Big Take

Pharmaceutical companies Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are in a century-long rivalry for dominance in the $80 billion weight-loss drug market. Eli Lilly's new drug, Zepbound, aims to help patients cut over 20% of their body weight and potentially turn Eli Lilly into the first trillion-dollar drug company. The podcast explores the contrasting strategies of the two companies in weight-loss drug development, the impact of innovation, and the ongoing competition in the market, including the potential entry of other drug makers.

The podcast discusses the recent historic rally in the stock market, explaining why Wall Street's pessimistic expectations were blown out of the water. It explores the role of AI in boosting the stock market and the factors fueling the current market run. Additionally, it examines the volatility of stock prices and highlights the consistent long-term trend and average annual increase of around 10 percent.

Learn about the surprise attacks by Houthi militants in the Red Sea, disrupting trade routes and the global supply chain. Discover the impact on energy costs and the efforts of businesses to adapt. Get insights on de-escalation prospects, making supply chains safer, and the motivation behind ongoing attacks. Explore concerns over global trade and strategies to protect manufacturing infrastructure.

Israel's war in Gaza is causing disruption in the country's startup and tech sector, with significant economic ramifications. The war has led to destabilization of the workforce, plummeting economic growth, and increased military spending. The podcast explores the experiences of individuals in the startup ecosystem and discusses the potential implications for Israel's economic future.

Wall Street investors are staying out of the GOP primaries, not supporting Trump or his challengers. The podcast explores the impact of major donors, their hesitancy in this election, and the search for a viable alternative. Wealthy donors are now targeting down ballot races instead. The chapter also discusses the strategies of big money donors and the role of money in the nomination.

US oil production is booming and profitable, defying previous expectations. Bloomberg Opinion columnist Javier Blas discusses the state of US supply and its impact on OPEC. The podcast also covers rising tensions in the Red Sea and the rise of electronic electricity trading in Europe.

Scott, a small vendor, shares his experience with TikTok Shop and live streaming his products. TikTok aims to grow its US e-commerce business to $17.5 billion this year. The podcast explores the origins and challenges of TikTok Shop, its impact and strategy, and its competition with established e-commerce platforms like Amazon.

20-year-old NBA rookie Victor Wembanyama, with an eight-foot wingspan, is on track to earn $1 billion from basketball contracts. He considers new brand partnerships, negotiates new media deals, and with his rare skills, he just might make basketball history.

Taiwan's tensions with China, military exercises by China, Taiwanese leaders asserting self-rule, individuals formulating responses to conflict, civil defense fairs teaching missile strike protection, accumulation of passports for peaceful lives, implications of recent Taiwan election on Taiwan-China relationship, families preparing for potential war, navigating military service, considering leaving Taiwan due to war risk and military threats

The podcast discusses the current water level crisis in the Panama Canal and its impact on global shipping and the local economy. It explores potential solutions, including expedited fees for faster crossings and building a new reservoir. The podcast also highlights concerns from the community near the Indio River and experimental measures to increase water supply. Lastly, it delves into desperate measures like cloud seeding and the need for political decision-making in addressing the congestion in the canal.