Learn to Perch: WFC, BBB, TOPS

The Money Stuff Podcast features Matt Levine and Katie Greifeld discussing recent financial news. This episode covers the lifting of the asset cap on Wells Fargo, imposed in 2018 due to a fake account scandal, and its implications for the bank's future performance and valuation compared to competitors like JP Morgan and Citi. They also delve into the Egan Jones Rating Company, a smaller ratings agency operating out of a house in Haverford, Pennsylvania, discussing its business model, potential conflicts of interest, and the controversy surrounding its ratings of private credit investments. Finally, they analyze Marshall Wace, a hedge fund that uses a quantitative system to monetize sell-side research and stock tips, discussing its unique approach and potential fairness concerns.