Bloomberg Talks

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick shares his insights on Trump's tariffs and their implications for the global economy. He critiques globalization's impact on American workers and champions reshoring efforts. Lutnick discusses the relationship with European allies and downplays tensions sparked by the Greenland dispute. He connects tariffs to national security, emphasizing their importance for U.S. shipping lanes. Additionally, he highlights the potential of U.S.-style digital rules to attract European investment, revealing the complexities of trade negotiations with China.

Javier Milei, the President of Argentina and a fierce advocate of free-market policies, shares his insights on global trade and economic governance. He details his multi-phase plan for Venezuela, emphasizing political stability. Milei highlights Argentina's currency strategy and the importance of creating favorable conditions for a free float of the peso. He expresses optimism about trade relations with powers like the US and China, and urges for pragmatic diplomacy in the region. His vision aims to revolutionize Argentina's economy and promote freedom across Latin America.

Peter Kyle, the UK's Secretary of State for Business and Trade, dives into the current trade landscape. He firmly rules out rejoining the customs union with the EU, focusing instead on short-term growth. Kyle discusses diplomatic maneuvers that eased U.S. tariff threats and highlights the potential in UK-US trade, including beef and pharmaceutical deals. He also defends London's reputation against critics, emphasizing its safety and investment appeal while maintaining strong ties with the U.S. for future economic collaboration.

Rick Wurster, President and CEO of the Charles Schwab Corporation, shares insights on record client growth and the firm’s innovative direction. He discusses the rise of event-based prediction markets and emphasizes the importance of distinguishing them from gambling. Wurster highlights the impact of their Forge acquisition aimed at democratizing access to private markets. He expresses optimism about the economic outlook for 2026 and explains how client convenience drives Schwab's diverse service offerings.

Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines and a strategist focused on brand loyalty, shares insights into the airline's robust forecast for 2026. He discusses how United has successfully created customer loyalty, emphasizing passengers' willingness to pay for premium experiences amid airfare deflation. Kirby predicts a shift in the low-end market, praises the partnership with JetBlue for cultural alignment, and highlights how geopolitical tensions have shaped United's planning, enhancing their resilience in a fluctuating market.

Ted Pick, the CEO and Chairman of Morgan Stanley, dives into the current dealmaking landscape from the World Economic Forum in Davos. He discusses a resurgence in M&A activity and how AI is spurring larger deals. Ted explains the importance of nurturing long-term banking relationships for upcoming tech IPOs like SpaceX. He also shares insights on the balance between strong corporate fundamentals and geopolitical risks, all while addressing the evolving economic dynamics shaping the future market.

Steve Witkoff, U.S. Special Envoy for peace negotiations, discusses the critical geopolitical focus on Greenland, emphasizing its defense challenges. He shares insights from high-level negotiations on Ukraine, revealing progress and the urgency for a peace deal amid attacks. Witkoff touches on rebuilding Ukraine's economy and the potential for significant corporate investment. He also highlights his diplomatic outreach to Iran, addressing human rights concerns and the importance of maintaining communication channels for peace.

Marc Benioff, Chair and CEO of Salesforce, is a prominent voice on AI policy and corporate responsibility. He discusses the urgent need for AI regulation, especially after alarming cases of AI-linked suicides. Highlighting Salesforce's AI partnerships with major companies, he stresses quick deployment and accountability in tech. Benioff advocates for reshaping Section 230 to enhance safety on social platforms. He raises concerns about AI acting as 'suicide coaches', emphasizing the necessity for immediate regulatory action to protect vulnerable users.

Sergio Ermotti, Chief Executive Officer of UBS Group AG, is known for his pivotal role in steering the bank through major challenges, including the stabilization of Credit Suisse. In a discussion at the World Economic Forum, he highlights the mounting market volatility and warns against diversifying too far from U.S. investments. Ermotti also outlines UBS's growth strategy, emphasizing organic expansion and opportunities in U.S. wealth management and Asia. He touches on integration progress and his thoughts on succession planning, reflecting on UBS’s stronger future.

Brian Armstrong, Co-founder and CEO of Coinbase, dives into the future of digital assets, discussing how cryptocurrency regulation will transform investing access worldwide. He shares insights on meetings with world leaders at Davos, strategic withdrawals from draft bills, and the impact of stablecoins. Armstrong envisions tokenizing assets to democratize investments for millions globally and emphasizes the role of AI in enhancing Coinbase's services. With bold predictions for Bitcoin's future, he highlights his plans to bridge traditional finance and crypto.