Big Take

Ruth Carson, Bloomberg reporter on Asia FX markets, explains the shock from Japan’s bond market turmoil. She traces the chain from a weak auction and thin liquidity to sudden sell-offs. She discusses who gained and lost, policy responses, political and fiscal risks, and how JGB moves ripple through global borrowing and currencies.

Suzanne Lynch, Brussels bureau chief for Bloomberg News covering EU politics and transatlantic relations. She walks through European outrage at recent US moves and how the EU might retaliate with trade and tech tools. Discussion covers financial levers like treasury debates and pension sell‑offs. She explores NATO, Arctic tensions and whether this crisis could spur EU unity and reform.

A deep look at Japan’s growing pool of retirement assets tied to seniors with cognitive decline. Stories of frozen accounts reveal family struggles and access trade-offs. Discussion of scams, economic drag from dormant funds, and corporate tactics to manage elderly shareholders. Exploration of legal reforms, family support accounts, and cultural taboos around dementia.

Claire Ballentine, Bloomberg finance reporter who covers banks and credit-card business models. She breaks down Trump’s revived push for a 10% credit‑card interest cap. Topics include why rates are so high, how card profits work, who might lose access to credit, banks’ warnings and the legal and political paths to making a cap real.

Bloomberg reporters Amara Omeokwe and Greg Stohr dive into the contentious Supreme Court hearing regarding Trump's bid to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook. Amara provides insights into the implications for Fed independence, while Greg breaks down the legal arguments surrounding process and presidential power. The justices' concerns about potential overreach are highlighted, alongside the economic fallout of undermining the Fed's credibility. They explore how a ruling could reshape presidential authority and the central bank's role moving forward.

Flavia Krause-Jackson, an executive editor specializing in European economic and political analysis, joins to dissect President Trump's surprising speech at Davos. She explains his unconventional pitch for purchasing Greenland as a security move, blending real estate and national interests. Flavia discusses Trump's transactional view of NATO, the reactions from European leaders, and the potential for escalating tensions. This conversation reveals how Trump's rhetoric impacts global markets and underscores Europe's dilemma on how to respond.

Fola Akinnibi and Sophie Alexander, Bloomberg reporters specializing in immigration and detention policy, delve into ICE's controversial plan to expand detention through 'mega centers.' They discuss the shift from temporary tent facilities to converted warehouses, raising concerns about safety and poor conditions for detainees. With a $45 billion funding allocation prompting faster solutions, they highlight the competition among companies vying for lucrative contracts and the local pushback from communities opposing these massive facilities.

Nancy Cook, a Bloomberg political reporter, and Mark Niquette, a reporter focused on the real economy, dive into Trump's transformative economic agenda. They discuss how sweeping tariffs have reshuffled global trade, creating uncertainty for businesses. Cook highlights the challenges of evaluating these policies due to constant changes, while Niquette notes the lack of major reshoring despite tariff intentions. They also touch on deregulation, labor shortages, and the long-term implications of Trump’s populist economic themes for the Republican Party.

Nicholas Burns, a seasoned U.S. diplomat and former ambassador to China, shares insights on the geopolitical ripples following the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He discusses how this event unsettles China’s alliances in Latin America and provides an opportunity for Beijing to enhance its global presence. The conversation dives into the strategic implications of Venezuelan oil, the 'Donroe Doctrine,' and the potential effects on U.S.-China relations, particularly concerning Taiwan and the Arctic region.

Patrick Clark, a Bloomberg real estate reporter, and Kriston Capps, a CityLab reporter, dive into the heated debate over corporate landlords. They discuss how large investors, like private equity firms, have shaped the housing market since the 2008 crisis. The duo reveals the local impact of these investors, particularly in cities like Atlanta and Charlotte. They also explore Trump's surprising proposal to ban corporate homebuying, the challenges faced by average buyers, and whether such a ban would truly address the affordability crisis.