Spencer Jakab: What Financial Media Won’t Tell You About Market Hype

Spencer Jakab, Wall Street Journal investment columnist and Markets AM newsletter author, discusses his career transition from finance to journalism and the future of financial media. Jakab emphasizes the importance of clear, trustworthy communication for a broad audience, balancing simplicity with nuance for finance professionals. Drawing from his experience as a sell-side analyst, he values on-the-ground research and confident interpretation of financial events. The conversation explores the impact of social media and AI on journalism, highlighting the enduring value of direct relationships with readers through newsletters. Jakab also shares insights from his books, including the behavioral pitfalls that lead smart investors to make poor decisions, and recounts his experience writing about the GameStop saga.