Bloomberg Talks

Tye Brady, Chief Technologist at Amazon Robotics and a founding partner of Mass Robotics, dives into the world of physical AI. He highlights Amazon's mission to enhance customer experiences through innovative robotics. Tye discusses a function-first design philosophy, ensuring technology meets real-world needs. He reveals how AI is being leveraged to assist workers and alleviate repetitive tasks. The introduction of smart delivery glasses and compact robots like Aluna and Blue Jay are also unveiled, showcasing advancements that boost efficiency and improve holiday delivery operations.

Jamieson Greer, the 20th U.S. Trade Representative, shares insights on the evolving U.S. trade landscape. He discusses the administration's 'fair and balanced' approach to tariffs and the impact of recent decisions on exporting Nvidia’s H200 chips to China. Greer also delves into the complex negotiations surrounding TikTok and highlights the importance of export controls for national security. Additionally, he addresses trade relationships with Europe and India, emphasizing the need for strategic partnerships amid global challenges.

In this engaging discussion, Stephanie Roth, Chief Economist at Wolfe Research, delves into the surprising November US CPI report. She highlights significant sampling errors and explains how holiday discounts may have skewed the data. Roth reassures listeners that inflation isn’t rising sharply but rather stabilizing. She shares insights on labor market resilience and anticipates a Fed pause in interest rate changes. Additionally, she touches on the impact of recent government shutdowns on data collection and offers a unique perspective on future Fed appointments.

Dan Ives, a senior equity analyst at Wedbush Securities, dives into the intriguing merger between Trump Media and TAE Technologies, a fusion developer valued at over $6 billion. He emphasizes TAE’s impressive track record and its role in the tech and energy arms race with China. Ives highlights investor confidence in fusion breakthroughs and discusses how this merger secures vital capital and political support for TAE. He also explores the rising demand for AI infrastructure and its implications for fusion energy in powering future tech advancements.

Kathryn Wylde, the outgoing president and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, shares insights as a key advisor on Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's transition team. She discusses the concerns business leaders have about Mamdani's policies and emphasizes the importance of data-driven discussions. Wylde explains her role in advising on economic development while balancing the needs of wealthy taxpayers. Additionally, she delves into Mamdani's approach to housing policy, highlighting the need for supply incentives and property tax adjustments.

Vlad Tenev, the Chair and CEO of Robinhood, discusses the exciting potential of prediction markets, suggesting we might be on the verge of a supercycle. He dives into the recent LedgerX acquisition, highlighting its importance for institutional growth. The conversation touches on risks like insider trading and addiction in trading prediction markets. Tenev also clarifies how these markets differ from gambling, and outlines innovative uses for AI through their Cortex system, aimed at enhancing trading strategies. He even mentions readiness to assist with government initiatives like 'Trump accounts'.

Julia Pollack, Chief Economist at the U.S. Department of Labor, provides keen insights into the current job market. She clarifies the recent rise in unemployment isn't alarming, attributing it to temporary federal changes. Pollack discusses trends in youth unemployment and links Fed policy to job growth. With a forecast of stronger economic growth by 2026, she highlights AI's role in increasing demand for skilled workers and emphasizes the need for modernized labor data to track these changes effectively.

Fred Thiel, Chairman and CEO of MARA, a leading bitcoin-mining company, discusses the current state of Bitcoin, which is experiencing its fourth annual decline. He believes this decline is a 'healthy retracement' and anticipates a strong comeback next year. Thiel links Bitcoin's movement to global liquidity and Fed policies while explaining why stocks and Bitcoin are diverging. He highlights traditional finance's growing acceptance of crypto and shares how MARA's unique vertical integration sets it apart in the mining industry.

Ken Griffin, Founder and CEO of Citadel, dives into pressing economic and political issues. He explains how GOP policies on tariffs and immigration are contributing to inflation, despite aims for deregulation. Discussing the vital need for entrepreneurship in Europe, Griffin also emphasizes the importance of the Fed's independence and the right leadership to manage inflation. He shares insights on AI's measured productivity gains, warns of overhype in tech investments, and advises students to embrace problem-solving and STEM skills in a rapidly evolving job market.

Joanna Geraghty, CEO of JetBlue, shares insights on the airline's JetForward strategy, focusing on premium offerings and a new lounge at JFK. She discusses optimistic booking trends for the holiday season and aims for an operating margin break-even by 2026. Geraghty highlights the challenge of attracting premium customers while retaining coach flyers, and notes the importance of loyalty strategies for leisure travelers. She also addresses the impact of a potential government shutdown on travel and emphasizes safety protocols in response to recent pilot incidents.