Wall Street Week

Steven Rattner, an investment adviser at Willett Advisors, shares insights on China's booming innovation amidst consumer struggles, cautioning that U.S. trade policies may not respond effectively. He suggests the focus should be on domestic improvements. The conversation shifts to Nepal, where Gen Z's viral social media posts ignited major protests against inequality. The discussion also explores the evolution of capitalism and the challenges posed by impending small business successions as baby boomers retire, highlighting both opportunities and risks.

Dive into 25 years of economic upheaval and transformation! Explore major shocks like Y2K, the Great Recession, and the pandemic that reshaped capitalism. Discover insights on wealth inequality trends, retail investors' impact, and the rise of meme stocks. Delve into China's global ambitions and the challenges they pose. Engage with discussions on technology's evolution, from the tech boom to the rise of AI. Reflect on continuous market turbulence and the defining role of innovation in our future.

Glenn Hubbard, an economist and former chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, shares insights on the Fed's challenges, highlighting risks from tariffs and the credit cycle looming over 2026. Meanwhile, Lisa Su, CEO of AMD, champions the case for open-source AI ecosystems, discussing how they can boost innovation and market accessibility. They also explore the rising demand for electricity related to AI and manufacturing, the need for nuclear power, and Macy’s bold strategy to revive the department store experience.

Michael McKee, a Bloomberg correspondent with firsthand experience reporting on the Nepal protests, delves into the role social media played in mobilizing Gen Z against inequality. He shares insights on how viral content sparked a youth movement that toppled the government. Additionally, Steven Rattner discusses China's technological advancements and grim domestic struggles, warning that U.S. trade policies won't curb its growth. They also explore the evolving landscape of capitalism, contemplating potential new models and the impacts of rising corporate concentration.

In a thought-provoking dialogue, Michael Crow, President of Arizona State University and an innovator in higher education, shares how AI is transforming learning and assessment. He highlights the need for skills beyond what AI can teach. Lior Rahn, Co-founder of Uber Freight, discusses how AI and autonomy can optimize supply chains, enhancing efficiency and resilience. Taboho Kabeli, a Lesotho textile factory owner, provides insights into the economic impact of U.S. tariffs on local manufacturing, emphasizing the challenges faced by small economies.

Zak Brown, leader of McLaren Racing, discusses his unique journey from karting to the pinnacle of motorsports. He shares insights on fostering a winning culture at McLaren, emphasizing the importance of a speak-up environment and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Brown reflects on the influences of icons like Mickey Mantle and Mario Andretti, revealing how his fear of failure drives his leadership style. The conversation also highlights the significance of team unity and adapting to challenges in the ever-evolving world of Formula One.

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.