Big Take

David Ramli, a Bloomberg investing reporter based in Singapore, dives into the cautionary tale of Gibran Huzaifah, the CEO of eFishery, who used fake financial numbers to attract massive investments. The discussion reveals how a desperate bid for funding led to a shocking $300 million loss and highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by entrepreneurs in startup culture. Ramli also emphasizes the importance of transparency and integrity in business to prevent such disastrous falls from grace.

John Authers, Bloomberg's senior markets editor, dives into Warren Buffett's surprising decision to step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway after over 50 years. He highlights how Buffett has transformed investing and what it means for his successor, Greg Abel. The discussion explores the challenges of upholding Buffett's legacy, the potential for Berkshire's restructuring, and a critical look at Buffett's monopolistic strategies in light of new entrepreneurial innovations. What's next for the company, and can it continue on the same successful path?

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.

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.

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.

Amid tariff whiplash, renewed inflation concerns and turbulence in financial markets, Americans are left wondering: Do the economic vibes match our economic reality? And are we headed for a recession?Today on the show, Bloomberg senior markets editor and columnist John Authers joins host David Gura to discuss official and unofficial recession indicators and what the state of the economy tells us about what could be ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.