Art Cashin, UBS’ longtime director of floor operations at the New York Stock Exchange and a beloved financial commentator, has passed away at 83. Known as “Wall Street’s Walter Cronkite” by The Washington Post, Cashin was a familiar face on CNBC for over 25 years.
In the fiercely competitive world of stock market analysis, Cashin stood out as a rare figure admired by everyone—whether bullish or bearish, liberal or conservative. He earned respect across the board.
Beyond his financial expertise, Cashin was celebrated as a great storyteller and a charismatic personality. His love of good company and his knack for spinning a story made him a cherished figure both on and off Wall Street.
Art Cashin, a revered figure on Wall Street, spent over six decades navigating the complexities of financial markets. Born in New Jersey in 1941, Cashin began his career in finance in the late 1950s as a runner for Thomson & McKinnon. His exceptional aptitude quickly propelled him into a leadership role, making him one of the youngest members ever to gain a seat on the New York Stock Exchange at just 23 years old.
Cashin was best known for his long tenure as director of floor operations at UBS Financial Services, where he became a trusted voice in the financial community. A fixture on the NYSE trading floor, his daily market commentaries, rich with historical insights and sharp analysis, have been a valuable resource for traders, investors, and journalists alike.
He was renowned for his quick wit and encyclopedic knowledge of market history, Cashin was a frequent guest on financial news programs, where his commentary offered clarity during times of market turbulence. His ability to contextualize contemporary economic events with historical parallels has earned him widespread respect.
Beyond his market insights, Cashin’s camaraderie with colleagues and his unpretentious demeanor made him a beloved figure in an industry often seen as cutthroat. He is also known for his deep appreciation of history, storytelling, and traditions, often sharing anecdotes that highlight the human side of finance.
Art Cashin valued simplicity and privacy in a fast-paced, digital world. He famously refused to use credit cards, paying for everything—including his considerable bar tabs—in cash, explaining that he cherished his anonymity.
Technology never appealed to Cashin; he never learned to use a computer, preferring to jot down notes by hand and rely on his assistant to type them up. For years, he carried an outdated flip phone, which he rarely answered, staying true to his low-tech preferences.
His workspace was as unpolished as his style. Stacks of papers accumulated over decades cluttered his desk, giving it the appearance of a recycling depot. His wardrobe reflected the same no-frills approach: rumpled suits and ties that had long gone out of fashion.
Despite his old-school ways, Cashin’s wisdom and charm made him a timeless figure on Wall Street.
Rest In Peace.