$25 trillion! This is the sum injected into the economy by Governments and Central Banks to protect a significant portion of the global economy during the Covid crisis. Where does this funding come from, and what are the impacts of such government spending? Is this strategy sustainable in the long term? These are important questions to consider, particularly since we are in a year where half of the world's population is heading to the polls and many candidates are advocating for a 'whatever it takes' approach.

Even if we are near full employment, witnessing rising wages, have defeated the Coronavirus, and have inflation levels gradually approaching central bank objectives, let us not overlook the consequences of this approach. The massive government spending to save lives, known as 'whatever it takes,' is not without costs. As the saying goes, there‘s no such thing as a free lunch! The result? Endemic sovereign debt and budget deficits – a metaphorical portrayal of 'original sin.'

In this episode of 2050 Investors, Kokou Agbo-Bloua will delve into sovereign debt sustainability and explore how governments can balance their finances amid high-interest rates while meeting the demands of voters. Joining the discussion is Anatoli Annenkov, Societe Generale's Senior Economist for Europe, who will analyse the relationship between public debt and central banks. He will explain how central banks can help stabilize sovereign debt crises and shed light on the importance of their independence.

Credits

Presenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Producers & Editors: Jovaney Ashman, Jennifer Krumm, Louis Trouslard.

Sound Director: La Vilaine, Pierre-Emmanuel Lurton. Music: Cézame Music Agency. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly.
This episode is a reworked replay based on its original version. (link to the original version)

Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Stablecoins, once a niche segment of the cryptocurrency market, are rapidly emerging as a vital bridge between the digital innovation of decentralised finance (DeFi) and traditional finance (TradFi). Backed by real-world assets and powered by blockchain technology, they mark a new phase in the evolution of money: from Gold (Money 1.0) to the trust-based fiat system (Money 2.0) and now to a new era of Money 3.0. Each stage has fundamentally transformed how societies store, transfer, and multiply economic energy.

In this episode of 2050 Investors, Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, explores the rise of stablecoins and their role in the wider crypto ecosystem of DeFi and blockchain. He examines how these innovations challenge traditional banking systems and central banks, and whether they can truly become the ultimate store of value in a digital age.

Joining the discussion: Joseph Lubin, co-founder of Ethereum and CEO of ConsenSys, shares how stablecoins could reshape banking, the future of payment, the role of trust in digital money, and the convergence of blockchain with artificial intelligence.

This episode offers a thought-provoking journey into the heart of the crypto revolution, questioning whether ‘Billy Crypto’ is still an outsider in Currency Canyon, or already part of the system.

Credits

Presenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Producers & Editors: Jovaney Ashman, Jennifer Krumm, Vincent Nickelsen, Louis Trouslard.

Sound Director: La Vilaine, Pierre-Emmanuel Lurton. Music: Cézame Music Agency. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly.

Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What is the future of international trade? After Brexit, the War in Ukraine, and the Covid-19 pandemic, are we at the beginning of the end of globalisation? Will a future Phileas Fogg be more incentivized to stay at home and circle the world in the metaverse in 80 seconds?

While globalization has fueled economic growth, lifted millions out of poverty, and facilitated unprecedented access to consumer goods and information, it also carries a dark underbelly. Kokou Agbo-Bloua explores the repercussions of global trade, from job displacement to environmental degradation and social inequality.

Through engaging dialogue and historical anecdotes, he reflects on the principles of comparative advantage and economies of scale that underpin international trade, while considering the carbon footprint of our interconnected world.

Join the investigation into the future of trade, from reshoring initiatives to carbon border adjustment taxes, and their potential to mitigate environmental impact and promote sustainability.

Gain insights from experts like Tim de Knegt, Treasurer and Strategic Finance Manager at the Port of Rotterdam, Europe's largest seaport. Tim and Kokou explore strategies for decarbonizing international trade, particularly in the shipping industry, discussing methods such as emissions capture, electrification, and fuel substitution. They also examine the potential impact of initiatives like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism on trade decarbonization and profitability for businesses.

Ultimately, this podcast invites listeners to contemplate the role of international trade in addressing global challenges and fostering cooperation across borders. As John Donne aptly said, "No man is an island," underscoring the interconnectedness of our world and the imperative for collaborative action in shaping its future.

About this show

Welcome to 2050 Investors your monthly guide to understanding the intricate connections between finance, globalisation, and ESG.

Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, for an investigation of the economic and market megatrends shaping the present and future, and how these trends might influence our progress to meeting 2050’s challenging global sustainability targets.

In each episode, Kokou deep dives into the events impacting the economy, financial markets, the planet, and society. Through a magical blend of personal anecdotes, in-depth research and narratives overlaid with music, sound effects, and pop culture references.

Kokou also interviews industry-leading experts, personalities, entrepreneurs and even Nobel prize winners! You will learn from the best on a wide range of subjects on current affairs, market shifts, and economic developments.

If you like 2050 Investors, please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you’re seeking a brief and entertaining overview of market-related topics, subscribe now to stay informed!

Credits

Presenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Producers & Editors: Jovaney Ashman, Jennifer Krumm, Louis Trouslard.

Sound Director: La Vilaine, Pierre-Emmanuel Lurton. Music: Cézame Music Agency. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly.
This episode is a reworked replay based on its original version. (link to the original version)

Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.