Slate Money

This week: The European Commission pushed back its timeline for all EV Europe.   Felix Salmon, Elizabeth Spiers, and Emily Peck are joined by Bloomberg’s Global Automotive Editor Craig Trudell who helps understand how and why the global electronic vehicle transition is unraveling. Then, in a twist move, Truth Social parent company, Trump Media & Technology Group, merged with TAE Technologies, a fusion power company. The hosts and Craig unpack the motivations behind the deal for these strange bedfellows. And finally, don’t you just love a familiar, non-threatening protagonist who falls in love with a  someone who embodies local virtue thanks to a  Christmas adjacent inciting incident? You’re not alone! The hosts and Craig discuss the booming business of Hallmark movie tours in CT and the key factors that go into these wildly popular made-for-tv movies.  In the Slate Plus episode: What’s your dream gift? Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Slate Money show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/moneyplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli and Cheyna Roth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disney's groundbreaking $1 billion investment in OpenAI is a hot topic, sparking debates about the enforceability of complex licensing agreements. The conversation turns to future tech IPOs, with SpaceX potentially vying for a $1 trillion valuation status. Meanwhile, Instacart's dynamic pricing strategies raise ethical concerns about personalized pricing using consumer data. The risks of algorithm-driven prices are examined, alongside a discussion on regulation, disclosures, and variations in food pricing amid inflation.

Tim Wu, a Columbia Law School professor and author of The Age of Extraction, joins Elizabeth Spiers to discuss the troubling dominance of Big Tech. They explore how corporate greed has led to the erosion of ideals surrounding the internet as a democratizing force. Wu highlights the pressures from shareholders that drive extractive practices and the alarming shift toward monopolization, which he warns could lead to authoritarianism. He also touches on the potential impacts of AI and emphasizes the need for regulatory reform to combat tech concentration.

Nicholas Kulish, a New York Times reporter known for his expertise in philanthropy, joins the discussion. He delves into Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. and its profound impact on the media landscape. The talk shifts to the Dells' staggering $6.25 billion donation and its political implications, exploring the motives and potential effects on wealth inequality. Finally, the group uncovers consumer fraud at Dollar General and Family Dollar, highlighting how pricing errors exploit financially vulnerable shoppers.

Austan Goolsbee, Chicago Fed President and monetary policy expert, joins the discussion. He shares insights from his first FOMC meeting, detailing the unique deliberation process. Goolsbee explains the shift in the Fed’s communication strategy towards transparency and why it’s crucial for public trust. He also addresses criticisms of the Fed and the dangers of the gold standard. With humor, he likens data analysis styles to 'data dogs' and 'data cats,' emphasizing their different approaches to economic indicators.

Heather Haddon, a restaurant reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives into the fast food industry's pricing battles, responding to consumer backlash over rising menu costs. She explores how chains like McDonald's navigate franchise negotiations and value expectations. The conversation highlights Chick-fil-A's innovative drive-thru strategies, leveraging analytics to enhance efficiency. Starbucks is also in focus, grappling with declining sales and shifting consumer preferences. Heather shares insights into the broader implications of fast food on America's cultural landscape.

The discussion kicks off with Larry Summers' resignation following scandalous emails with Jeffrey Epstein, raising questions about his intellectual legacy. The hosts delve into Meta's recent legal victory, examining the challenges of regulating Big Tech and questioning the effectiveness of current antitrust measures. The conversation shifts to the AI market, exploring whether it’s truly a bubble or a sound investment. They debate corporate debt risks and the impact of AI on the economy, rounding out the chat with cultural tidbits from the art market.

This week, the hosts dive into the idea of 50-year mortgages and the mixed reactions they sparked, especially from conservatives. They explore how these long-term loans could actually inflate housing prices rather than solve the crisis. The conversation transitions to the power dynamics of proxy advisers and asset managers, revealing how billionaires like Musk oppose them for more control. Finally, there's a playful discussion about Robinhood's cash delivery service, weighing its practicality and who would really benefit from it.

Adrianna Adams, a financial advisor from Domain Money, shares her expert insights on balancing personal financial health with caregiving for aging parents. She highlights the importance of prioritizing your own financial foundation to effectively support family. Adrianna also discusses creative strategies to assist parents financially, like home purchases, and the crucial conversations around sharing money values with adult children. Additionally, she covers protective measures against scams and the need for regular updates to legal documents as life circumstances change.

In a compelling discussion, Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman, a Harvard PhD student and author of The Double Tax, delves into the economic burdens faced by women of color. She highlights shocking costs associated with childbirth and childcare, revealing the extensive financial strain these issues pose. Anna critiques political rhetoric surrounding reproductive health and discusses the implications of targeting influential figures like Lisa Cook on economic policy. Her proposed solutions, including reparations and pay transparency, offer hope for systemic change.