Mike Bird

Mike Bird, Wall Street editor at The Economist and author of The Land Trap, dives into the intricate world of China's real estate. He reveals how housing has become a primary savings tool for many Chinese families and the role of land leasing in fueling urbanization. Bird discusses the challenges of affordability amid wealth creation, local governments' dependence on land sales, and efforts to cool the real estate market. He also critiques land-driven economic models and explores potential reforms.

In this insightful discussion, Abdullah Fayyad, a Vox policy reporter specializing in trade, teams up with Mike Bird, Wall Street editor at The Economist. They dissect the chaotic aftermath of Trump's latest tariffs, questioning what they truly liberate us from. Topics include the balancing act of tariffs as both protective and revenue-generating tools, their impact on consumer prices, and international trade dynamics. The duo also navigates the varied reactions from Asian nations, highlighting potential diplomatic shifts amid evolving global alliances.

Nick Palom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, provides insights on Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Iranian shah, who claims to be the people's choice for leadership amid the chaos in Iran. Pahlavi discusses the need for U.S. intervention and his plans for a transitional government. Meanwhile, Mike Bird reveals why renting has become financially smarter than buying in today's market. Lastly, Anne Rowe dives into the life of Aldrich Ames, a CIA double agent, examining his motivations and the consequences of his betrayals.

Mike Bird, Editor at The Economist and author of The Land Trap, explores the intriguing world of land as a $180 trillion asset. He discusses how superstar cities struggle with underbuilding, leading to skyrocketing housing costs. Bird reveals how mortgages link banks to land, amplifying credit cycles. The conversation dives into historical property records, Japan's land bubble, and China's unique land markets. He also offers solutions for the land trap, suggesting policy remedies like taxing land-value uplift to fund essential infrastructure.

Katrine Bragg, Environment editor at The Economist, provides sharp insights on COP30, highlighting its lack of mention of fossil fuels and questioning the effectiveness of the climate process. She emphasizes the need for stronger political will and discusses the impact of the U.S. absence. Meanwhile, Mike Bird, Wall Street correspondent, analyzes Bitcoin's journey into mainstream finance and warns of potential market spillovers if it crashes. The podcast also touches on fascinating whale communication, revealing patterns that might just connect them to human speech!

Mike Bird, Asia business and finance editor at The Economist, debates industrial policy with Noah, advocating for market-driven resource allocation over government intervention. They explore the impact of recent U.S. legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act on manufacturing jobs and the challenges posed by automation. The discussion also highlights the geopolitical implications of industrial policy, particularly concerning China's influence and the importance of resilience in supply chains, especially in sectors like semiconductors.

Mike Bird, the Wall Street editor at The Economist and author of The Land Trap, dives into the intriguing history of land and housing. He discusses Abenomics and its disappointing results, the pandemic's housing price surge, and the unique characteristics of land as an asset. Bird highlights Wolf Ladejinsky's role in postwar land reforms in East Asia and connects land ownership to economic stability. He also examines China’s real estate model and the demographic challenges for both China and Japan, shedding light on the broader impacts on the global economy.

Economist Mike Bird joins the discussion, diving into the fascinating relationship between land and power. He explains the 'land trap' and how it uniquely affects China, creating a perplexing housing paradox. Mike outlines land's pivotal role as collateral in banking and its unyielding traits of immovability and fixed supply. He contrasts China's challenges with Singapore's model of effective land use, raising questions about whether other nations can implement similar reforms. This engaging conversation reveals the intricate ties between real estate, finance, and political structures.

Mike Bird, Wall Street editor at The Economist and author of The Land Trap, dives into the historical complexities of land ownership. He explores the differences between leaseholds and freeholds and how governments manipulate land for revenue and social engineering. Bird reveals how land exacerbates wealth inequality, highlighting its role in China's economic challenges and housing market crisis. He connects land dynamics to global geopolitics, demonstrating its far-reaching implications on trade and stability. A thought-provoking discussion on an often-overlooked asset!

Join Alice Su, Senior China correspondent, and Mike Bird, Asia business and finance editor, as they dissect Taiwan's political landscape under new President William Lai. They explore the challenges Lai faces with internal divisions and rising tensions with China, and the necessity for bipartisan collaboration. The duo also dives into the shrinking stock market as firms opt for private status, and the shift from lonely hearts ads to modern dating apps, showcasing how societal changes reshape connections in our lives.