Andrew Temte Andrew Temte

Sovereign Debt: Financing Empires

In this episode of Money Lessons, Andy explores the evolution of sovereign debt from its early origins in ancient Mesopotamia to its transformation into a systematic foundation for modern nation-states. 

He discusses the role of the Fugger family in early sovereign lending, the impact of the Glorious Revolution on government borrowing, and the establishment of the Bank of England, which revolutionized the way governments manage debt. Temte emphasizes the importance of institutional credibility in sovereign lending and warns of the risks of complacency in borrowing practices.

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Andrew Temte Andrew Temte

Railroads and the Rise of Middle-Class Investors

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy explores the evolution of stock markets, focusing on the democratization of equity investments through railroads in the 19th century. He discusses the rise of “the market” as an economic barometer, the impact of the Panic of 1873, the creation of the first stock market indices, and the fundamental shift in understanding investment versus speculation, culminating in the principles established by the “father of financial analysis,” Benjamin Graham.

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