About This Newsletter
This newsletter explores the inner workings of financial markets through a data-driven lens, blending rigorous analysis with practical insights. Rather than offering definitive predictions or investment advice, I’m sharing my analytical process openly—highlighting both my thinking and methods—in hopes of fostering deeper understanding. I invite you to critique, challenge, and improve my ideas. This newsletter isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about asking better questions and refining our understanding together.
Note: This newsletter reflects my personal views and does not constitute investment advice.
Who Should Subscribe?
This newsletter is designed for people intrigued by the intersection of finance, data science, economics, and behavioral insights. If you’re interested in deepening your understanding of market mechanics, uncovering cognitive biases in investing, learning obscure yet valuable historical financial lessons, and applying behavioral research to your financial decisions, you’ll find value here. Analysts, data scientists, investors, and anyone curious about financial markets will gain practical, research-backed strategies and fresh perspectives to sharpen their decision-making skills.
Why Subscribe?
I regularly dive into diverse, compelling topics—including financial history, investment biases, behavioral finance strategies, and unique market analyses—always grounded in data and rigorous research. Subscribers benefit from actionable mental tools, engaging historical parallels, and real-world insights that demystify the complexities of financial markets. Additionally, I share code, models, and resources, empowering you to adapt and enhance these ideas in your own practice.
About the Author
Alex Warfel, CFA, is a finance and analytics professional with deep expertise in quantitative research, data analytics, and financial modeling. He is currently a Business Intelligence Engineer at Amazon, where he develops advanced data-driven dashboards and analytical tools to optimize on-road staffing operations. By leveraging SQL and Python, Alex provides operational insights that help Amazon proactively address staffing challenges, ensuring timely and efficient deliveries across the logistics network.
Previously, at Gridwise, Alex significantly enhanced the company’s analytical capabilities, developing indices predictive of Uber’s trip volume based on proprietary and public data. His work established Gridwise’s Annual Gig Mobility Report as a trusted industry resource and streamlined internal analytics processes through a data analysis ticketing system.
As a Quantitative Research Analyst at PitchBook Data, Alex led the creation of influential market indicators such as the VC Dealmaking Indicator and the Supply and Demand of Capital model. His insights have been featured in major publications like Institutional Investor, Fortune, and VentureBeat, and discussed during corporate earnings calls. Alex also developed interactive dashboards using D3 and JavaScript, significantly boosting PitchBook’s lead generation and enhancing market transparency.
Earlier in his career, Alex worked as a Business Intelligence Consultant at IPC Global, building interactive dashboards for clients such as the School District of Philadelphia, empowering parents with data-driven insights into school performance. At Coventry First, he modeled and valued life insurance-linked securities, performing rigorous financial analyses involving complex mortality and discount rate projections.
Alex earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Finance, minoring in Mathematics, from Marist College, where he actively participated in student-run investment funds and held leadership roles. He is a CFA charterholder, a designation earned through rigorous testing across ethics, economics, portfolio management, and investment analysis, held by only a select percentage of finance professionals worldwide.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Alex co-founded SnoQap, a nonprofit dedicated to cultivating collegiate student writers on topics of finance, economics, and politics. He remains active as a board member, guiding organizational strategy. An Eagle Scout with a passion for leadership and community service, Alex enjoys hiking, backpacking, cycling, and running. He lives in Seattle, WA, where he is dedicated to helping others achieve financial independence and live empowered, fulfilling lives.
