Robert Armstrong Keynote Speaker

Robert Armstrong is the Financial Times’ US Financial Commentator and the writer behind its daily markets newsletter, Unhedged. He also co-hosts the twice-weekly Unhedged podcast, where he explores what markets reveal about the economy and the world, and vice versa.

Known for his clear, opinionated analysis, Armstrong distills financial complexity into insight that resonates with investors, corporate leaders, and policymakers alike. He has coined concepts such as the “Taco trade” (“Trump Always Chickens Out”) to explain how markets respond to political and economic dynamics, and writes extensively on monetary policy, inflation, and corporate finance.

Before taking up his current role, Armstrong served as the FT’s US Finance Editor, Chief Editorial Writer, and Editor of the Lex column, positions that established him as one of the publication’s most incisive voices on business and markets. He also moonlights as the FT’s men’s style columnist, showcasing his range beyond finance.

Earlier in his career, Armstrong worked as an analyst at a hedge fund and earned a PhD in Philosophy from Columbia University in New York, bringing both rigorous theoretical grounding and practical market experience to his commentary.

Through Unhedged and his keynote talks, Armstrong offers audiences not just clarity on what’s happening in markets, but why it matters and how to think strategically in response. His global perspective and ability to connect macro patterns to real-world decision-making make him a compelling voice for investors, business leaders, and policymakers worldwide.