DoubleLine CEO-CIO Jeffrey Gundlach sits down with Barclays CEO C.S. Venkatakrishnan (“Venkat”) for a wide-ranging discussion on global markets, investment strategy and leadership – moderated by DoubleLine Chief International Client Business Officer Ali Zaidi. The conversation explores the enduring partnership of DoubleLine and Barclays, tracing its origins to innovative collaborations such as the Shiller Barclays CAPE® index strategies, and highlights how aligned vision and timing create lasting value for clients.
Messrs. Gundlach and Venkat share deep insights into the current macroeconomic landscape and where they see opportunities ahead. They discuss shifting global trends – such as a weakening U.S. dollar, renewed interest in emerging markets, the rise of hard assets like gold and normalization of interest rates after decades of decline. Both leaders emphasize diversification beyond U.S. markets; the growing importance of non-dollar assets; and the roles of innovation and evolution, from AI-driven investment themes to structural shifts in trade and demographics shaping long-term growth.
The discussion also delves into leadership and culture within complex financial institutions. Mr. Gundlach reflects on fostering collaboration and accountability within DoubleLine’s investment teams while Mr. Venkat shares lessons from guiding Barclays in a rapidly changing world. Closing on an optimistic note, both leaders express confidence in the resilience of global markets and discuss what keeps them hopeful for 2026, from the evolution of fixed income investing to the enduring spirit of teamwork.
Mr. Gundlach is CEO of DoubleLine. In 2011, he appeared on the cover of Barron's as "The New Bond King." In 2013, Institutional Investor named him "Money Manager of the Year." In 2012, 2015 and 2016, he was named one of "The Fifty Most Influential" in Bloomberg Markets. In 2017, he was inducted into the FIASI Fixed Income Hall of Fame. Mr. Gundlach is a summa cum laude graduate of Dartmouth College, with degrees in Mathematics and Philosophy.
Mr. Zaidi joined DoubleLine in 2025 and is responsible for managing the firm’s International Sales team and client business. Prior to DoubleLine, he was with Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Dubai, for approximately 15 years, most recently as a Managing Director, Client Business MENA & New Markets. Mr. Zaidi holds a Diploma, Accountancy from City of London Polytechnic in the United Kingdom. He is also a Fellow Chartered Accountant with The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
