Big Take

Aaron Gordon, a Bloomberg data reporter focused on transit, shares eye-opening insights about the state of U.S. mass transit post-COVID. He discusses the alarming decline in ridership and financial aid running out, raising fears of a 'death spiral' for many agencies. Gordon highlights the long-term implications of potential fare hikes and service cuts, which could exacerbate congestion as riders revert to personal cars. The conversation reveals how these challenges deeply affect communities relying on public transportation.

Shelly Banjo, who oversees Bloomberg's business coverage for the Americas, shares insights into how Q1 earnings reports reflect corporate reactions to the latest tariffs. Companies are strategizing in varied ways—some pause, pivot, or even panic in response to Trump's trade war. Banjo discusses how businesses, including Coca-Cola and General Motors, are adapting their strategies. The podcast also highlights the broader implications for innovation, job markets, and consumer behavior amidst the evolving economic landscape.

The uncertainty caused by Trump’s tariff policies has been spooking business leaders and roiling the markets. And according to Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon, there could be more economic pain ahead — at least in the short term.  Today on the Big Take, Bloomberg editor-at-large Francine Lacqua sits down with Solomon at the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund’s annual investment conference in Oslo. He shares his thoughts on the fate of the US dollar as a reserve currency, opportunities for new investment in European markets and his predictions for global growth in the coming year.  Read more: Goldman’s Solomon Says Markets to ‘Settle Down’ After ChaosSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian Platt, a Canadian government reporter for Bloomberg, discusses the narrow Liberal victory under Mark Carney's leadership. He delves into how this mandates collaboration with other parties, particularly in navigating urgent trade negotiations with President Trump. The talk highlights changing voter sentiments and the implications for U.S.-Canada relations. Platt also addresses the pressing economic challenges Canada faces, including a housing crisis and the need for effective responses from government levels amidst evolving political dynamics.

President Trump will celebrate 100 days back in office this week. The milestone comes amid a US-China trade war, ongoing conflict overseas and high-stakes battles over the future of higher education.On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg’s Josh Wingrove joins host David Gura to take stock of how Trump has used the last three months to reshape everything from global trade and immigration to the American presidency — and what they reveal about the road ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this engaging conversation with Paulina Cachero, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in the soaring costs of higher education, listeners uncover shocking truths about college expenses. Cachero highlights how even families earning $300,000 face financial strain from elite institutions. The discussion reveals the hidden costs of college education, the inequalities in financial aid, and the myth that public universities are always the best option. Prepare for revelations that challenge conventional wisdom about affording a degree in today's economy.

For decades, workers, disability advocates and employers have debated a program called 14(c), a section of employment law that lets companies pay certain employees with disabilities less than the federal minimum wage. Proponents say the program provides opportunities for people who might not find them elsewhere. Critics say it’s exploitative and stigmatizing.  On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg senior reporter Josh Eidelson joins host Sarah Holder to dig into the debate over subminimum wage and the future of the program under President Trump. Read more: It’s Legal to Pay US Workers With Disabilities as Little as 25¢ an HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Enda Curran, a Global Economy reporter for Bloomberg, and Tom Orlik, Chief Economist for Bloomberg Economics, dive into the far-reaching impact of Trump's tariffs. They discuss the IMF's grim forecast of a 2.8% global GDP growth, which could deal a hefty blow to manufacturing-driven economies. The duo highlights the anticipated $2 trillion hit to global GDP, comparing it to the outputs of Brazil and Canada. They also touch on ongoing trade negotiations at the IMF, hinting at shifts in global economic partnerships amid the turbulence.

Chinese toy company Pop Mart is one of the hottest stocks this year thanks to the wild popularity of its Labubu dolls and other blind box toys. On today’s Big Take Asia podcast, host K. Oanh Ha talks to Bloomberg Opinion’s Shuli Ren about how the company’s business model could help it ride out the trade-war storm. Read more: China’s ‘Blind Box’ Magic Breeds Millions of Peter PansFurther listening: How China’s BYD Became King of the Affordable EVSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael McKee, Bloomberg's international economics and policy correspondent, and Saleha Mohsin, senior Washington correspondent and host of The Big Take DC podcast, dive into the explosive tension between former President Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. They discuss the legal ramifications of Trump's threats to fire Powell and explore how this conflict could destabilize the U.S. dollar and global markets. The episode further examines the risks posed to Federal Reserve independence and its impact on economic stability.