Slate Money

Discover why the Trump administration bailed out Argentina with a surprising $20 billion, examining the political motives and implications for U.S. soy farmers. As the U.S. government shuts down, learn how markets defy expectations and which parts of the economy truly suffer. Delve into Jared Kushner's role in a massive $55 billion deal that brings Saudi Arabia into the gaming world. Finally, ponder the future of Electronic Arts under foreign ownership and the potential benefits of private status amidst shifting market dynamics.

Doug Woodham, former president of Christie's Americas and author, dives into Basquiat’s remarkable rise in the art market. He discusses how Basquiat was initially undervalued but became an icon through key collector endorsements that stabilized his market. Woodham highlights how institutional skepticism and collector strategies shaped perceptions. He also explores the impact of the 1996 film on Basquiat's fame and the role of recent high-profile sales in boosting market demand, all while questioning whether collectors or Basquiat's genius created his value.

Max Chafkin, a BusinessWeek/Bloomberg writer, joins the discussion to unpack NVIDIA's staggering $100 billion investment in OpenAI, hinting at the possibility of an AI bubble. He also delves into the chaos surrounding the Trump administration's new $100,000 H-1B visa fee and its broader implications for immigration policy. Additionally, Max shares the wild tale of how an Enron parody morphed into a memecoin disaster, raising questions about the value of memes in the cryptocurrency world. It's a whirlwind of tech, finance, and unexpected satire!

Neil Irwin, an economics reporter at Axios and Fed expert, joins the hosts to unravel the complexities of a recent Federal Reserve meeting marked by unexpected dissent. He examines the implications of new political pressures and the challenges faced by the Fed's independence. The conversation shifts to the rising costs of premium credit cards, exploring why brands like Amex are hiking fees and the allure of exclusive perks. They also tackle the bankruptcy of Publishers Clearing House and the fallout for 'lifetime' winners who now face uncertain futures.

Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Rivlin as he unpacks the thrilling competition among tech giants like Microsoft and Google in the AI sector. Rivlin discusses the emotional connections users form with AI, spotlighting the highs of GPT-4 and the letdowns of GPT-5. He navigates the contrasting views of techno-optimism and skepticism regarding AI's future, emphasizing the ethical dilemmas and job market impacts. With insights drawn from decades of tech coverage, he offers a nuanced outlook on the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.

This week, a chaotic ICE raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia raised concerns about foreign investment in the U.S. and strained diplomatic ties with South Korea. Meanwhile, Oracle's stock soared thanks to a groundbreaking AI deal with OpenAI, bringing Larry Ellison close to the title of the world's richest man. The hosts also critique JP Morgan's opulent new skyscraper, comparing it to Vegas hotels, while discussing the evolving landscape of corporate work culture and rising energy costs.

Elon Musk is offered a jaw-dropping $1 trillion package by Tesla, sparking a debate about executive compensation and corporate valuations. A recent court ruling recognizes Google as a monopoly but stops short of breaking it up, raising questions about antitrust logic. Meanwhile, traders are jumping on potential tariff refunds as the Supreme Court considers Trump’s tariffs, leading to a deep dive into the world of litigation finance. From tech monopolies to the dynamics of wealth, the conversation covers a lot of ground!

David Gelles, a New York Times reporter, dives into the captivating life of Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia. He discusses the paradox of a billionaire advocating for environmental sustainability, challenging the norms of capitalism. The conversation explores Patagonia's unique blend of profit and purpose, its ethical business philosophy, and the complexities of navigating growth while staying true to environmental values. Gelles sheds light on how Chouinard's vision has redefined corporate responsibility and the future of ethical leadership.

Kashmir Hill, a technology reporter at The New York Times and expert on privacy and AI, joins the discussion about the implications of the recent lawsuit involving Fed Governor Lisa Cook. The conversation takes a darker turn as Kashmir reveals startling stories of individuals forming dangerous emotional bonds with AI chatbots, leading to severe mental health crises. The hosts and Kashmir also debate the urgent need for ethical regulations in AI technology, highlighting its profound societal impacts.

This week explores a wild ATM glitch that let NYC teens withdraw unlimited cash, revealing ethical dilemmas and chaos. The conversation shifts to modern financial literacy, showcasing students struggling with unexpected banking fees. They also critique platforms like Yieldstreet, questioning the true accessibility of private investments. A provocative op-ed about sacrificing youth for wealth sparks a debate on societal pressures and the real meaning of success. Finally, the discussion touches on the evolving landscape of personal branding in today's digital age.