WSJ What’s News

Warner Bros. Discovery is contemplating the sale of its media assets amid a wave of consolidation in the entertainment sector. General Motors surprises with strong quarterly earnings, while Netflix shows impressive growth in subscribers and ad sales. Furthermore, a troubling surge in fraudulent rental applications is impacting the housing market, particularly in Atlanta, where counterfeit paperwork is increasingly common. The discussion highlights the broader implications of these trends on affordability and housing demand.

President Trump is shaking things up by demolishing part of the White House for a $250 million ballroom. The urgent need for innovative counter-drone technology is highlighted, including Spiderman-like nets and lessons learned from Ukraine's drone experiences. Meanwhile, millennials and Gen Z are finding ways to snag luxury items at major discounts, causing a stir in the resale market and impacting brand strategies.

Home and auto insurance rates are skyrocketing, prompting some states to consider price controls. However, experts warn that these measures could lead to fewer insurance providers. Meanwhile, an unprecedented Amazon Web Services outage disrupts access to major websites and apps for millions. In positive news, Apple reaches a record high in stock prices, fueled by strong iPhone sales. Plus, a dive into the implications of the Supreme Court's upcoming decision on gun rights for drug users adds a layer of intrigue.

A major outage at Amazon Web Services disrupts access to popular platforms like Facebook and Robinhood. Trump threatens to cut U.S. aid to Colombia amid rising tensions in Latin America. Meanwhile, U.S. stocks appear strong, but experts warn of underlying market weaknesses as investors shift towards defensive sectors and safe assets. The podcast also touches on a drop in China’s GDP and fascinating details about a recent jewelry heist at the Louvre. This mix of tech, politics, and finance keeps listeners on their toes!

Speculation has shaped the American economy from post-Revolution land mania to today's NFT frenzy. Host Katherine Sullivan dives into how Beeple's NFT sales sparked discussions about digital art's value. A historical look reveals how narratives shaped 18th-century land bets, particularly Robert Morris’s ambitious investments, which ultimately fell victim to harsh economic realities. The podcast also examines the connection between speculative bubbles and innovation, highlighting the dynamics of modern markets driven by FOMO and herd behavior.

Delve into the impact of recent AI dealmaking on stock prices, particularly the major boost from Broadcom's deal with OpenAI. Discover how President Trump's comments on weight-loss drugs rattled pharma shares, notably causing dips in Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. The podcast also highlights robust quarterly profits from the big six U.S. banks, which collectively earned an impressive $41 billion. Plus, learn about Walmart's innovative integration with AI for a new shopping experience. This week's market movements are both enlightening and entertaining!

Trump's administration is quietly reshaping its tariff strategy, creating exemptions that are stirring uncertainty among businesses. A discussion highlights Trump's preference for peace over military aid to Ukraine, emphasizing diplomatic efforts. Alongside, Walmart's bold decision to raise its minimum wage to $9 a decade ago is now seen as a successful strategy, sparking industry-wide wage increases and solidifying its market position. The episode delves into the impacts of these economic shifts and how competitors are responding.

John Bolton faces indictment for mishandling classified information, stirring political tensions. In Venezuela, President Maduro rallies troops in a defiant stance against the U.S. The auto industry is in a panic due to a critical chip shortage, rooted in recent disruptions. On the silver market, a remarkable surge captures attention as demand skyrockets. Meanwhile, a teenager files a lawsuit over non-consensual AI-generated images, raising important ethical questions.

The podcast dives into the fallout from First Brands' bankruptcy, putting Jefferies under the microscope due to an accounting scandal. It explores Jefferies’ dual roles as banker and asset manager that raised concerns among investors. Strong endowment returns at elite universities also catch attention, contrasting with a cautious outlook amid political pressures. Additionally, the discussion touches on banks' strategies focusing on wealthier borrowers, questioning the broader implications for the economy.

President Trump has green-lighted covert CIA operations in Venezuela, stirring tensions in the region. Meanwhile, the complexities of U.S.-India relations emerge as Modi pauses Russian oil purchases. In a unique twist, tech giants are grappling with a power shortage due to their insatiable AI energy needs, prompting them to build their own power plants. With the outdated U.S. power grid lagging behind, experts are questioning whether supply will ever catch up to the massive demand driven by AI innovations.