The William Blair Thinking Podcast

William Blair group head of global services, Tim Mulrooney follows up on his last episode about the PFAS market to detail how the recent Supreme Court ruling known as Loper Bright could have far-reaching implications on all types of regulations, including environmental ones like PFAS.

In this episode of William Blair Thinking Presents, Tim Mulrooney, William Blair’s group head of global services, provides insight into the recent EPA rulings on PFAS compounds, exploring their impact on public water utilities and the broader implications for industries nationwide. He also discusses the expected surge in demand for PFAS advisory, testing, and remediation services, and examines the...

Macro analyst Richard de Chazal walks through highlights from William Blair’s 44th Annual Growth Stock Conference and explains how the event provides a window into the state of the U.S. consumer. He also dissects the latest macro data, including CPI and PPI releases, the FOMC meeting, and the impact of the European elections on the global macro landscape.

Financial services and technology analyst Cristopher Kennedy digs into his report on the banktech industry, exploring the rapid adoption of digital banking and the resulting surge in app-based consumer engagement, the evolving regulatory landscape, and the importance of technology investments for the sector.

Biotech equity research analysts Andy Hsieh and Matt Phipps join group head Tim Lugo to discuss the latest developments in GLP-1s for diabetes and obesity treatment, including the emergence of oral therapies and the profound weight loss results seen in recent data sets. The conversation also covers the commercial trajectory of drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide, the potential for market growth...

Macro analyst Richard de Chazal provides insight on what’s happening with cyclicals versus defensive stocks, details how the Fed may be thinking about the latest CPI report, debates the economic impact of immigration, and explains his thinking about what he deems the next leg of the capex revival.

Equity research analyst Ralph Schackart breaks down findings from his team’s quarterly digital advertising executive survey, including the continued improvement in confidence among advertising executives as it relates to go-forward budgeting, the increased importance of video and search in online ad strategies, and the anticipated impact that recent regulations will have on which social media plat...

In this episode of William Blair Thinking Presents, macro analyst Richard de Chazal puts inflation and Fed rates under a microscope, explains the correlation between gold prices and bond yields, and discusses the Fed’s independence when it comes to policy changes during an election year. *Recorded April 24, 2024

William Blair tech analyst Jake Roberge joins the show to discuss the observability and AIOps software markets, including the increasingly important role these platforms are playing for businesses of all sizes, why they are gaining momentum over legacy monitoring tools, and some of the key trends he’s seeing in the market.

Richard discusses the recent macroeconomic news for March, including the FOMC dot plot, stubborn inflation, stock markets, and the real estate pain being felt by banks.

Will consumer relationships with restaurants and fitness centers change as GLP-1s grow in popularity? Sharon Zackfia, group head of consumer research, breaks down the results of two recent proprietary surveys conducted to gain insight into whether reduced caloric consumption among GLP-1 users could lead to a sales slowdown for restaurants and provide a material tailwind for fitness companies.

Ryan Daniels, CFA, partner and group head of healthcare technology and services, discusses the impact of GLP-1 drugs on healthcare spending and care delivery, along with the need for healthcare services and digital health providers that can help employers and consumers effectively manage the emerging wave of GLP-1 drugs.

A hard, soft, or no landing? Listen as macro analyst Richard de Chazal discusses the latest in macroeconomic news, including a more hawkish Jerome Powell, a red-hot S&P 500, fourth-quarter earnings, and a hotter-than-anticipated CPI report.

As economic conditions improve, so too does confidence among advertising executives about their 2024 budget allocations. In this episode of William Blair Thinking Presents, research analyst Ralph Schackart walks through the results of his latest quarterly digital advertising executive survey, including how digital ad spending has changed in recent months and 2024 budget forecasts.

Jobs, housing, QT, and the Red Sea. Listen as macro analyst Richard de Chazal examines the current economic indicators, provides context around the potential end to QT, and offers his perspective on a possible Fed pivot, in the first Monthly Macro episode of the year. *Recorded Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Clinical case studies have sparked significant interest in the use of CAR-T for autoimmune disorders, potentially expanding CAR-Ts’ utility beyond oncology. In this podcast episode of Biotech Breakthroughs, equity research analyst Sami Corwin offers an overview of the known biological underpinnings of autoimmunity and rationale for using CAR-T as a therapeutic, breaks down the CAR-T cell therapy c...

Macro analyst Richard de Chazal reflects on the resilient year and expands on his 2024 Outlook’s key themes, including the sticky pockets of inflation, the 3 keys the Fed needs to achieve success next year, Treasury Secretary Yellen’s “Operation Twist” reboot, and more. *Recorded December 8, 2023

Software developers not only represent the early adopters who will determine the success of a particular product or project, but also have become primary influencers in software purchases. In this episode, analysts Jason Ader, Arjun Bhatia, and Jonathan Ho delve into the key trends and potential disruptions, including generative AI, in this exciting new era of coding capabilities.

Macro analyst Richard de Chazal breaks down what he believes are the three hurdles to 'higher for longer,' walks through what third quarter earnings may say about the near term future and offers his stance on where the Fed is potentially headed as we move towards a new year. *Recorded November 8, 2023

Radiopharmaceuticals are leading the way in how oncology patients are being diagnosed and treated. In this episode of Biotech Breakthroughs, Tim Lugo is joined by equity analyst Andy Hsieh and equity research associate Alex Ramsey to examine why radioisotope innovation may revolutionize treatment for millions of people in the coming years.

Housing, retail sales, and the Sahm Rule. Hear what macro analyst Richard de Chazal outlines in this latest Monthly Macro podcast, and what’s in store for the markets as we near a critical FOMC meeting next month.

Tim Lugo speaks with fellow equity research analysts Margaret Kaczor Andrew and Andy Hsieh about the GLP-1 drug class and its impact on the management of obesity, including potential read-throughs to the medtech and the therapeutics sector.

Biotech equity research group head Tim Lugo explores the impact of artificial intelligence and machine learning on the biotechnology industry, including the ways in which AI is revolutionizing drug development, impacting valuations, and the potential risks that lie ahead.

Healthcare equity research group head Ryan Daniels walks through his team’s recent report, the 'Coming Healthcare Cost Tsunami,’ to discuss how employers are leveraging partners to drive greater health and benefit satisfaction among employees and contain healthcare costs more effectively.

William Blair macro analyst Richard de Chazal discusses Fitch’s U.S. government debt downgrade, the resilience of the American consumer, inflation insights, yield curve dynamics, and the global economic puzzle. *Episode recorded August 22, 2023