Thursday 4th April

The Spotlight

What led you to start Girl Economics?

I think there were two main factors. The first is that I have met so many incredible women at networking events and functions who all expressed excitement at the fact that I was considering a career in economics and finance, but who also shared that they found it very difficult to navigate such male-dominated fields. I wanted to create a space for influential women to share their experiences with others and that informs the next generation of economists! Secondly, I wanted to share the biggest economics and finance-based stories of the day in a non-partisan and easy-to-digest manner because navigating the news cycle can be difficult!

Why are you so interested in economics as a subject area?

Some people talk about mathematics being the universal language of the physical sciences and I would argue that economics is the same for the social sciences (and some components of economics are very much rooted in mathematics too! ). For me, having an understanding of economics allows you to analyse and interpret the world around you in greater depth. I also just love how broad the subject is and how it intertwines with so many other disciplines from politics to psychology.

What goes into the process of curating content for each newsletter?

Firstly, I will have a call with someone or send over some questions so I can profile them on this ‘The Spotlight’ section. What I ask is really dependent on where people are in their own careers and whether there is anything in particular they wish to share. In terms of the ‘Deep-dive’ section, I will browse several different news sites and see whether there is anything in particular which is making headlines. Often it is not the main stories that will be most interesting in terms of their wider economic implications, but will be things that you need to dig a little deeper to uncover. For the ‘Opportunities’ section, I am sometimes sent things that people/ organisations would like me to highlight and other times I will curate opportunities I have found through LinkedIn or simply on search!

Looking ahead, what are your plans for the future of Girl Economics?

I have big plans! I hope to be able to interview lots of inspiring and interesting women so they can share their knowledge with readers and give young women more confidence to enter the world of economics and finance. It would be wonderful to build a network of mentors who can offer advice and guidance surrounding internships, work experience, and just careers in general. On such a note, if you know anyone who may be interested in being interviewed or involved in any way then do let me know!

The Deep-dive

Can Markets Commodify Investigative Journalism?

In a groundbreaking move, a US hedge fund has raised $100 million to make trades based on articles produced by its affiliated newsroom, sparking both curiosity and controversy. In this deep dive we will delve into the wider implications of this novel experiment in terms of economics and finance.

The Convergence of Journalism and Finance

When you think about investigative journalism, your mind probably doesn’t turn to hedge fund trading. These two sectors have been very separate, each with its own objectives and methodologies. However, the recent emergence of Hunterbrook Capital and Hunterbrook Media represents a convergence of these two worlds, aiming to leverage investigative reporting for financial gain. This fusion really challenges conventional notions of journalism ethics and financial market integrity, and many people view it as raising important questions about the intersection of media and finance in the digital age. Such questions have arisen further in recent news reports regarding the sale of the Telegraph, for example.

Business Model Innovation

At the heart of Hunterbrook's model is a unique business strategy that pairs investigative journalism with hedge fund trading. By utilising the knowledge uncovered by reporters to inform trading decisions, Hunterbrook Capital seeks to generate profit by identifying potential market inefficiencies. This innovative approach disrupts traditional funding models for journalism, moving away from reliance on advertising or subscriptions.

Compliance and Ethical Considerations

Despite its potential for profitability, Hunterbrook's venture is not without its challenges, particularly in terms of compliance and ethics. The use of publicly available information for trading purposes raises concerns about conflicts of interest and the potential for market manipulation. To mitigate these risks, Hunterbrook has implemented compliance measures, such as separating the newsroom from the hedge fund and relying on legal counsel to assess the ethical implications of each article.

Impact on the Media Landscape

Hunterbrook’s foray into investigative journalism comes at a critical time for the media industry, which has faced significant challenges, including lay-offs and financial instability. By providing financial support for investigative reporting, Hunterbrook Media aims to fill gaps in coverage and support under-covered regions, offering a potential lifeline for struggling newsrooms. However, the long-term implications of this model on media independence and journalistic integrity remain uncertain. As Hunterbrook's experiment unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on both the media landscape and financial markets. Key considerations include the effectiveness of compliance measures in mitigating conflicts of interest, the sustainability of the business model, and the broader implications for the relationship between journalism and finance. Ultimately, the success or failure of Hunterbrook's venture will shape perceptions of the intersection of media and finance for years to come.

5 Daily Articles

1. The Price of Health

2. The Sentencing of Sam Bankman-Fried

3. How to Reverse Years of Underfunding Defence Programs

4. Voter Sentiment in the US Election

5. Who are the World’s Biggest Polluters?

Opportunities

EY Summer Internship

Young Economist of the Year

The Economist Internships

Quiz!

Q: If it's 3:00 a.m., what angle do the hands on a clock form?

Send your answers on the Girl Economics group on LinkedIn (you can join here is you haven’t already!) and the answer will be posted at 8pm this evening!