Sonali Basak

Bloomberg's guests delve into big bank earnings, Fed policy impact, Rivian's challenges, NATO's response to Russia/Ukraine conflict, and small business strategies. Insights on financial markets, acquisitions, and stock performance highlight the podcast.

Jane Fraser, the CEO of Citigroup and the first woman to lead a major Wall Street bank, shares her insights on the evolving landscape of mergers and acquisitions in the wake of Trump’s policies. She emphasizes that companies are now ready to tackle deals, seeking the scale necessary for competition. Fraser also discusses the implications of interest rate changes, trade policy shifts, and the strategic transformation at Citigroup under her leadership, all in a bid to adapt swiftly to the changing economic climate.

Michelle Gass, President & CEO of Levi Strauss, dives into the company's sales outlook amid recent market declines. She discusses strategic options for the Dockers brand and how reallocating resources could boost Levi's and Beyond Yoga. Gass highlights Levi's positive sales momentum and innovative pricing strategies. The conversation also touches on the growth potential of Beyond Yoga post-acquisition and emphasizes the importance of cultural partnerships to enhance market presence.

Max Levchin, the Chairman, CEO, and Founder of Affirm Holdings, dives into the future of Buy Now, Pay Later services. He shares insights on strategic partnerships with tech giants like Apple and their impact on the industry. Levchin discusses consumer spending trends, highlighting innovative solutions for the holiday season, including AI-curated gift lists and zero-interest financing. He also underscores the role of Generative AI in enhancing financial wellness amid rising credit card debt, advocating for responsible financial management.

John Paulson, founder of Paulson & Co and supporter of Donald Trump's policies, dives into the current U.S. economic landscape, critiquing the Fed for delayed interest rate cuts. He discusses the potential impact of Trump's tax cuts, projecting a $10.5 trillion deficit while examining the benefits for low-income workers. Paulson praises Trump's administration for low inflation and rising wages, advocating for increased energy production. He also explores the intriguing idea of a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, suggesting it could shift the economy from debt to savings.

Arjun Sethi, Chairman and Co-Founder of Tribe Capital and Co-CEO of Termina.ai, joins Bloomberg correspondent Sonali Basak to dissect the dynamic AI landscape. They explore how AI is transforming business performance, particularly through partnerships between tech giants like Nvidia and OpenAI. Sethi delves into the role of foundational models in boosting productivity and discusses the investment trends in AI, including the disparities in funding between the US and China. The conversation also touches on the semiconductor market's vital role in advancing AI technology.

US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack shares insights on the political dynamics shaping rural America. He discusses the potential impact of Tim Walz's selection by Kamala Harris on electoral competitiveness in key states. The conversation highlights the challenges farmers face and the importance of boosting farmers' incomes for rural growth. Vilsack emphasizes the need for bipartisan solutions on immigration and tariffs and discusses federal investments aimed at revitalizing agriculture and supporting rural economies.

Bloomberg Invest features insightful discussions with Gina Martin on tech bubbles, Alyse Killeen on crypto investing, Saira Malik on market movers, and Sonali Basak's coverage. Topics include market sentiment, AI's influence, financial landscapes, Bitcoin opportunities, tech trends, farmland investments, Nvidia's valuation, industry challenges, and post-election optimism.

Experts delve into Anglo-American's rejection of BHP's takeover bid, Bill Hwang's market manipulation trial, Tesla's competition in the EV market, and the value AI brings to organizations. Insights on M&A strategies in mining, legal consequences for deceptive practices, emerging EV competitors, and the evolving AI technology landscape.

Bloomberg News Wall Street Reporter reviews big bank earnings. CEO discusses Israel-Iran tensions. BCG Global Chair talks CEO risks. Ava Labs President talks blockchain. Discussion on market pressures, GE spinoffs, and trading strategies.