Michel Barnier, the EU's former Brexit negotiator, is now France's Prime Minister, promising to respect all political forces during challenging times. Meanwhile, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is making waves with a major cabinet reshuffle, aiming to inject new energy into his wartime government. The conversation also dives into the unexpected rise of defense stocks among European ESG funds, reflecting changing attitudes towards ethical investments amidst escalating global tensions.

In this engaging discussion, President Joe Biden talks about his plans to block Nippon Steel's takeover of U.S. Steel, emphasizing national security and the impact on blue-collar jobs. He delves into Volkswagen’s urgent call for changes due to falling sales, outlining the threat to German jobs and factories. Additionally, Biden highlights Egypt's troubling transition from a gas boom to severe power shortages, examining the broader implications for energy management and public sentiment. Tune in for insights on these pressing economic challenges!

The podcast dives into the ramifications of a recent U.S. stock market sell-off, influenced by disappointing manufacturing data. It highlights Huawei's struggle with AI chip performance amid U.S. export controls, raising questions about China's capacity to compete with Nvidia. Additionally, there’s a look at the U.S. housing market entrenched in a credit crunch, hindering new residential construction. Finally, it examines a shift in the Indian equity market as local investors rise while foreign funds retreat, challenging the sustainability of the recent market rally.

The UK has halted some arms shipments to Israel, raising significant diplomatic implications. Meanwhile, US audit firms are clashing with regulators over new oversight rules amid concerns about rising deficiencies. On a brighter note, mRNA technology is paving the way for personalized cancer vaccines, offering hope for targeted treatments. Lastly, the soaring demand for Oasis revival tour tickets has prompted a UK government investigation into Ticketmaster's pricing tactics.

Germany’s far-right AfD has made history with its first regional election win post-World War II, signaling a shift in the political landscape. The rise of this party runs parallel to a major strike in Israel, highlighting global discontent. Meanwhile, the concept of 'greedflation' emerges as major brands exploit their popularity to raise prices, drawing scrutiny. Lastly, Hong Kong’s new tourism campaign aims to revive its image while addressing underlying political issues, showcasing the complex interplay between economics and public perception.

Peter Spiegel, the US managing editor for the Financial Times, and Christopher Grimes, the LA bureau chief, dive deep into media dynamics surrounding Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. They discuss how both are skeptical of mainstream press but take different communication approaches. The conversation highlights the generational gap in media consumption, with traditional outlets struggling to connect with younger audiences. They further explore the decline of local journalism and its implications for democracy, stirring in humor with stories about NASA astronauts and political divides.

Polina Ivanova, an FT journalist, highlights the vital role of Telegram in connecting Russian and Ukrainian troops with civilians during the war. She shares how the app facilitates critical communication and alerts. Meanwhile, Eswar Prasad, a Cornell University expert, discusses Thailand's innovative digital currency initiatives, providing insights into the future implications of central bank digital currencies and their potential to transform socio-economic landscapes.

Nvidia's soaring earnings surprised investors, revealing cracks in their expectations. Meanwhile, China's renminbi is making waves in international trade, raising questions about its impact on global finance. Berkshire Hathaway hits a $1tn valuation, marking a significant milestone for non-tech companies. Ford, however, struggles with stagnant shares and escalating warranty costs, as they attempt to pivot towards electric vehicles. Can CEO Jim Farley realign the company’s trajectory? This is a pivotal moment for these key players in the market.

Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of SpaceX, discusses the escalating tensions between the U.S. and China, particularly surrounding semiconductor materials like gallium and germanium. He delves into how China's export controls are affecting global supply chains and prices. The conversation also highlights NASA's shift from Boeing to SpaceX for astronaut transport due to Boeing's recent technical setbacks. Musk shares insights into the fierce competition in the space industry and the strategic maneuvers involved in this economic tug-of-war.

In this discussion, the detained CEO of Telegram, Pavel Durov, sheds light on his arrest by French authorities amid a content moderation investigation. He emphasizes that he has 'nothing to hide' while delving into the controversial landscape of online free speech. The conversation touches on how this incident may exacerbate tensions regarding platform accountability and moderation practices. Additionally, oil prices spike following Libya's shutdown of production, and Grenada navigates its financial challenges with an innovative climate debt pause due to hurricane impacts.