Unique Newsletters / Podcasts
Been some time since I asked this or saw a thread on it
Which newsletters / podcasts are those in PE subscribed to nowadays that provide in depth analysis / commentary on investing? Looking for answers beyond your classic Dealbook, Axios Pro Rata, Litquidity that are mostly focused on 1 story that I can find on the front page of WSJ and then a bunch of links to deal announcements
A few from my end that I like and why -
- Matt Levine: No brainer one that's been mentioned here often. The applicability of what he writes about is questionable but he's undoubtedly smart and funny, and I've found that I often learn things from him that come in handy months down the line. At a minimum, he provides really fun stories that are worth talking about with others in finance
- Transacted: This is a new one in my rotation that's been a bit hit or miss but I really enjoyed their coverage of the Audax / HIG lawsuit and am always hoping they'll provide more detailed scoops like that over time
- The Brink: Interesting view on bankruptcy / credit news that has been pretty helpful to keep a pulse on, even if not directly relevant to my buyout-focused role
With regard to podcasts, I really struggle and am open to suggestions. I'm really tired of listening to famous / senior individuals at a fund talk through their generic career journey without getting any current / actionable detail on how they think about deals. Business Breakdowns is a good one that provides really valuable info on businesses, especially when it's a hedge fund guy / investor talking through the Company, but I've found that you really have to search for the diamond in the rough there
Jack Raines
I selectively like Capital Allocators. Less deal focused and broad spectrum of guests.
Based on the WSO dataset, it's clear that the finance community values newsletters and podcasts that offer deep insights and unique perspectives beyond the mainstream headlines. Here are some recommendations that align with your criteria for in-depth analysis and commentary on investing, particularly in the private equity space:
Matt Levine's Newsletter: As you've already mentioned, Matt Levine is a favorite for his smart, humorous take on financial news. His ability to dissect complex topics and present them in an engaging manner makes his newsletter a must-read for those looking to deepen their understanding of the financial world.
Transacted: This newer addition to your rotation, with its coverage of specific legal battles like the Audax / HIG lawsuit, shows the value of niche newsletters that dive deep into the intricacies of finance and investing. It's these detailed scoops that can provide actionable insights for professionals in the field.
The Brink: Focusing on bankruptcy and credit news, The Brink offers a unique perspective that's particularly valuable for keeping abreast of the riskier sides of the market. Even if it's not directly related to buyout-focused roles, understanding the broader market dynamics is crucial.
For podcasts, the challenge of finding content that goes beyond generic career journeys and offers current, actionable insights is real. However, based on the preferences you've shared, here are a couple of suggestions:
Capital Allocators: This podcast dives into the minds of the people who manage money, offering insights into their decision-making processes, investment strategies, and more. It's a great way to get into the nitty-gritty of how deals are thought about and executed.
Invest Like the Best: Hosted by Patrick O'Shaughnessy, this podcast explores the strategies, tools, and beliefs of top investors and business leaders. While it covers a broad range of topics, the episodes often delve deep into specific investment philosophies and case studies, providing valuable insights.
Remember, the key to benefiting from these resources is to actively listen for nuggets of wisdom that can inform your investment strategies and decision-making processes. Keep exploring and curating your list of go-to resources to stay ahead in the dynamic world of private equity investing.
Sources: How To Follow The Markets Like A Pro – For Free!, What podcasts do you listen to keep up to date with the markets?, How To Follow The Markets Like A Pro – For Free!, Q&A - Analyst at $1.5B Endowment Fund, Best Podcasts on Finance and Investment Banking
Howard Marks memos
Levine's popularity has always been a pet peeve of mine. I feel like his columns are basically:
- start with something simple and easy to understand
- find a way to break it apart and make it sound super complicated
- look smart navigating all these phony complications with ease, and ultimately putting it back together
Am I really the only one?
You are not. I find his writing style pedantic and annoying.
Made my day. I feel so alone watching everyone gush over those columns.
Points of Return by John Authers at Bloomberg
My personal Substack subscriptions
Haymaker by David Hay - High level macro insight. I am not a macro guy so can't really comment on the quality from a point of authority but I enjoy it.
The Overshoot - Another macro letter
Credit Strategist - Credit focused macro themes. Usually pessimistic.
Rob Henderson - More life philosophy, psychology, social studies related but extremely interesting reads regardless of whether you completely align with his life/political philsophy or not.
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