ecosystem for digital assets. The platform will provide warehousing for Bitcoin, allowing institutional investors and 401k plans to treat it as a commodity. The hosts compared the current crypto hype to past digital currencies like Beanz and Flooz.
Spotify's Unusual Direct Listing Plan on the NYSE
Spotify is reportedly planning to bypass a traditional Initial Public Offering (IPO) in favor of a direct listing on the New York Stock Exchange. This "end run" around the conventional route allows the company to list shares without an institutional underwriter like Goldman Sachs. The hosts question the viability of the music streaming business model, noting that Spotify continues to lose money despite its large user base.
New York Stock Exchange, Carl Quintanilla and False Reports
A report by Carl Quintanilla regarding traders on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange shouting "lock her up" is dismissed as a fabrication. The hosts argue that the lack of video evidence in a highly filmed environment suggests the story was ginned up to portray Trump supporters as indecent. They characterize the reporting as second-hand and unreliable.
July 2015 Tech Outages, United Airlines Router Failure
On a single Wednesday in July 2015, the New York Stock Exchange, United Airlines, and the Wall Street Journal all suffered significant technical failures. While media reports labeled these as "glitches," a producer reveals the United Airlines outage was caused by an internal DDoS situation resulting from poorly configured hardware. Officials ruled out cyberattacks despite the coincidental timing.
The New York Stock Exchange trading halt is attributed to a failed software upgrade rather than a nefarious actor. The hosts discuss the inherent unreliability of complex software, citing examples from short-URL generators to autonomous vehicle systems. They criticize the media's use of the word "glitch" to mask systemic engineering failures.
Financial Markets, Twitter Stock Price Symbolism
Twitter's stock price closed at exactly $33.33 on a recent Friday. This specific numerical value drew attention from market observers tracking the company's struggle to establish a profitable business model following its initial public offering.
Corporate Influence on Health Policy, NYSE Connections
The UK Department of Health is criticized for inviting companies like McDonald's, KFC, and PepsiCo to help write government policy on obesity and diet. In a related discussion on influence, the hosts note that Jon Stewart's brother, Larry Leibowitz, is the Chief Operating Officer of the New York Stock Exchange, suggesting deep ties between media figures and financial institutions.
A computer glitch occurred at the opening of the New York Stock Exchange on a Friday, causing suspicion regarding the reliability of automated trading systems. Media coverage on CNBC reflected a sense of alarm among financial analysts. The hosts express skepticism toward official explanations that dismiss such events as mere technical errors.
Jon Stewart, Larry Leibowitz and The Daily Show
Jon Stewart's recent criticism of Jim Cramer is linked to his brother, Larry Leibowitz, who serves as an executive at the New York Stock Exchange. The hosts suggest Stewart's aggressive stance on the financial crisis may be personal due to his brother's position in the industry. They also discuss the post-production techniques used by The Daily Show to make interview subjects appear foolish.
