The Rundown

Ashley Carman, a Bloomberg reporter and podcast industry expert, dives into Spotify's current challenges as it faces stiff competition from YouTube and Netflix. She discusses how AI is transforming the creator economy, impacting podcast monetization and audience preferences. The conversation highlights Spotify's leadership changes and pricing struggles, questioning its long-term viability. Carman also examines the rise of video podcasts and the potential saturation of the podcast market, pondering whether the medium can shed its 'nerdy' stigma.

Explore the fascinating history of the Federal Reserve and its crucial role through significant crises like the Great Depression and the 2008 financial meltdown. Discover how political pressures, particularly from President Trump, challenge the Fed's independence. Delve into the complexities of interest rates and their impact on the economy, as well as the Fed's rapid responses during the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise in inflation. The discussion reveals how the future of the Fed could shape America's economic landscape.

A recent antitrust lawsuit targets Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk over GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, shedding light on market dynamics. Netflix is making waves by expanding its deal with Sony and diving into video podcasts, aiming to capture exclusive content. In a major shift, energy stocks dropped after the White House introduced plans to stabilize power costs. Meanwhile, Wall Street reports record trading revenues while also facing significant job cuts. It's a whirlwind of topics that paint a complex picture of today’s market landscape.

Tech stocks are in a slump, with a shift favoring small-cap companies. TSMC reported record profits and plans substantial AI investments for 2026. Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley posted impressive earnings due to increased trading and investment banking activity. Oil prices fell as tensions in Iran eased. In a bold move, Tesla transitioned its Full Self-Driving feature to a subscription model, aiming for steady software revenue and increased user adoption.

Gold and silver prices continue to surge, fueled by market uncertainties and rising demand. Bitcoin breaks out, hitting over $95,000 for the first time in months. Bank of America impresses with strong trading revenue, while Wells Fargo faces setbacks due to severance costs. Netflix is eyeing an all-cash offer for WBD to outmaneuver Paramount. In the aerospace sector, Boeing takes the lead in net orders over Airbus, showcasing a significant rebound in performance.

The market sees gains with Google surpassing $4 trillion after integrating Gemini for Siri. Inflation remains steady at 2.7%, raising questions about Fed rate cuts. A significant $1 billion partnership between Nvidia and Eli Lilly aims to revolutionize drug discovery through AI. Meanwhile, JPMorgan reports a strong Q4, driven by a trading surge. Delta Airlines struggles with a revenue miss, highlighting shifts in traveler preferences. Plus, credit card rates soar, prompting debates on potential caps.

Discover Walmart's exciting new AI shopping agreement with Google, enhancing personalized shopping experiences. Explore Trump's bold proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10%, stirring potential backlash from banks. Dive into the implications of a DOJ investigation into the Federal Reserve, raising questions about market independence. Plus, learn about Allegiant's $1.5 billion acquisition of Sun Country Airlines and the ripple effects it may have in the airline industry. Tune in for these hot topics and market insights!

Andrew Ross Sorkin, journalist and author of the book 1929, delves into the lessons from the 1929 market crash and their relevance to today's AI-driven economy. He discusses the intricate power dynamics between Wall Street and Washington, emphasizing Trump's unique influence over CEOs. Sorkin also highlights the crucial need for Fed independence to avoid political manipulation. Key debates include the rise of speculation in markets, the significance of the Dow, and the implications of bond market signals, making for a thought-provoking discussion.

Lucid Motors faces a crucial turning point as it navigates an EV market cooldown. Despite financial losses, they're ramping up production and launching the Gravity SUV. The company bets on battery efficiency and a surprise robotaxi partnership with Uber. With a push for a mass-market model, the stakes for 2026 have never been higher. However, they grapple with fierce competition and a cooling demand. Will their luxury offerings hold up against an EV winter? Tune in to explore the future of this bold automaker.

The U.S. economy added 50,000 jobs in December, signaling a mixed outlook with steady wages but uncertainties for the Federal Reserve. Meta has signed groundbreaking nuclear energy deals aimed at powering its AI data centers. TSMC has excelled with revenues driven by AI chip demand and iPhone sales. Meanwhile, Intel's stock soars due to manufacturing optimism and favorable government relations. Lastly, millions are now seeking health advice through AI, highlighting a growing trend in medical technology.