PODCAST:Masters in Business
TITLE:Matt Levine on Money and Stuff
DATE:2024-01-04 00:00:00
URL:
MODEL:gpt-4-gizmo
This episode of "Masters in Business" features Matt Levine, a writer for Bloomberg, known for his "Money Stuff" daily newsletter. Levine discusses his journey from being an M&A attorney and derivatives specialist to a financial journalist. His unique background allows him to present complex financial ideas in an accessible and often humorous manner, appealing to both finance professionals and laypeople.
The conversation begins with Levine's educational background and early career, including his time at Harvard, Yale Law School, and his work at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, a prominent M&A law firm. Levine then transitions to his role at Goldman Sachs in structuring derivatives, offering insights into the financial crisis of 2008 and his experiences during that time.
Levine's pivot to writing was almost accidental. He initially joined Dealbreaker, a financial blog, then moved to Bloomberg, where he eventually developed "Money Stuff" into a widely-read financial newsletter. He talks about his approach to writing and his interaction with his audience, including how he deals with complex financial topics in a digestible and often entertaining way.
The podcast touches on several subjects Levine frequently writes about, including Elon Musk's ventures and behaviors, crypto, SPACs (Special Purpose Acquisition Companies), and the dichotomy between active and passive investing. Levine discusses these topics with a blend of deep insight and wit, revealing the underlying mechanics of financial markets and the behavior of market participants.
Levine also discusses his philosophy of writing, mentioning how he tries to make his readers feel "in on the savage joke that is late capitalism." He explains his use of humorous footnotes and how he thinks of his audience as akin to fellow analysts at a bank, making his writing resonate with a wide range of readers from different backgrounds.
Finally, Levine offers advice to young professionals aiming to enter finance or financial journalism, emphasizing the importance of gaining real-world experience in finance before transitioning to writing. He reflects on his own career path and how, in hindsight, the seemingly haphazard journey led him to a fulfilling career in financial journalism.
