Boom Bust Season 2 Episode 139 Gods Bankers at the Vatican and Pal On Middle East Oil

In season 2 episode 139 of Boom Bust, the focus is on the finance and energy sectors with two featured segments. The first segment entitled "Gods Bankers at the Vatican" delves into the financial operations of the Catholic Church and the controversies surrounding them. The second segment "Pal On Middle East Oil" analyzes the current state of the oil market in the Middle East and its implications on global energy markets.

The first segment opens with a brief history of the Vatican's involvement in finance and economics. The Catholic Church has long been a significant player in global financial markets, with various organizations and entities dedicated to investing in both traditional and non-traditional markets. The segment notes that Vatican City is also home to one of the world's most secretive banks, the Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR), which has been at the center of numerous financial scandals over the years.

From there, the focus shifts to recent controversy surrounding a London-based real estate deal involving the Vatican. The deal, which involved the purchase of a luxury building, has come under scrutiny for its potential connections to organized crime and money laundering. The segment details the various investigations and legal battles surrounding the deal, including those involving high-ranking Vatican officials.

The segment also explores the broader implications of the Vatican's financial operations. Critics have accused the Catholic Church of hypocrisy, citing its calls for economic justice and the redistribution of wealth, while simultaneously investing in markets that perpetuate economic inequality. Additionally, the segment notes that the Catholic Church's financial power could potentially be harnessed for good, such as through investments in environmentally sustainable projects.

The second segment, "Pal On Middle East Oil," analyzes the current oil market in the Middle East and its impact on global energy markets. The segment notes that the region is currently facing multiple challenges, including declining oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and a potential shift towards renewable energy sources.

The segment features an interview with Raoul Pal, CEO of Real Vision Group and former hedge fund manager, who offers insights into the current state of the oil market. Pal notes that the Middle East remains a significant player in the global oil market, despite the increasing focus on renewable energy sources. He also discusses the challenges facing oil-producing countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, including rising production costs and shifting demand.

Throughout the segment, Pal emphasizes the importance of understanding the global energy market and its various dynamics. He notes that factors such as geopolitical tensions and technological innovations can have significant impacts on the industry and that investors must remain vigilant in their analysis and decision-making.

Overall, season 2 episode 139 of Boom Bust offers a comprehensive look at two pillars of the global economy: finance and energy. The segments provide viewers with insights into the Vatican's financial operations, as well as the current state of the oil market in the Middle East. As always, the show seeks to provide in-depth analysis and thoughtful commentary on the latest developments in the world of finance and economics.