Wall Street Week

Ana Botín, Executive Chairman of Banco Santander, discusses navigating Europe's regulatory landscape while prioritizing growth. She emphasizes the need for a capital markets union to aid SMEs and critiques excessive regulations stifling banking in Europe. Olli Sörka, CEO of Helen, reveals how Helsinki monetizes data center waste heat for district heating, promoting sustainability. They touch on modernizing pension systems, with Dutch reforms serving as a model for global adaptation in the face of demographic shifts.

Jennifer Hillman, a trade law expert, dives into the complex legalities of presidential powers over tariffs and what potential Supreme Court rulings could mean for Americans. Owen Thomas, CEO of BXP Properties, shares insights on the intersection of real estate and affordability, questioning how private capital can help solve housing issues in New York. They also discuss the challenges pediatricians face in the vaccine debate, highlighting financial strains and misconceptions about profits, along with trends driving the increasing protein consumption among Americans.

Lawrence H. Summers, former U.S. Treasury Secretary, provides insights on the Fed's cautious stance against a December rate cut, discussing inflation complexities and economic reforms following Argentina's recent elections. Meanwhile, Geoffrey Hinton, a pioneer in AI, raises alarms about the rapid development of artificial intelligence outpacing safety measures and warns of existential risks. The conversation also critiques Trump's proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee, exploring its potential to stifle U.S. innovation and talent retention.

Michael Crow, president of Arizona State University and an innovator in education, discusses how AI is transforming learning and teaching. He highlights the importance of up-skilling and prepares students for uncertain futures while noting capabilities AI cannot provide, like creativity. Lior Rahn, co-founder of Waabi, dives into AI's game-changing role in logistics, emphasizing how automation can reduce costs and enhance efficiency. They also touch on the severe impact of US tariffs on Lesotho's textile industry and potential paths forward for recovery.

This week, former US Treasury Secretary Lawrence H. Summers says that although bank profits are up, bigger risks are brewing in credit and in an unconventional US bet on Argentina’s currency. And, could Japan’s growing labor shortage finally make immigration a permanent part of its future? Plus, self-driving trucks promise to transform freight across the US and Europe, but the road to automation is not bump-free. Later, can artificial intelligence make war faster and safer without losing human control?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harriet de Winton, an artist and small-business owner of DeWinton Paper Co., discusses the profound impacts of recent U.S. tariff changes. She reveals how these shifts threaten small businesses and raise consumer prices, affecting her watercolor business significantly. The conversation shifts to the roles of prediction markets in informing forecasts and the ethical implications of immigration detention systems. De Winton also highlights the challenges independent creators face in a shifting policy landscape.

Steven Rattner, a seasoned investor and CEO of Willett Advisors, shares insights on the U.S. labor market and the impact of AI on hiring trends. He discusses how monetary policy and tariffs influence the auto industry amid global competition. Ford CEO Jim Farley delves into the 'essential economy,' shedding light on the skilled labor shortage and the role of AI in increasing productivity. Daniel Nadler, founder of Open Evidence, explains how AI helps doctors manage the overwhelming amount of medical research, aiming to improve patient care.

Shannon O'Neill, Senior Vice President at the Council on Foreign Relations, provides insights on investor concerns in Mexico, highlighting judicial reform and security risks that affect investment opportunities. The discussion delves into the complexities of U.S.-Mexico trade relations, particularly auto tariffs and their impact on supply chains. Additionally, O'Neill discusses how workforce shortages in North America are being addressed, emphasizing the role immigrant labor plays in revitalizing local economies, such as a manufacturing plant in Fargo.

Leon Botstein, a seasoned academic leader and President of Bard College for over 50 years, discusses the shifting landscape of higher education and federal funding under Trump's administration. He highlights the historical partnership between government and universities, now under threat. Botstein delves into the implications for research integrity, the role of immigration, and the importance of principled leadership to restore public trust. His insights provide a compelling overview of the challenges facing academia today.

Lawrence H. Summers, former U.S. Treasury Secretary, analyzes the Fed's looser monetary policy and the looming risks of inflation. Rafael Reif, former MIT president, highlights the dangers of recent cuts to federal research funding and discusses innovative financing solutions. Juan Pablo Nicolini provides insights into Argentina’s fiscal challenges, emphasizing the political risks of President Javier Milei’s austerity measures. Lastly, local leaders explore investment opportunities in Birmingham, suggesting a shift in the UK’s growth strategy beyond London.