Brew Markets

Prof. Karim Lakhani, a Harvard Business School professor, shares insights on AI adoption and productivity. He advocates for 'clinical trials' in corporations to assess AI's impact before hefty investments. Lakhani highlights P&G's findings on enhanced worker emotions and productivity with AI. He emphasizes that successful AI integration requires a shift in company workflows, where leadership plays a crucial role. Discussing the balance between technology and management, he warns of the urgency for firms to adapt or risk obsolescence.

Join Bitcoin advocate Natalie Brunell, author of 'Bitcoin is for Everyone,' as she passionately explores Bitcoin's role as a neutral and finite savings technology. She highlights its resilience against inflation, advocating for its accessibility even to modest savers. The conversation delves into Bitcoin's strengths versus traditional assets, real-world success stories in crisis situations, and how Bitcoin can serve as a lifeline during economic turmoil. Brunell also emphasizes the importance of spreading Bitcoin's message to empower individuals in their financial journeys.

Discover the intriguing history of the "Santa Claus Rally" and whether we're in for one this year. Dive into brand controversies of 2025, from American Eagle's ad backlash to Cracker Barrel's rebranding woes. Explore the impact of Southwest's new baggage fees and assigned seating on its brand identity. Plus, get the scoop on Paramount's bold $40 billion bid for Warner Bros and Janus Henderson going private amid activist interest. It's a lively discussion on market trends and brand resilience!

Codie Sanchez, founder of Contrarian Thinking and author of Main Street Millionaire, discusses the wealth-building potential of 'boring businesses.' She explores how these durable companies provide better investment opportunities compared to flashy startups. Codie shares her insights on tech applications for traditional enterprises, highlights important steps for financial freedom, and argues for diversified investments. Additionally, she offers a glimpse into her experiences investing in Latin America and gives practical advice for aspiring business buyers.

Activist investors are shaking things up, with a billion-dollar stake in Lululemon aiming to revitalize the brand. Meanwhile, Darden's earnings surprise shows diners can't get enough of their never-ending pasta. CarMax faces challenges and seeks to regain market share as competitors rise. CPI data reveals interesting trends, and Micron impresses with strong revenue tied to memory demand. Finally, merger talks between Spirit and Frontier Airlines resurface, hinting at more changes in the airline industry.

Josh Krugman, the Head of Brokerage Product Strategy at Fidelity, joins to demystify tax-loss harvesting, explaining how investors can cleverly offset taxable gains. He shares insights on the wash-sale rule and emphasizes the peak times for harvesting losses, especially December. Ann also dives into Warner Bros.'s tough rejection of Paramount's offer, questioning its financial solidity. Additionally, there's discussion on the merger of Coursera and Udemy, and a spotlight on Jabil's thriving AI-driven manufacturing business.

Howard Lindzon, founder and CEO of StockTwits, shares his candid insights on the retail investor landscape and what drives market momentum. He discusses his trend-following approach, highlighting the current appeal of small-cap stocks and the concept of the 'degenerate economy.' Lindzon emphasizes the unpredictable nature of prediction markets while acknowledging their value. The conversation also dives into the nuanced mixed signals from recent jobs data and what it might mean for Fed decisions as the market reacts to major stocks like Tesla and Pfizer.

The decline of iRobot’s Roomba raises questions about the health of public companies facing financial strain. Comcast’s strategy to spin off its cable networks into a new entity, Versant, aims to rejuvenate the legacy media giant. Meanwhile, Procter & Gamble’s stock remains stagnant despite strong earnings, prompting analysis of its restructuring efforts and market challenges. Additionally, both Zillow and ServiceNow face notable stock declines, with ServiceNow's potential acquisition stirring investor reactions.

Sharon Price John, the President and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, shares insights from her remarkable turnaround of the beloved brand. She discusses transforming Build-A-Bear into a destination experience, expanding into e-commerce for adult customers, and partnering with venues like tourism and hospitality to drive growth. Sharon also reveals exciting plans for an animated series and highlights her foundation's literacy initiatives. Plus, the episode touches on an evolving retail landscape and the ongoing relevance of malls in consumer experiences.

Disney's $1 billion partnership with OpenAI sparks debates over character rights and potential fan-created content. Meanwhile, Oracle faces a staggering $100 billion market cap loss after concerns over its AI spending. Vail Resorts looks for a comeback with the return of a former CEO, focusing on strategic marketing and capital investments. Additionally, Coca-Cola's CEO transition and Manchester United's cost-saving measures are dissected, along with warnings about the S&P 500's future returns.