Big Take

Robert Langreth, a senior healthcare reporter at Bloomberg News with a focus on the pharmaceutical industry, dives into the complexities of the $200 billion cancer treatment market. He reveals that fewer than half of cancer drugs truly extend patient lives, despite high costs and painful side effects. Langreth discusses the pitfalls of relying on progression-free survival, the economic incentives driving the industry, and the need for patients to prioritize treatments that promise real survival benefits over questionable profits.

Andreo Calonzo, a Bloomberg reporter with firsthand insights into the flood crisis in the Philippines, joins Rosalind Matheson, Bloomberg's Chief Asia correspondent, to discuss a massive corruption scandal in flood control. They delve into the impacts of shoddy construction and lost homes on local villagers. The conversation highlights the political fallout and investor concerns, detailing a kickback scheme involving lawmakers. With mass protests emerging, they examine the challenge of regaining public trust and the implications for economic stability moving forward.

Stacey Vanek-Smith, a financial journalist and host of Bloomberg's Everybody's Business, teams up with Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody's Analytics, to dissect the surprising resilience of the economy in 2025. They explore the mixed signals from the labor market and inflation, challenge past recession predictions, and discuss the impacts of AI on growth. Mark highlights a risky economic landscape due to fragile growth and high stock valuations, while both stress the importance of immigration reform and fiscal stability as we head into 2026.

The conversation dives into the booming AI investment landscape and the anxiety surrounding its valuation. Experts discuss the critical role of energy in powering AI growth, highlighting infrastructure opportunities. Cathie Wood advocates for seizing transformative growth by buying into dips, while others warn of bubble signs in firms lacking solid revenue. The hosts explore real-world applications of AI, from agriculture to healthcare, emphasizing the importance of sustainable investments and lessons from the dot-com era.

In this engaging discussion, Erin Ailworth, a Bloomberg agriculture reporter, teams up with Marty Richardson, a fifth-generation Missouri farmer. They dive into the implications of President Trump’s $12 billion farm aid plan, examining how rising costs and lost export markets are impacting family farms. Erin highlights the fallout from the U.S.-China trade war on soy farmers and the concept of 'breadbasket diplomacy.' Marty shares his skepticism about the bailout's effectiveness, urging a need for new markets and expressing doubts about future Chinese trade.

In a fascinating discussion, Anna Wong, Chief U.S. economist for Bloomberg Economics, delves into the implications of the recent Federal Reserve rate cut. She explores the swift economic impacts on industrial production and housing markets. Wong also shares insights on Kevin Hassett, the potential new Fed chair, and discusses the balance between independence and accountability. With changing dynamics in Washington, she highlights risks of confusion during leadership transitions and the forecast for rates dipping below 2%. It's an eye-opening analysis of what lies ahead!

The U.S.-China tariff war has pushed American toy companies to seek alternatives in India, but shifting tariffs complicate the situation. Inside two toy factories, the struggle to meet orders amid rising tariffs creates a hard-hit landscape. Family-run businesses face unpredictability as costs soar, with many firms caught with unsold inventory. India aims to become a toy manufacturing hub, yet skilled labor challenges and the allure of Vietnam complicate its ambitions. Can India overcome these hurdles to claim its spot in the global toy market?

Jason Leopold, an investigative reporter renowned for his expertise in FOIA requests, dives deep into the forthcoming release of the Epstein files. He reveals the potential treasure trove of documents, including FBI and DOJ records, and discusses the enormous scope of materials involved. Leopold uncovers the intricate redaction processes and the legal battles that may follow if records are withheld. With increased pressure from victims and journalists, the conversation highlights the importance of transparency and what reporters will be keen to investigate first.

Lucas Shaw, an entertainment reporter for Bloomberg, dives deep into Netflix's groundbreaking $82.7 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. He unpacks the strategic motives behind this move, including tackling growth slowdowns and expanding into theatrical ventures. Shaw also discusses the potential integrations of HBO content for viewers and examines industry reactions to Netflix's consolidation power. With insights into regulatory challenges and the competitive landscape, this conversation sheds light on a pivotal moment in media history.

Max Chafkin, a Businessweek writer who dives into corporate tech, and Dina Bass, a Bloomberg reporter with a focus on Microsoft and AI, explore the fascinating journey of Excel in corporate America. They discuss its dual reputation as both a beloved productivity tool and a symbol of capitalist drudgery. The conversation highlights Excel's cultural impact, its half-billion users, and how Microsoft’s strategic bundling has locked it into offices. They also evaluate competitors like Google Sheets and examine the future of Excel with emerging AI technologies.