Friends,
For a few years now, I have taken a special interest in how new technology phenomena affects regular financial markets. For Svenska Dagbladet, I have written about everything from the short squeeze in Gamestop to prediction markets and bitcoin treasury companies.
Underpinning it all is a sense that something fundamental is changing. Why do so many choose to invest their money into these new things? What happened to saving money in a low-cost index fund?
I don’t know for sure, but I do have a theory that I would like to explore further.
A starting point is an article called “Casino Capitalism” that I’ve written. You can find it in English here and Swedish here.
I think there could be a book to be written on this subject too. Massive amounts of money are being allocated to assets that more resemble a lottery ticket than a financial security. The interesting question is both why this is happening – and what it might lead to.
If you think there might be something worth publishing here and would like to help me make this happen – please get in touch!
Now back to our regularly scheduled programming of some recommendations:
Album: PinkPantheress – Fancy That
Full of samples and interpolations of British 2-step and dance music from 20 years ago – but revisited and made fresh again. Underworld, The Streets and Basement Jaxx are all here in the background.
Book: How we break – Vincent Deary
This British psychologist writes what is essentially a form of manual for life. The tone of the writing is like a soft embrace while whispering that you should take care of yourself.
Song: I don’t want you – Hailey Whitters feat. Charles Wesley
A classic country song from earlier this summer. This duet’s lyrics are a simple, yet beautiful take on misguided love.
Article: Growing up Murdoch – McKay Coppins, for The Atlantic
Must-read about the Succession-style drama taking place in the Murdoch family. Incredible sourcing and storytelling.
Bonus: And finally… here’s John Cena (yes, him) schooling you on what makes a great flat white.
Thank you for reading this far. I know you have a lot of options to choose from.
Spot on!
I listen weekly to Howard Lindzon's (Stocktwits founder) various youtube shows (under the Stocktwits channel - such as The degenerate economy, Trends with friends, and Momentum Monday) who have a theme he calls the "degenerate economy" - that is all about betting, gambling, sports drinks, vaping, crypto etc on the gamification and instant gratification theme. Might be interesting to check out for further inspiration!