• Investment Research: The Past, Present, and Future
    Feb 13 2026

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    In this episode of Rational Markets, we offer a comprehensive exploration of the investment research landscape, highlighting its key players and underlying motives while addressing the disconnect between intent and execution.

    Drawing from Darrel's experience in a boutique investment research firm focused on the energy sector, we demystify how analysts track fundamentals and market events to shape their stock recommendations.

    We scrutinize the format and substance of typical investment research reports, which often inundate readers with dense tables and jargon, yet often lack meaningful insights. We raise questions about the effectiveness of sell-side recommendations, especially when considering the underlying revenue drivers of banks.

    Additionally, we discuss the impact of downsized research teams and the resulting coverage gaps in essential industries. Despite these issues, we remain optimistic about the growing need for independent research and the potential for innovation as barriers to accessing quality insights diminish. Join us as we delve into these complex financial topics in future episodes.

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    Website: https://www.rationalmarkets.co/
    Substack: https://rationalmarketspod.substack.com/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RationalMarkets
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3wmiVeSIfm1TZYBwYxJDlp
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rational-markets-with-darrel-koo/id1717328968

    Disclaimer: https://rationalmarkets.co/terms

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    18 mins
  • The Psychology of Investing
    Nov 15 2025

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    In this episode, we examine the crucial intersection of psychology and investing, highlighting how emotions and narratives impact market behaviour. Drawing from Darrel's experience as a professional investment analyst, we challenge the view that investing is solely quantitative, showcasing how factors like meme stocks and cryptocurrencies illustrate this point. We discuss behavioural finance biases, such as authority bias and herd behaviour, that can mislead investors. With practical strategies for reducing emotional decision-making, we emphasize diversification and systematic investment approaches.

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    Website: https://www.rationalmarkets.co/
    Substack: https://rationalmarketspod.substack.com/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RationalMarkets
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3wmiVeSIfm1TZYBwYxJDlp
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rational-markets-with-darrel-koo/id1717328968

    Disclaimer: https://rationalmarkets.co/terms

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    27 mins
  • The Case for Financial Literacy
    Jul 30 2025

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    In this episode, we tackle the urgent issue of wealth inequality that has intensified over the last decade. If we imagine a game where half of the players do not have the rules, we can understand the role of financial literacy in creating an uneven playing field in the markets. We discuss the far-reaching consequences of economic disparities, including the impact on global trade and the struggles of first-time homebuyers in a competitive housing market. Drawing from my 15 years as an investment research analyst, we highlight the critical need for financial literacy as a tool for empowerment and survival in today’s complex economy. We aim to educate and engage listeners in understanding finance and investing, providing the knowledge necessary to reclaim agency in their financial lives. Future episodes will explore essential financial concepts while remaining responsive to current events and listener feedback.

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    Website: https://www.rationalmarkets.co/
    Substack: https://rationalmarketspod.substack.com/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RationalMarkets
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3wmiVeSIfm1TZYBwYxJDlp
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rational-markets-with-darrel-koo/id1717328968

    Disclaimer: https://rationalmarkets.co/terms

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    5 mins
  • Rational Markets Trailer
    Nov 19 2023

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    Most energy research has a conflict built into it. Rational Markets doesn't.

    Darrel Koo, CFA brings 15 years of institutional energy research — reserve reports, financial models, the actual data — to an independent Canadian E&P publication with no fund, no banking mandates, and no book to talk. Subscribe for data-driven sector analysis, company deep dives, and primers on how the energy business actually works.

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    Website: https://www.rationalmarkets.co/
    Substack: https://rationalmarketspod.substack.com/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RationalMarkets
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3wmiVeSIfm1TZYBwYxJDlp
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rational-markets-with-darrel-koo/id1717328968

    Disclaimer: https://rationalmarkets.co/terms

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    1 min