Bloomberg Talks

Chris Wright, U.S. Secretary of Energy and former oil industry executive, explores the ambitious plan to rejuvenate Venezuela’s oil sector. He discusses a $100 billion investment strategy involving major oil companies eager to jump back in. Wright highlights Chevron's plans and expectations for a production surge in the coming years. He addresses security concerns, the absence of U.S. financial backing, and clarifies the importance of both oil and nuclear energy in meeting global demands.

Jaylen Brown, a four-time NBA All-Star with the Boston Celtics, discusses the need for player equity alongside owners in the league. He emphasizes the importance of using his platform for social change and community investment. From launching his sneaker brand to investing in minority startups through the Boston Exchange, Jaylen shares his entrepreneurial vision. He argues for fair compensation reflecting rising franchise valuations and proposes innovative ideas like a player-owned expansion team. His insights on NIL payments and financial literacy showcase his commitment to uplifting future athletes.

Rick Rieder, BlackRock’s Chief Investment Officer of Global Fixed Income, shares intriguing insights on the latest jobs report, highlighting job growth in healthcare. He discusses how AI and automation are reshaping corporate cost structures and driving profits. Rieder also analyzes labor market trends, emphasizing the importance of housing in wealth and job creation. He touches on demographics, student debt, and the implications of a potential Supreme Court ruling on financial strategies, while clarifying his lack of interest in the Fed Chair position.

Carl Weinberg, Chief Economist and Managing Director at High Frequency Economics, shares insights on supply chain disruptions, predicting they will be the biggest risk in 2026. He highlights the tight labor market's impact on GDP growth and warns that rising inflation could follow due to these constraints. Weinberg also emphasizes the severe threat posed by China’s dominance in critical materials, stressing that any disruption in supply chains would directly impact U.S. industrial capacity and growth.

Jonathan Miller, President and CEO of the real estate firm Miller Samuel, dives into the impact of institutional investors on the housing market. He clarifies that these entities own only about 1% of single-family homes, countering perceptions from the post-crisis era. Miller argues that banning institutional buyers won't solve affordability issues; instead, increasing housing supply and adjusting zoning laws are key. He also highlights regional disparities post-COVID, and discusses how rising mortgage rates are driving up home prices despite the market's constraints.

Nicholas Burns, a seasoned diplomat and former U.S. ambassador to China, dives into President Trump's controversial push to purchase Greenland. He discusses Denmark's stark warning that such a move could jeopardize NATO's unity. Burns stresses the importance of respectful diplomacy over threats to secure U.S. interests in Greenland, while outlining the strategic competition in the Arctic against Russia and China's growing influence. He also emphasizes the need for a robust U.S. economic strategy in Latin America to counter China's positioning.

Stephen Miran, Federal Reserve Governor and former Treasury official, shares his insights on monetary policy and inflation. He forecasts a need for 150 basis points in rate cuts by 2026 to boost the labor market. Miran highlights that current inflation numbers are skewed by shelter costs and discusses the importance of accommodative policies on job growth. He also addresses potential risks, such as rising market rents affecting his projections and expresses uncertainty about his future at the Fed.

Jim Zelter, President of Apollo Global Management, shares his insights on asset management and macroeconomic challenges. He explains Apollo's disciplined investment strategies and discusses recent $6 billion transactions aimed at large companies with downside protections. Zelter also addresses geopolitical risks, U.S. economic resilience, and the evolving landscape of credit markets. He highlights the shift toward private credit, strategic land-banking initiatives, and the booming AI sector's funding needs, revealing the complexities of the current financial environment.

Mads Qvist Frederiksen, Executive Director of the Arctic Economic Council, provides keen insights into Greenland's economic landscape. He discusses how geopolitical uncertainties have stalled business investments in the region. While daily life continues, major projects face significant hurdles. Frederiksen emphasizes Greenland's desire for business partnerships rather than selling its resources. He also highlights the challenges posed by misinformation and calls for a cautious approach to investments that benefit local communities.

Jeanne Shaheen, a Democratic U.S. Senator from New Hampshire and expert in foreign policy, delves into pressing global issues. She discusses the complexities of U.S.-Venezuelan oil policies, highlighting risks and uncertainties surrounding potential embargoes. Shaheen also critiques the absurd notion of the U.S. purchasing Greenland, emphasizing the importance of partnerships with Denmark. Additionally, she advocates for urgent action on ACA premium tax credits, reflecting on the rising costs impacting constituents.