Prof G Markets

In this discussion, Josh Brown, the insightful co-founder and CEO of Ritholtz, shares his expertise on market dynamics and the future landscape of investing. He argues that market corrections can benefit young investors by allowing them to buy at better prices. Brown explores the enduring impact of AI on profits and the necessity of fundamentals over speculative narratives. He emphasizes the importance of monitoring key companies like Palantir and Amazon to gauge AI's return on investment and highlights how changing workflows make AI adoption inevitable.

Gracelyn Baskaran, director of the Critical Minerals Security Program at CSIS, dives into the strategic importance of Greenland's rare earth minerals. She highlights how these resources are vital for U.S. national security amid China's dominance. Gracelyn also discusses the practical challenges of mining in Greenland, including infrastructure hurdles and community opposition. She emphasizes the need for collaborative solutions over military action while assessing the geopolitical landscape. Ed Elson rounds out the conversation by exploring California's proposed billionaire wealth tax and its implications.

Alex Heath, a tech journalist and host of the ACCESS podcast, dives into CES trends with insights on NVIDIA's dominance in AI and robotics. Jared Holtz, a healthcare equity strategist at Mizuho, discusses Novo Nordisk's new oral GLP-1 pill, Wegovy, exploring its market potential and competitive landscape. They analyze pricing strategies, mixed efficacy data, and how this new form could revolutionize GLP-1 adoption by overcoming needle phobia. The conversation highlights the dynamic interplay between tech and healthcare innovation.

Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody's Analytics, shares his insights on GDP, inflation, and employment forecasts for 2026. Bob McNally, founder of Rapidan Energy Group, discusses the implications of President Maduro's ouster on the oil markets. They explore Venezuela's oil capacity and the significant challenges U.S. companies face in reviving production. McNally highlights the long-term risks involved in investing in Venezuelan oil, emphasizing the need to navigate both technical and political hurdles.

Scott dives into his bold predictions for 2026, with a keen focus on AI stocks and the potential fallout of data center investments. He names Amazon as a standout tech pick and envisions space as the next financial frontier. The landscape of entertainment is shifting, with TikTok emerging as a desirable investment and short-form video altering Hollywood's dynamics. Additionally, he critiques the trend of humanoid robots and raises concerns about AI companions for youth. Finally, Scott reflects on the evolving value of college amidst shifting job markets.

Listeners dive into Scott's adventure in investing in a soccer team and his cooking mishaps. Ed shares insights on stock analysis while Claire candidly critiques Scott's humor. The trio reveals their personal splurges and discusses a recent Figma IPO update. Scott contemplates his political involvement without a direct run for office, focusing instead on supporting young Democrats. They also explore the balance between ambition and relationships, leaving us with thought-provoking takeaways.

Justin Wolfers, a Professor of Public Policy and Economics at the University of Michigan, dives into the economic currents shaping our future. He examines AI's complex relationship with employment, stressing that quick AI adoption could lead to job losses, while slow integration might offer workers new skills. Wolfers critiques U.S. tariffs as subtle inflation drivers with long-term costs. He also forecasts a need for coherent AI policy and considers how governance models like those in Canada and Australia could inspire better practices, fostering optimism amid uncertainty.

Rohan Goswami, a business reporter at Semafor, dives into Warner Bros. Discovery's decision to reject Paramount's bid, explaining the appeal of Netflix's offer. He highlights financing risks and the complex dynamics affecting investor confidence. Joining him is Alice Han, a China economist at Greenmantle, who discusses China's record trade surplus and questions surrounding weak fixed investments. She also analyzes geopolitical relationships and anticipates continued reliance on export-led growth for China in 2026.

Kathryn Anne Edwards, a labor economist and host of the Optimist Economy podcast, discusses rising unemployment rates and the challenges in the labor market. She highlights the impact of economic uncertainty and sector variations on hiring trends. Joining her is Jon McNeill, CEO of DVX Ventures and former Tesla executive, who shares insights on the EV industry, including Ford's recent setbacks and Tesla's robo-taxi ambitions. They explore global EV demand and the competitive landscape between U.S. and China, and Ed reveals TikTok Shop's potential to disrupt traditional retail.

Gil Luria, a tech analyst at DA Davidson, dives into Oracle's alarming stock decline and discusses how OpenAI's massive commitments have pressured the company into risky moves. He highlights execution failures and rising debts as key issues affecting investor trust. Then, Helen Toner from Georgetown shares insights on Trump's AI executive order and the tension between state and federal regulations. She emphasizes the need for tech firms to address public skepticism about AI, revealing the political risks involved.