Explore every episode of the podcast Super-Macro Management
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonds are a Trap | 08 Sep 2026 | 00:28:33 | |
There is a generation of bond traders who have never seen yields this high, levels they would have dreamt of five years ago. The US deficit is running at 5.5 to 6% of GDP with the economy nowhere near a recession, and there is no political will in sight to fix it. That combination alone isn't the buy signal it looks like. Two live risks sit in front of this call. Wednesday brings the Treasury's buyback announcement, and Bessent has already said he will at least double the size, with room to go further. Friday brings the CPI print that Fed chair Kevin Warsh has effectively staked his credibility on, after reversing from downplaying inflation in July to calling the 2% target non negotiable at Jackson Hole. Elvis sits down with veteran macro trader Jonny Matthews, 25 years of institutional experience at Brevan Howard and Citigroup, to unpack why he isn't rushing to buy bonds despite the highest yields in a generation, what August's payrolls really mean for the Fed, and why Japan's own hawkish pivot is a warning against betting on long yields falling. In this episode: Jonny has spent 25 years trading macro at the highest institutional level. This is not retail speculation or headline chasing. It is rigorous, independent analysis from someone who has sat at the table. New to SuperMacro? 0:00 Intro: do we buy bonds Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Warsh just backed himself into a corner | 01 Sep 2026 | 00:31:12 | |
US interest costs have quietly climbed to around 18% of tax revenues, up from about 5% not long ago. At Jackson Hole, Fed chair Kevin Warsh delivered what looked like a near 180 degree hawkish pivot from his July meeting, sending the two year yield up 11 basis points in a day. The long end barely moved. Jonny thinks the pivot has less to do with inflation than pressure from the Treasury. Scott Bessent has been doubling bond buybacks and hinting at drawing on the $950 billion TGA to support long dated debt, and the two men meet weekly. A short end hike buys Bessent room to defend the long end without spending the Treasury's own firepower. Elvis sits down with veteran macro trader Jonny Matthews, 25 years of institutional experience at Brevan Howard and Citigroup, to unpack why the long end didn't budge despite the hawkish pivot, what a September hike really says about debt sustainability, and why he still likes gold and short bonds as the trade. In this episode: Jonny has spent 25 years trading macro at the highest institutional level. This is not retail speculation or headline chasing. It is rigorous, independent analysis from someone who has sat at the table. New to SuperMacro? 0:00 Intro: did Warsh just kill the debasement trade Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Bessent’s Intervention Arsenal Lacks Firepower | 25 Aug 2026 | 00:30:31 | |
The US national debt passed $40 trillion last week. Scott Bessent's response was to double the Treasury's bond buybacks, from $2 billion a time to $4 billion. Against $5.6 trillion of debt maturing in the 10 to 30 year bucket alone, that is roughly $100 billion a year, a fraction of what is actually coming due.
Elsewhere, Bessent has sold euros to buy yen to stop Japan selling Treasuries, tapped the TGA to help fund the buybacks, and signalled in the August refunding statement that future issuance will lean towards bills rather than long bonds. Each move buys time. None of them fixes the underlying arithmetic.
Elvis sits down with veteran macro trader Jonny Matthews, 25 years of institutional experience at Brevan Howard and Citigroup, to unpack why Bessent's interventions are too small to move the market, what shifting issuance to the short end actually risks, and why he still expects yields to go higher.
In this episode:
The $40 trillion debt milestone, and why Bessent's "publicly traded" caveat is disingenuous
Treasury buybacks doubling to $4 billion a time, still a drop in the ocean against $5.6 trillion maturing in the 10 to 30 year bucket
The TGA explained: the Treasury's checking account at the Fed, currently around $1 trillion
Why the yen intervention and swap facility increase is not QE, whatever it looks like
The August refunding statement's hint that long bond issuance is capped, with funding shifting to the short end
Fiscal dominance, and how short dated debt makes the Treasury hostage to the Fed's rate decisions
Mandatory spending rising from 14.2% to 15.5% of GDP by 2036, with interest expense following from 3.3% to 4.6%
The 30 year Treasury yield at 5.24%, and why the Volcker disinflation shows yields can stay high long after inflation falls
Jonny has spent 25 years trading macro at the highest institutional level. This is not retail speculation or headline chasing. It is rigorous, independent analysis from someone who has sat at the table.
New to SuperMacro?
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0:00 Intro: last week's Treasury sell-off and the $40 trillion debt milestone
1:23 Bessent's response, and why it's more smoke and mirrors
2:36 Clip: Bessent on the $40 trillion mark, and why "publicly traded" debt is misleading
5:11 US debt to GDP against Italy and Japan
6:27 Mandatory spending and interest costs rising to 2036
7:42 The yen intervention and the swap facility
8:13 Treasury buybacks: $4 billion a time against $5.6 trillion maturing
10:12 The TGA explained
12:31 Shifting issuance to the short end, and the refunding statement's hidden signal
14:17 Where this goes wrong: debt monetisation and fiscal dominance
16:16 Yield curve control despite a strong economy
18:32 Other levers: bank regulation, the GSEs, and shrinking foreign demand
20:20 Is the dollar's reserve status in question
21:36 A crowded field: global sovereign yields at multi-year highs
23:14 Midterms, entitlement reform, and the UK's Liz Truss playbook
24:50 30 year yields against CPI since Volcker
26:49 Can the US afford to stay in Iran, or walk away
29:02 Wrap up and where to find the Daily Note Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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| Sovereign Bonds Can't Catch a Break | 18 Aug 2026 | 00:28:39 | |
The data all pointed one way last week. Payrolls missed, CPI and PPI came in benign, retail sales underwhelmed across every single aggregate. Sovereign bonds caught a bid, then sold off almost immediately. When bonds cannot rally on their own good news, the problem is not the data. The US interest bill has now overtaken the defence bill. Niall Ferguson's law says any great power that spends more on debt servicing than defence risks ceasing to be a great power, and the US is running a deficit of 5.5 to 6% at full employment with unemployment at 4.1%. There is no reform coming, in any G7 country, because nobody is going to vote for it. Elvis sits down with veteran macro trader Jonny Matthews, 25 years of institutional experience at Brevan Howard and Citigroup, to work through why the long end sold off into weak data, what the deficit does when the economy finally turns, and why he is still short treasuries. In this episode: Why sovereign bonds sold off into a weak payrolls print, benign inflation and soft retail sales G7 debt to GDP ratios, and the US on track to pass Italy from over 120% Japan cutting 220% to 200% with no reform at all, just nominal GDP running above the interest rate A 6% deficit at full employment, and where it goes in even a mild recession Ferguson's law: the interest bill has passed the defence bill, and neither one is coming down AI capex arriving in the bond market as a new and very large competing issuer Ten years of long dated treasury total return below zero while CPI rose 40 to 45%, and what that does to the 60/40 Why TIPS at 2.4% on the ten year and 3% on the thirty look like the better bet 4.5% on the ten year and 5% on the thirty now acting as a floor rather than a ceiling Jonny has spent 25 years trading macro at the highest institutional level. This is not retail speculation or headline chasing. It is rigorous, independent analysis from someone who has sat at the table. New to SuperMacro? Get 30 days of our Daily Note entirely free at www.super-macro.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Yen Intervention Is Smoke and Mirrors | 12 Aug 2026 | 00:30:50 | |
US payrolls fell by 23,000 in the latest print, with over 100,000 of downward revisions to the previous two months — and yet Treasury yields climbed. When bond markets rally on bad news and then give it all back, something deeper is going on.
Meanwhile, the much-publicised coordinated intervention to support the Japanese yen — complete with a conveniently photographed "buy yen" note on the Treasury Secretary's desk — may be far less than it appears. And with Japanese government bond yields hitting two-decade highs, the pressure on Tokyo is building fast.
Elvis sits down with veteran macro trader Jonny Matthews — 25 years of institutional experience at Brevan Howard and Citigroup — to unpack why the Treasury market shrugged off a weak jobs report, what the US–Japan yen intervention is really designed to achieve, and why the long end of the bond market in both countries is flashing red.
In this episode: Why Treasury yields rose despite a negative payrolls print — and what a shrinking labour supply means for wages and inflation The unemployment rate at a 13-month low of 4.1% even as jobs are lost — the retiring boomers and net-zero migration story the headlines miss Bessent's "whatever it takes" moment: the leaked to-do list, the Exchange Stabilization Fund, and why this intervention is more theatre than firepower
Japan's high nominal GDP playbook — inflating away a 200% debt-to-GDP ratio while JGB yields hit two-decade highs — and the 1992 sterling lesson for anyone defending a currency
Why 4.5% on the 10-year and 5% on the 30-year now look like floors rather than ceilings — and the asymmetric risk around this week's CPI print ahead of September's Fed meeting
Jonny has spent 25 years trading macro at the highest institutional level. This is not retail speculation or headline chasing. It is rigorous, independent analysis from someone who has sat at the table.
New to SuperMacro? Get 30 days of our Daily Note entirely free at www.super-macro.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Navigating the Financial Storm: Insights on the S&P and Economic Data | 11 Apr 2025 | 00:28:45 | |
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| Tariffs and Their Impact: A Deep Dive into Economic Uncertainty | 14 Mar 2025 | 00:41:34 | |
In this episode of the Super Macro podcast, hosts Elvis and Jonny Matthews delve into the pressing topic of tariffs and their impact on the economy. Jonny, who has been skeptical about the likelihood of a recession, discusses how current tariff policies are slowing growth, increasing prices, and disrupting global supply chains. The episode highlights the significant decline in business and consumer confidence, with companies putting hiring and capital expenditure plans on hold due to uncertainty. Jonny also emphasises the potential negative effects on household wealth and consumer spending if the stock market continues to decline. The conversation reveals that the real concern for CEOs may not just be the tariffs themselves but the unpredictability and abrupt changes in policy that could disrupt long-term business strategies. Tune in for an insightful analysis of the current economic climate and what it means for the future. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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| Navigating 2025: Economic Insights and Market Predictions | Episode 11 | 22 Jan 2025 | 00:38:25 | |
In this episode of the Super Macro podcast, hosts Elvis and Jonny Matthews return after a brief hiatus to discuss economic projections for 2025. Johnny emphasises his confidence in the economy for the first half of the year, highlighting strong household and corporate balance sheets, alongside a robust job market. The conversation also touches on Johnny's successful year managing a portfolio for Fortum Capital, crediting his research and content creation for the impressive returns. Listeners are invited to subscribe to the Super Macro newsletter for insights and analysis, with a special offer for a free one-month trial. The episode sets the stage for future discussions, including the potential impact of political changes on the economy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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| The Resilient US Economy: Consumer Spending and Corporate Profits | Episode 10 | 10 Oct 2024 | 00:32:23 | |
In this episode of the Super Macro podcast, hosts Elvis and Jonny Matthews dive into the recent economic performance of Ireland, discussing the optimistic outlook for the third quarter. Jonny highlights strong consumer spending trends, projecting a 3% growth rate and an overall GDP growth of around 2.5% for the quarter. They address previous concerns about consumers depleting their savings, revealing new revisions to national accounts that indicate higher household income than previously estimated. Jonny emphasizes the importance of these insights for understanding the current economic landscape and future expectations. Tune in for an in-depth analysis of these trends and their implications for the economy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Defending the No-Recession Stance - Episode 9 | 26 Sep 2024 | 00:30:51 | |
In this episode of the Super Macro podcast, hosts Elvis and Jonny Matthews delve into the current market dynamics and the prevailing economic outlook. Jonny stands firm in his belief that a recession is unlikely, despite increasing skepticism in the market. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a non-consensus view to capitalize on investment opportunities. The discussion shifts to the Federal Reserve's recent actions, particularly focusing on the dovish stance reflected in the changes in the two-year yield around FOMC meetings since March 2022. Jonny presents a detailed analysis of the trends in interest rates, illustrating how the Fed's projections and actions have influenced market reactions. Tune in for valuable insights on navigating the complexities of today's economic landscape. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| What Recession?!! - Episode 8 | 16 Sep 2024 | 00:25:29 | |
In this episode of the Super Macro Podcast, hosts Jonny Matthews and Elvis delve into the current market dynamics and the looming recession narrative. Jonny shares insights on the disparity between market pricing and economic realities, particularly focusing on the rates market. He highlights that the market is pricing in approximately 275 basis points of cuts over the next 15 months, which he argues signals a deep recession—a scenario he believes is unlikely based on current economic conditions. The discussion emphasizes the differences between today's corporate sector and that of the past, noting that companies are now less leveraged than during the 2007-2008 financial crisis. Jonny maintains his conviction that the Federal Reserve will not cut rates as drastically as the market anticipates, presenting a contrarian viewpoint that challenges prevailing market sentiments. Tune in for an engaging analysis that questions the market's recession pricing and explores the broader economic context. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Financial Conditions and Market Reactions: A Conversation with Andy Constan - Episode 7 | 11 Jul 2024 | 00:38:44 | |
In this episode, Jonny Matthews and Elvis discuss the recent weak CPI print and its implications on the economy. They analyze the job market, highlighting the contrast between cyclical and non-cyclical sectors. Johnny emphasizes the significance of real disposable income growth and strong private sector wages. Stay tuned for a special guest, Andy Constand, joining the conversation later in the episode. Timestamps: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The S&P's Resilience Amid Softening US Economic Data - Episode 6 | 09 Jun 2024 | 00:29:20 | |
On this episode of Super Macro, Elvis and Jonny discuss the recent subpar economic data in the United States and its implications for Fed policy. They analyze charts showing the softening data against Treasury yields and the S&P, noting the disconnect between the S&P's strong performance and weakening economic indicators. Tune in to gain insights into the economic surprise index and what this shift in data trends could mean for the future. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Joseph Wang's Take on Central Banking and Market Predictions - Episode 5 | 16 Apr 2024 | 00:45:29 | |
In this episode of the Super Macro Podcast, hosts Elvis and Jonny Matthews are joined by special guest Joseph Wang, also known as the Fed guy. Joseph, a former senior trader on the New York Open Markets Desk, shares his insights on the evolution of the Fed, the impact of quantitative easing, and predictions for the future of the economy. The discussion covers topics such as the Fed's role in the financial system, the potential for rate cuts, and the implications of fiscal deficits on asset prices. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Joseph's expertise and stay informed about the latest trends in the financial sector. 00:16 - Introduction and Guest Introduction Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Analyzing the US Labor Market and Fed's Rate Cut Dilemma - Episode 4 | 08 Apr 2024 | 00:26:35 | |
In this episode of The Super Macro Management podcast, Elvis and Jonny Matthews dive into the US labor market and the potential for rate cuts. They analyze the recent payroll data, highlighting healthy gains in both cyclical and non-cyclical sectors. With a decrease in unemployment, an increase in average hourly earnings, and a rise in the working week, the labor market report appears strong. Jonny emphasizes the upward trend in payroll growth over the past four months, noting a recent resurgence after a brief soft patch. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the current state of the US labor market and its implications for the future. 00:00 - Introduction and US Labor Market Discussion Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Has the Fed Lost the Plot on Inflation? - Episode 3 | 25 Mar 2024 | 00:23:23 | |
In this episode of Super Macro Podcast 3, Elvis and Jonny dive into the topic of whether the Fed has lost the plot on inflation. They discuss the Fed's recent decisions, including leaving interest rates unchanged, raising inflation and growth forecasts, and the potential impact on the bond market. Jonny believes the Fed has been too soft on inflation, expressing concerns about the end of goods disinflation and the rise in services and energy costs. While he doesn't think the Fed has completely lost the plot, he questions the effectiveness of their current policy moves. 02:17 Fed's inflation target dilemma. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Navigating the US Market: CPI Data, Payroll Reports, and Fed Policy - Episode 2 | 14 Mar 2024 | 00:36:33 | |
On this episode of Supermacro, Jonny and Elvis discuss the recent developments in the US market, including the CPI data and the non-farm payroll report. Despite the unexpected CPI print and mixed payroll data, Jonny maintains his view that the easing of financial conditions is stimulating the economy in ways the Fed may not have anticipated. The episode delves into the implications of Fed policy and the overall economic outlook. To access the SuperMacro newsletter and stay updated on economic Listen to the full podcast episode for in-depth analysis and valuable Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Unpacking the Health of the US Economy: No Recession in Sight - Episode 1 | 01 Mar 2024 | 00:36:10 | |
In this episode of the SuperMacro podcast, Jonny discusses the health of the US consumer and the absence of a looming recession. He delves into charts showcasing the strength of the US economy, the impact of job gains, wage growth, and household finances. Elvis and Jonny also touch on the Federal Reserve's policies, inflation, and the future of interest rates. Join them as they analyze market trends, investment strategies, and more. Don't miss out on valuable insights and trade ideas shared in this engaging discussion. To access the SuperMacro newsletter and stay updated on economic Listen to the full podcast episode for in-depth analysis and valuable Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||