In the wake of the Great Financial Crisis, China arguably led the world out of the downturn. Its gigantic fiscal stimulus not only boosted domestic growth, it also created an incredible amount of demand for commodities all around the world. Today the story is different. The government's Covid Zero policies have been a drag on growth and the real estate sector is deeply troubled, with a rise in homebuyers refusing to make mortgage payments. On top of that, the country is experiencing searing heat and drought. So how bad is it? Are things meaningfully worse than in previous downturns? To understand more, we speak with Tom Orlik, Chief Economist at Bloomberg Economics and author of the book "China: The Bubble that Never Pops." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gina Martin Adams, Bloomberg Intelligence Chief Equity Strategist, discusses the drivers behind the current stock meltdown. Tom Orlik, Chief Economist, shares insights on the global macro outlook and its implications for Fed rates. Michael Mackenzie highlights how these developments affect interest rates, while Katherine Doherty and Matthew Palazola analyze Berkshire Hathaway's selling strategy, revealing trends in property and casualty insurance. Together, they explore the effects of macroeconomic factors and market complexities on investment strategies.

Tom Orlik, chief economist at Bloomberg Economics and author of "China, The Bubble That Never Pops," discusses the implications of Donald Trump's election on trade dynamics and US-China relations. He delves into the complexities of imposing tariffs on Chinese imports and their potential economic fallout for both nations. Orlik also examines the Federal Reserve's independence amid political pressures, shedding light on how these dynamics could shape future economic policies. The conversation hints at a possible US-China standoff with significant repercussions for the global economy.

Tom Orlik, Chief Economist for Bloomberg Economics, explores the economic promises made by President-elect Trump. He delves into the potential implications of Trump's policies on inflation, GDP, and the taxpayer. Orlik analyzes the sustainability of strategies like taxation and tariffs, questioning their real-world impact. He also highlights the complex consequences of immigration policies on the labor market and discusses broader economic shifts, underlining the importance of mental health support amidst these changes.

Scott Stringer, former NYC Comptroller, dives into the implications of Mayor Eric Adams' indictment, emphasizing the need for strong leadership amid political turmoil. Dr. Basil Smikle offers insights on how this scandal affects community trust and governance. Tom Orlik shifts gears to discuss China's economic interventions, revealing concerns about sustainability amidst short-term market gains. The conversation rounds out with a look at OpenAI's shift to profit and Wells Fargo's regulatory hurdles, showcasing the complex landscape of business and politics.