AI, Financial Markets, and the Economy

AI is driving enormous investment and soaring valuations, but what do financial markets reveal about its long-term economic impact?Jesús Fernández-Villaverde, Howard Marks Presidential Professor of Economics at the University of Pennsylvania, and Maryam Farboodi, Associate Professor at Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, examine how investors are pricing the promise and risk of transformative AI. They discuss why Treasury yields fell following major AI announcements, whether high AI stock valuations reflect productivity gains or speculation, and what the dot-com era can teach us about today's AI boom. The conversation also explores AI's potential effect on inequality, the risks of regulation that slows adoption, and the skills people will need in an AI-driven economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 28 September 2026 | 4:30 am

AI and the Future of Financial Stability

AI can help financial institutions detect fraud, manage risk, and improve productivity. But when AI systems begin acting autonomously, they may also create risks at a speed and scale people cannot easily oversee.Sarah Breeden, Deputy Governor for Financial Stability at the Bank of England, explores what agentic AI means for financial markets and financial regulation. She explains why regulators must move beyond a simple human-versus-machine framing, build meaningful accountability and guardrails around AI systems, and prepare for the potential of market feedback loops, manipulation, and collusion between autonomous agents.Breeden also discusses the unprecedented pace of investment in AI infrastructure, the uncertainty around its eventual payoff, and how financial regulators can support innovation while protecting stability and public trust. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 21 September 2026 | 4:30 am

How AI Is Transforming Quantitative Finance

AI is changing what investors can analyze, how quickly they can act, and what it takes to find an edge.Nikolai Roussanov, Moise Y. Safra Professor of Finance at Wharton, and Ingrid Tierens, Head of the Data Strategy team in the Global Investment Research division at Goldman Sachs, explore AI's expanding role in quantitative finance. They discuss how large language models and alternative data are transforming investment research, the competitive pressure AI creates across financial markets, and why human judgment remains essential when models encounter uncertainty.They also consider the skills finance professionals will need in an AI-driven industry, from data literacy and technical fluency to communication, accountability, and the ability to ask better questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 14 September 2026 | 4:30 am

Tokenomics and the Social Forces Driving Crypto Markets

What determines whether a cryptocurrency succeeds or fades into obscurity? In this episode, Wharton professor Itay Goldstein speaks with Shimon Kogan, adjunct associate professor of finance at Wharton and longtime instructor of Wharton’s fintech course, to explore the economic and behavioral forces behind token success. From network effects and user adoption to coordination challenges and the phenomenon of meme coins, this conversation dives into the mechanics of tokenomics and what drives value in the world of fintech.Editor’s Note: This episode was recorded in early summer of 2025, shortly before the passage of the GENIUS Act, which provides a regulatory framework for stablecoins. A lot has happened in the digital asset space since this discussion was recorded. But the broader ideas, philosophies, and questions we explore remain highly relevant today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 13 September 2026 | 4:30 am

Could Stablecoins and CBDCs Be the Future of Money?

Stablecoins and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are at the center of a global shift in how money moves. In this episode, professor Itay Goldstein speaks with Heath Tarbert, president of Circle and former CFTC chair, about the role of stablecoins in modern finance, how they compare to CBDCs, and the regulatory frameworks needed to support their growth.Editor’s Note: This episode was recorded in early summer of 2025, shortly before the passage of the GENIUS Act, which provides a regulatory framework for stablecoins. A lot has happened in the digital asset space since this discussion was recorded. But the broader ideas, philosophies, and questions we explore remain highly relevant today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 13 September 2026 | 4:30 am

Regulating Digital Assets

As cryptocurrency moves further into the mainstream, regulators are stepping up efforts to define its legal and financial framework. But how far will regulation go, and what will it mean for investors, businesses, and the future of digital assets? In this episode, professor Itay Goldstein is joined by Wharton professor Jessica Wachter, recently the chief economist at the SEC, and former CFTC chair Timothy Massad to discuss crypto’s evolving regulatory landscape, the balance between innovation and oversight, and the geopolitical forces shaping crypto policy worldwide.Editor’s Note: This episode was recorded in early summer of 2025, shortly before the passage of the GENIUS Act, which provides a regulatory framework for stablecoins. A lot has happened in the digital asset space since this discussion was recorded. But the broader ideas, philosophies, and questions we explore remain highly relevant today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 13 September 2026 | 4:30 am

The Rise of Crypto

Cryptocurrency has evolved from a niche experiment to a global financial force. But how did we get here? In this episode, professor Itay Goldstein is joined by Duke professor Campbell Harvey and Neha Narula, director of the MIT Media Lab’s Digital Currency Initiative, to explore the milestones that led to crypto’s rise, the forces that shaped its growth, and what the crypto landscape will evolve into. Editor’s Note: This episode was recorded in early summer of 2025, shortly before the passage of the GENIUS Act, which provides a regulatory framework for stablecoins. A lot has happened in the digital asset space since this discussion was recorded. But the broader ideas, philosophies, and questions we explore remain highly relevant today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 13 September 2026 | 4:30 am

The NFL's Biggest 2026 Questions

Which NFL teams are the numbers backing before the 2026 season begins?Aaron Schatz, NFL Analyst at ESPN and Chief Analytics Officer at FTN Fantasy, explains why the Houston Texans stand out in the AFC and why the Seattle Seahawks project as one of the league's strongest teams. He breaks down the Rams' Super Bowl outlook, the Bills' defense, the Eagles' path through the NFC East, and the teams that could surprise or regress.Schatz also explores how DVOA-based forecasts account for quarterback performance, coaching changes, injuries, schedules, and the balance of offense, defense, and special teams. Plus, why even the best projections leave plenty of room for the chaos of an NFL season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 7 September 2026 | 4:30 am

The Business of National Reputation

David Reibstein, Wharton Marketing Professor and lead researcher behind the Best Countries Report, discusses how a nation’s reputation influences investment, tourism, trade, and global influence. Drawing on data from more than 15,000 respondents worldwide, Reibstein explains why Switzerland continues to rank among the world’s most respected countries, why the United States fell out of the top 10 for the first time, how perceptions of AI differ across the globe, and why countries increasingly need to think like brands in a competitive global marketplace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 31 August 2026 | 4:30 am

Navigating Competition and Collaboration in the AI Race

Henning Piezunka, Associate Professor of Management at the Wharton School, explores how competition in the AI industry can shift from healthy rivalry to destructive behavior, discusses the psychology behind executive decision-making, explains why successful organizations balance competition with collaboration, and shares insights from research spanning business, sports, and innovation ecosystems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 24 August 2026 | 4:30 am

Athletic Brewing’s Senior Director of Marketing, Rosalie Kennedy

Rosalie Kennedy, Senior Director of Marketing at Athletic Brewing, discusses how the company helped transform non alcoholic beer from a niche category into a mainstream lifestyle brand. Rosalie shares how Athletic Brewing built cultural relevance around wellness, taste, and social connection, why authenticity matters in a crowded beverage market, and how changing consumer behavior is reshaping the future of beer. The conversation also explores category growth, brand positioning, distribution strategy, and how Athletic Brewing is thinking about younger consumers and evolving drinking habits.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 17 August 2026 | 8:30 am

Can the Sixers’ New Superteam Work?

Can the Philadelphia 76ers turn a roster featuring LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and VJ Edgecombe into a championship team?Basketball analytics pioneer and ESPN data scientist Dean Oliver joins the Wharton Moneyball team to examine how Philadelphia might distribute possessions among so many high-usage players, whether LeBron can succeed as a point forward, and who should control the ball in critical late-game situations. The conversation also explores three-point shooting, defensive concerns, and why analytics can measure player performance more easily than it can predict chemistry and fit.Plus, the hosts discuss the enduring appeal of the Baseball Hall of Fame and the arrival of corporate jersey sponsorships in college football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 10 August 2026 | 4:30 am

How to Break into the Workforce in an AI-Driven Job Market

Matthew Bidwell, Professor of Management at the Wharton School, explores how the job search process is evolving for today’s graduates and what it takes to break into the workforce. As hiring has slowed across traditional pipelines like consulting and tech, the path to a first role has become more competitive and fragmented.In this episode, Bidwell explains how AI is transforming applications, making it easier to apply at scale while increasing competition, and shares how candidates can still stand out by leveraging networking, personal connections, and targeted outreach.The conversation also highlights the importance of internships and viewing early careers as a period of exploration, where individuals build skills and refine their long-term direction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 3 August 2026 | 4:30 am

How Wharton Invented Modern Business Education

Wharton dean Erika James reflects on the history, impact, and future of business education as part of Knowledge at Wharton's "American Business Innovation" series ahead of the USA's 250th anniversary.Founded in 1881 by Joseph Wharton, the Wharton School was the world's first collegiate business school, pioneering modern business education and helping professionalize management while shaping generations of business leaders.Learn more: https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/american-business-innovation-series/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=acast_networkABOUT THE SERIESAs the United States marks its 250th anniversary, hear from Wharton faculty experts as they explore the American business innovations that transformed industries, reshaped markets, and changed the way the world works. From the assembly line and modern branding to the internet and artificial intelligence, this series examines the ideas and institutions that helped define American enterprise and continue to influence business today.#Wharton #America250 #BusinessHistory #BusinessEducation #BusinessSchool Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 30 June 2026 | 3:00 am

This Week In Business: Evaluating Greenspan's Legacy and the Evolution of Monetary Policy

Jeremy Siegel, Wharton Emeritus Professor and Senior Economist at WisdomTree, discusses Alan Greenspan's lasting impact on monetary policy, reflects on the lessons of the 2008 financial crisis, analyzes Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh's early leadership, and explains why more forward-looking economic data could shape future interest rate decisions while also revisiting the long-term economic effects of Brexit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 26 June 2026 | 3:00 am

Wharton Moneyball: Breaking Down the Biggest World Cup Ever

Ryan O'Hanlon, ESPN staff writer, author of Net Gains, and Syracuse University instructor, joins the Wharton Moneyball team to analyze the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, assess the favorites and dark horses, evaluate the outlook for the U.S. Men's National Team, and explain how analytics-driven innovations such as set pieces and long throw-ins are transforming soccer, before Cade Massey, Adi Wyner, and Shane Jensen discuss the spread of analytics across sports, playoff unpredictability, tournament design, and the evolving impact of NIL on college athletics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 10 June 2026 | 3:00 am

This Week in Business: Federal Reserve Leadership Transition Amid Economic and Political Pressures

Patrick Harker, Wharton Professor of Operations, Information, and Decisions, and former President of the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank, reflects on Jerome Powell’s tenure leading the Federal Reserve through the pandemic, inflation concerns, and political pressure, while also examining what Kevin Warsh’s leadership could mean for monetary policy, Fed independence, and the U.S. economy moving forward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 29 May 2026 | 3:00 am

Wharton Moneyball: How Advanced Analytics Are Changing Professional Hockey

Tyrel Stokes, Senior Manager of Hockey Analytics at Teamworks and a statistician specializing in causal inference, joins the team to break down the Stanley Cup Playoffs, explain how NHL teams use analytics and tracking data for player evaluation and strategy, and explore how emerging technologies like Hawkeye and AI could transform hockey analysis, while the hosts also examine tennis betting odds, MLB home run milestones, and the role of probability across sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 13 May 2026 | 3:00 am

This Week In Business: Measuring the Impact of Europe’s Conservation Targets and Policies

Arthur van Benthem, Wharton Professor of Business, Economics and Public Policy examines how European Union land protection policies—despite meeting ambitious coverage targets—may fall short in delivering meaningful biodiversity and ecosystem restoration impacts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 24 April 2026 | 3:00 am

Wharton Marketing Matters: Google's Vice President of AI and Marketing Strategy, Joshua Spanier

Joshua Spanier, Vice President of AI and Marketing Strategy at Google, joins Barbara & Americus to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming marketing from efficiency-driven automation to creative empowerment, redefining customer value, and enabling more personalized, “quest”-based consumer experiences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 16 April 2026 | 3:00 am

Wharton Moneyball: Blending Analytics and Leadership in Major League Baseball Operations

Sam Fuld, Vice President and General Manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, joins the Wharton Moneyball team to discuss his transition from MLB player to executive and how analytics, player development, and business strategy drive success. Cade, Eric and Shane also analyze recent the college basketball finals, NHL playoff races, and Masters Tournament storylines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 8 April 2026 | 3:00 am

This Week In Business: Inside Iran’s Payment Network and Global Sanctions Strategy

Philip Nichols, Wharton Professor of Legal Studies & Business Ethics, explains how Iran has built a complex and adaptive banking and payments infrastructure under decades of sanctions while exploring its future in an evolving global financial system. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 27 March 2026 | 3:00 am

Wharton Webinar Series: The Impact of AI in Sports

This Wharton webinar, featuring Eric Bradlow, Cade Massey, and Adi Weiner, examines how generative AI is reshaping sports analytics, improving efficiency, enhancing decision-making, and helping organizations evaluate tools while balancing data-driven insights with human judgment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 26 March 2026 | 9:38 am

This Week In Business: How Leaders Navigate Change, Scale Decisions, and Build Trust

Nancy Rothbard, Deputy Dean, Professor of Management at the Wharton School, and Co-Academic Director of the Owner-President-CEO Program, explains how leaders can navigate accelerating change by fostering clarity, managing emotional signals, delegating decision-making, and developing the next generation of leadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 24 March 2026 | 10:14 am

Wharton Marketing Matters: Groov Founder Dan Cataldi on Reinventing Custom Orthotics

Dan Cataldi, Founder of Groov, joins Barbara and Americus to explain how the company uses iPhone-based 3D scanning to create custom inserts, why proprietary data and speed matter for defensibility, and how brand identity and packaging help build long-term advantage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posted on: 18 March 2026 | 11:00 pm