The FinanceNow Podcast
The FinanceNow Podcast is a solo show hosted by Anurag Birla, a Master of Finance graduate from NUS Business School who also studied economics, math and business at NYU. In each episode he breaks down companies, industries and market trends, and summarizes earnings reports and financial news he finds interesting. The goal is to make the process of analyzing businesses a shared learning journey for listeners who want to invest and understand money better. He also covers the biggest stories and emerging technologies affecting the finance world at large. Listeners can reach him by email or Twitter with questions and topic suggestions.
Episodes
Intels Recovery Shows Some Life
In this episode I talk about:Macro debrief: CPI, Core CPI, Michigan Consumer SentimentEarnings: NFLX, INTC
Time To Revolutionize Sports Gaming?
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about:Macro debrief: CB consumer confidence, JOLTs job openings, government shutdownEarnings: NKEOthers: EA buyout, Open AI valuation
Consumers Want Value
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about:Macro debrief: Powell speech, GDP, PCE, Core PCE, Michigan Consumer SentimentEarnings: MU, COST
It’s Not RKO, It’s RPO
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about:Macro debrief: PPI, CPI, Core CPI, Previous week labour market revisionsEarnings: ORCL, ADBEOther: AAPL Event, Paramount and WBD rumours.
The AI Trade Is Still On
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about:Macro debrief: New Home Sales, CB Consumer Confidence, Michigan Consumer Sentiment, GDP, PCE and Core PCE.Earnings:- NVDA, DG
Resilience All Around
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about:Macro debrief: PMI (Manufacturing and Services), Jackson Hole, the path to rate cuts and how I am positioning myself. Earnings focused on the consumer:- HD, LOW, WMT
Black Monday For Monday.com
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about:- Macro debrief: Inflation numbers: both CPI and PPI, Retail salesEarnings:- MNDY, CRCL- BLSH IPO
Palantir’s Billion Dollar Quarter
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about:- Palantir, their billion dollar quarter, strong growth, and lofty valuation- AMD, China restrictions, mixed earnings, and thoughts on the future- DIS, mixed results, strong turnaround in streaming growth coupled with weak traditional TV numbers.
Microsoft Is Up In the Cloud
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about- Consumer sentiment, Labour market, GDP, Inflation, and more importantly the hidden state of the economy after the recent non farm payroll revisions. Earnings of interest: - Primarily focus on payments in the wake of a growing stablecoin era: PYPL, V, MA- Big tech: MSFT, META, AAPL, AMZN
Solar’s Lack of Love, Intel’s Under-appreciated Quarter, and Continued AI Mania
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about- Labour market, Housing market, Japan and other major pending deals.Earnings of interest: - ENPH, INTC, NOW, TSLA, GOOG, GOOGL
AI Chip Demand Just Doesn't End
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about- Inflation updates, labour market, retail sales.Earnings of interest: - Banks summary - M&A activity, trading revenue, inflation outlook and net interest income, outlook on consumer sentiment and credit. - ASML, TSM, NFLX
Flying Taxis and Figma's Debut
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about- Labour market, unemployment rate, nonfarm payrolls, and the passing of the BBB. No earnings of interest this week. Instead, I discuss the eVTOL industry, and progress being made with flying taxis.Also talk about Figma's upcoming IPO and how the company separates itself from competitors. ARCH, JOBY, EH, EVTL
Euphoria vs Reality
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about- CB Consumer confidence, New home sales, GDP, PCE, and trade deals2 earnings of interest:- MU, NKEAlso discuss Tesla's robotaxi rollout and my general thoughts on the market's current levels.
Stablecoins, Unstable Valuation
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about- Retails sales data from this last week and the much awaited Fed interest rate decision.No earnings of interest to cover this week, but I go through- Circle's IPO and dominant 2 week stock performance.- Meta's Scale AI deal, and brand new Oakley Gen AI glasses.
Oracle’s Might and Chewy’s Bite
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about- Latest inflation data including CPI and PPI, the steadily worsening labour market, geopolitical tensions in the middle east and the tragic Air India accident.Earnings:- ORCL, CHWYAdditionally, sharing my thoughts on Apple's recent WWDC.
Time For Consumer Defensives
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about- Labour market showing resilience, Musk vs Trump, Trump and Xi.Earnings:- DG, DLTR, MDBFocusing on consumer defensives, how they've outperformed SPX ytd and why the future looks promising for them. MDB is more growth focused, but a valuable company that has been doing well both as a organisation and as a stock.
Chips and Cybersecurity
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about- Tariff court ruling, consumer sentiment (both CB and Michigan), PCE, GDP, and Labour market.Earnings:- NVDA, S and ZSFocusing on semiconductor and cybersecurity - why I like cybersecurity, what I like about both S and ZS, and what I think about Nvidia.
Recession Worries Are Back
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about- Bond market and recession worries driven by weak 20Y auction, Moody's credit downgrade, tax bill etc.Earnings:- HD, LOW and TGTContinuing the theme of consumer and retail in light of weakening consumer strength, sentiment, and rising delinquencies.
Consumer and Retail’s Reality
Send us a textIn this episode I talk mainly aboutThe big macro:- CPI, Core CPI, PPI, Consumer Sentiment, Powells Speech, and Retail SalesEarnings:- WMT, and ONONAdditionally talk about 2 M&A deals: 3G Capital acquiring Skechers, and Dicks Sporting Goods acquiring Foot Locker. Focus is mainly on consumer and retail.
The Amazon Of...
Send us a textIn this episode I talk aboutThe big macro:- Fed interest rate decision, strong labour market, the lack of a need for premature rate cuts, Trump vs Powell.- Strong demand for 10 year note auction, no disruption to global order, strength of the US economy, UK/US trade deal, potential China deal and more.Earnings:- PLTR, AMD, and CPNG
Big Tech Earnings Help Ease Recession Worries
Send us a textIn this episode I discuss macroeconomic data that came out:JOLTS, Consumer Confidence, GDP, PCE/Core PCE, Unemployment rate, Non farm payrolls.I also discuss earnings of "Big Tech/Mag 7":Microsoft [MSFT], Meta [META], Apple [AAPL], Amazon [AMZN].
Intel’s “Generational Comeback”?
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about earnings and outlook for:Tesla [TSLA]Alphabet [GOOG, GOOGL]ServiceNow [NOW]Intel [INTC]
If In Doubt, Maintain Forecasts
Send us a textFocus on earnings of: Goldman Sachs, Citi, Bank of America, TSMC, Netflix.
A Game of Patience
Send us a textIn this episode, I discuss the macroeconomic environment, inflation data, consumer sentiment, tariffs and specifically the US vs China trade war. As we move into earnings season, I also discuss JPM earnings results, the outlook and what Jamie Dimon had to say this week. Briefly touch on MS, BLK, and WFC earnings as well.
Liberation Day or Isolation Day?
Send us a textIn this episode, I talk about the recent tariffs from liberation day. I talk about the nature of these tariffs and what I believe the impact on consumers and companies might be. I briefly mention how I think about playing this market scenario. I move on to mentioning TSLA delivery numbers and how one of the worst performing mega cap stocks this year continues to disappoint. I lastly
Solar's Getting Nuked
Send us a textIn this episode, I talk about ENPH and how the fallout in preference from solar into nuclear has affected the earnings of the company. I also go through what I like about the company, my perceived value proposition, and my thoughts on their future. I move on to talking about TSLA, their recent earnings and how their portfolio as a company is shaping up to change the world drastically
AI Demand Slowing? Think Again.
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about some of the large investment banks and financial institutions, what rate cuts mean for their business outlook and briefly cover their solid earnings. I also talk a bit about TSM, the demand for AI chips, and what that means for companies like NVDA and Big Tech. I end with a bit about renewable energy, the recent small modular reactor deals and the demand
Disney's Epic Quarter
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about earnings from PLTR and ARM and how the growth of AI as an industry spurs their growth. I also talk about RBLX and how I believe that it's more of an AI play than many may believe. I talk about PYPLs recent earnings, their layoffs and potential 2024 "turnaround year". I end discussing DIS, their blowout earnings, investment into Epic Games a
"Year of Efficiency" Paid Dividends
Send us a textIn this episode, I start by talking about the FOMC meeting, likelihood of higher rates for longer and why there's no real need for the Fed to cut rates in March. I move on to discussing some earnings from the semiconductor sector, discussing ASML, Intel and AMD and then I end with Big Tech. I go through Amazons impressive Q4 earnings as well as the story of the week, Meta Platfo
Netflix Wants More
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about Netflix's outstanding earnings and how they've cemented their position as leaders in the streaming space. I also talk about their WWE Raw deal and what this means for content and potential future live sports streaming for the platform. I also talk about Comcasts surprise earnings and the strength of their growing peacock, NBCUniversal and theme
Stock Of The Year
Send us a textIn this episode, I talk about Adyen's massive sell of from last week as well as Grabs earnings and the road to profitability. I also talk about Zoom's earnings and how they plan to leverage AI as well as the "Stock Of The Year", NVIDIA, their surprise earnings and how they continue to dominate and surprise an already highly anticipated and hyped AI industry.
Under The Sea
Send us a textIn this episode, I go through few key companies that I missed over the last month. I start with PLTR - talk about their earnings and how A LOT of growth at a fast rate is priced into their valuation currently. I run over big tech and their earnings too - no major upsets there and finally I end with the big story of the week/region; Sea Ltd. and their historic drop. I talk about Shope
Big Bank Resilience
Send us a textIn this episode I discuss 4 major bank earnings (JPM, MS, BAC and GS). I talk about the effects the macroeconomic conditions have had on their net interest income and how they have fared through the turbulent "banking crisis" period. I also discuss TSLA, their earnings, cybertruck and FSD along with NFLX and their growing subscriber count, effects of password crackdown and
A Turnaround Tale For Disney?
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about Foxconn dropping out of the $19.5bn JV deal with Vedanta, I also talk about Adani Capital and the private equity race to acquire the financial arm of one of the largest conglomerates in the country. I talk a bit about the macro inflation data that came out this week and also elaborate more on the struggles Disney are facing, Bob Igers contract extension a
Musk vs Zuckerberg
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about the updated jobs data for this month, Apples manufacturing struggles and Tesla delivery prowess. I also talk about the much anticipated Threads by Instagram and the threat that they pose to Twitter both from a users perspective and an ad revenue perspective. I wrap up with a brief half year review of how the market has done up until this point and what we
We Don't Want Economic Warfare
Send us a textIn this episode, I talk about Walgreens Boots Alliance, their earnings and the impact of inflation on the consumer discretionary sector. I also talk about Microns earnings, their ban from China, entry into India and the wider regulatory landscape on the chip sector and potential economic warfare. I briefly talk about newly approved "lab grown meat" and the current situation
The Mother of All Aviation Deals
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about the last 2 weeks and the macroeconomic updates we've heard regarding interest rates, the Fed and inflation data. I also talk about Oracle, their incredible earnings and how they're gaining traction in their cloud infrastructure business. I then talk about the Indian airline industry, competition within and the monstrous deals that have recently
"$3500 Ski Goggles"
Send us a textIn this episode I talk about Apple's much anticipated wwdc2023. I go into details about some of the newer software and hardware upgrades and then elaborate on their biggest announcement, the VisionPro. I talk about its importance in terms of innovation and the concept of spatial computing and my opinion on the overall direction. I briefly conclude with some comments on the crypt
AI Is Not All That Rosy
Send us a textIn this episode I talk a bit macro, about the status and timeline of the debt ceiling deal, what's in it and the importance of it as well as some updates from initial jobless claims and what that means to the market. I also talk about 2 stocks (Tickers: AI and CRM) that had underwhelming guidance for the coming quarters/year. I go through their earnings and what caused the stock
Nvidia...To The Moon
Send us a textIn this epsiode I talk about Zooms recent earnings and how their growth is consistently slowing down. I talk about the much awaited Nvidia earnings that blew expectations out the water and the importance their guidance and earnings play in the wider outlook of AI. In light of semiconductor company earnings, I also address the 8% drop in Analog Devices stock price after a (not so) ter
Deal or No Deal?
Send us a textIn this episode, I talk about the prospects of the Micrsoft/Activision deal going through after the EU regulators approval. I also address earnings from some other gaming companies including Roblox and Take Two Interactive. Lastly, I briefly touch on C3.AI and their positively updated numbers for this quarter.
The Streaming Wars
Send us a textIn this episode, I go talk about earnings from Netflix, Paramount Global, Warner Bros. Dicovery and Disney and also talk about the general outlook of the streaming industry. I also talk about the importance of multiple revenue streams, content quality and how it affects profitability and sustainance of a streaming service. Towards the end, I briefly talk about the significance of wri
We All Love Apple
Send us a textIn this episode, I briefly go over the Fed's interest rate decision this previous Wednesday and what J Powell had to say over the banking sector. I mainly focus on earnings of AMD, Qualcomm and Apple and contextualise their outlook relative to the wider smartphone/PC market.
Let's Talk Big Tech
Send us a textIn this episode, I do a bit of an earnings wrap and talk about some of the big tech companies earnings this week. I go through Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta and also do a slight preview for Amazon (I recorded this prior to their earnings). I also add a bit about what we can expect going forward and my sentiments on the companies.
Inflation, Inflation, Inflation...and Roblox
Send us a textIn this episode, I go through the basic economics of inflation and how its caused and measured. I talk about how our current inflationary scenario came to be and whether we're likely to see a soft vs hard landing by the Fed. I also talk about Roblox (a company I like and follow) and explain their 12% stock drop based on their March metrics.
Tesla, BYD and The EV Industry
Send us a textIn preparation for their earnings call on the 19th of April, I take a look at Tesla's Q1, and see what their delivery and production numbers, price cuts and megafactory mean for their business. I also talk a bit about their largest EV competitor, BYD and how they compare, especially in the Chinese market.
SVB, Credit Suisse and the Wider Banking Sector
Send us a textIn this episode, I dive into the banking crisis and what exactly happened to Silvergate Capital, Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. I also discuss the waterfall effect on Credit Suisse and the underlying problems that led to it being acquired by UBS.
Generative AI, ChatGPT and AI Market Trends
Send us a textIn this episode, I mainly talk about Generative AI, potential use cases, benefits and drawbacks, and overall future outlook of the technology. I also skim over the AI market as a whole, the opportunity it presents, ChatGPT and the newly launched, GPT 4.
FinanceNow Trailer
Send us a textHey everyone, I'm your host, Anurag Birla. Here's just a glimpse of what is to come. I hope to get as many people along with me on this research journey as I take a deeper dive into several different topics, industries and companies of financial interest. Welcome to FinanceNow.
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