Squawk on the Street

Venu Krishna, Barclays Head of U.S. Equity Strategy, discusses how tariffs are expected to impact the market later this quarter. William Lansing, CEO of FICO, defends his company's practices amid claims of monopoly while highlighting the role of AI in credit scoring. Costas Biloris, BMO Capital Markets Analyst, delves into recent developments affecting Sarepta's gene therapy, underscoring regulatory challenges and safety implications. The conversation also touches on resilient restaurant stocks and the latest earnings from major companies.

The podcast dives into a lively earnings season, highlighting Verizon's strong performance and raised guidance. Political tensions surrounding the Federal Reserve, particularly concerning Fed Chair Powell, spark engaging discussions. Listeners get insights into market dynamics, including Block's impressive rise after joining the S&P 500. Cybersecurity threats from international players are analyzed, as well as the pharmaceutical industry's regulatory challenges. Overall, it's a mix of market optimism and complex realities shaping the financial landscape.

Michael Faulkender, Deputy Treasury Secretary, shares his expertise on the Stablecoin Genius Act and the administration's vision for crypto regulation. He tackles the current economic landscape, highlighting rising consumer confidence and its implications for market stability in the latter half of the year. The conversation also touches on the strategic moves within financial markets, especially regarding energy acquisitions and the evolving dynamics surrounding stablecoins and the U.S. dollar's global standing.

Mike Wirth, CEO of Chevron, discusses the oil giant's recent $55 billion acquisition of Hess and the implications for the energy industry. He shares insights on how the deal positions Chevron for future growth amidst evolving market conditions. Meanwhile, Netflix faces an unexpected stock decline despite beating quarterly expectations, raising questions about viewer engagement and competition in the streaming wars. The conversation also touches on record highs for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, and the evolving landscape of interest rates and corporate partnerships.

The discussion kicks off with Cisco Systems' exciting pivot towards cloud computing and AI, showcasing its impressive stock performance. Insightful comparisons with other tech giants unveil Cisco's evolving strategy. The conversation then highlights strategic partnerships in AI and software, focusing on how the shift to subscription-based revenues could lead to significant market revaluation. Listeners learn why this tech firm is becoming an attractive investment for the future.

Mark Coombs, CEO of Ashmore Group, sheds light on the intricate relationship between politics and the Fed's influence on emerging markets. David Maracle, Goldman Sachs' chief U.S. economist, shares insights on tariffs, inflation, and the Fed's strategies moving forward. Tim Spence, CEO of Fifth Third Bank, discusses consumer health and small business demand, emphasizing the importance of economic indicators. The discussion also touches on PepsiCo's challenges with consumer spending, especially among lower-income families ahead of earnings.

Ramon Laguarta, CEO of PepsiCo, discusses the company's recent Q2 earnings performance and initiatives aimed at strengthening brand affordability. He shares insights on how health trends are reshaping consumer preferences, particularly regarding sugar consumption in the beverage industry. The conversation also touches on the political landscape, including President Trump's comments about Coca-Cola's sugar sourcing. Additionally, the impact of these trends on market strategies and potential growth areas, especially in international markets, is explored.

Ben Reitzes, the Head of Technology Research at Melius, brings his insights on the tech sector, predicting that Nvidia could soon be the first company valued at $5 trillion. The conversation shifts to inflation's impact on corporate margins and the tech market's resilience amid economic uncertainties. Meanwhile, economist Mohamed El-Erian discusses potential Fed rate cuts sooner than anticipated. The podcast also touches on recent banking earnings and the legislative momentum for cryptocurrency in Congress.

Bank earnings take center stage with insights from Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley. Nvidia's CEO shares thrilling updates during a visit to China while the chip sector continues its impressive rise. A surprising drop in wholesale inflation shifts the economic focus, prompting discussions on trade, investment opportunities, and legislative movements in crypto. The podcast also dives into the complexities of U.S.-China tech tensions and their impact on the market, alongside intriguing mentions of 401(k) investment potentials.

Mario Gabelli, Chairman and CEO of Gamco Investors, shares his keen insights into consumer inflation and stock strategies. He discusses key sectors impacted by tariffs, banking performance with surprising earnings from major banks, and his favorite stock picks. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright joins the conversation from the Energy and Innovation Summit, covering America’s power needs and recent OPEC developments. The podcast dives into the intersection of AI, energy infrastructure investments, and even a glimpse into the future of space real estate.