The Portfolio Checklist podcast released its Friday episode discussing that the foreign-exchange reserves of Magyar Nemzeti Bank (MNB) reached a new historical high in May, and are expected during the episode’s discussion to increase further by the end of the year. In the first segment, Portfolio analyst Beke Károly explains why a large reserve position matters, how it could relate to a potential euro introduction, and whether such a level of reserves is necessary.
The conversation focuses on the role of ample reserves as a liquidity and stability buffer against external shocks, while also weighing the costs of building and maintaining large reserves and their macroeconomic policy implications. The episode examines the mechanics of the accumulation and the possible economic trade-offs.
AI will split the global labour market, says PwC — what firms and workers need to do
The second part of the episode reviews a recent PwC report concluding that artificial intelligence will split the global labour market. Oltyán Gábor, PwC Hungary’s lead data science expert and tech senior manager, outlines what workers and companies must do to become winners from the technological shift.
Oltyán highlights that AI-readiness can bring efficiency gains and a potential wage premium, but also that certain roles are at higher risk of displacement. The discussion covers practical labour-market consequences, the skills required, and how companies can measure and build readiness.
Availability and episode structure
The Portfolio Checklist episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, other major podcast platforms, and via the embedded player in the article. Main segments and timestamps are:
- Intro − (00:00)
- FX reserves at a peak — what does it mean? − (02:07)
- AI skills: disruption on the rise − (16:02)
- Capital markets outlook − (27:09)
Related event: Budapest Economic Forum 2026
The article also refers to the Budapest Economic Forum 2026, which will focus on how Hungarian economic policy could change fundamentally after the elections, what direction the Hungarian government may take, and the international challenges it will face. Information and registration are available from the forum organizers.
The cover image is illustrative; source: Getty Images.
Tags: bond market, artificial intelligence, capital markets, foreign-exchange reserves, digital skills, ai, podcast, currency, checklistpodcast
