Bloomberg Talks

Ekaterina Zaharieva, the EU Commissioner for Research, Startups and Innovation, dives into the EU's ambitious plans to enhance research funding and innovation. She discusses strategic initiatives aimed at attracting top talent from the U.S., especially amidst funding cuts there. The conversation highlights the importance of developing a vibrant ecosystem for startups and retaining researchers in fields like AI, bio-economy, and cleantech. Zaharieva also emphasizes the need to bridge the gap between academic research and industry applications, promoting collaboration to drive real-world impact.

Scott Bessent, the US Treasury Secretary, dives into the recent agreement with China, marking a 90-day pause in tariffs. He discusses the intricate landscape of U.S.-China trade negotiations, the importance of fairness, and past agreements. The conversation also addresses the trade deficit and the necessity of recalibrating tariffs and supply chains. Additionally, Bessent highlights efforts to tackle the fentanyl crisis by managing precursor drug transportation, while projecting optimism for the administration's economic agenda through trade and deregulation.

Kyriakos Pierrakakis, Greece's Finance Minister, shares insights on the EU's trade negotiations with the US and the challenges of aligning 27 member states. He emphasizes the need for a zero tariff deal to enhance free trade. The discussion highlights Greece's commitment to reducing tax evasion and digitization to combat the shadow economy, aiming for a budget surplus. Pierrakakis also addresses Greece’s defense investments amid changing geopolitical dynamics and the importance of cautious trade policies to safeguard the global economy.

The discussion dives into Lyft's ambitious market expansion and financial strategies, targeting underserved areas for growth. David Risher shares insights on profitability and the potential for mergers to pave the way for a bright future. The conversation also covers how Lyft is responding to investor dynamics, including buybacks and tech advancements. Notably, the pilot program for driverless vehicles in Atlanta is unveiled, along with trends showing Lyft's growth extending into Canada.

DraftKings CEO Jason Robbins dives into impressive quarterly earnings, highlighting a significant $170 million revenue despite challenges in Texas. He discusses the influence of March Madness and the shifting landscape of gambling, examining the balance between onsite and online options. The conversation also sheds light on the potential of integrating platforms for future growth and the complicated relationship between online gambling and traditional casinos, revealing both benefits and concerns for the industry.

Bill Ready, the CEO of Pinterest, shares insights on the company's impressive second-quarter revenue, which exceeded expectations and quelled investor fears about advertising slowdowns. He highlights Pinterest's evolution into a shopping hub for Gen Z, focusing on user-friendly purchasing experiences. Ready also discusses how AI is enhancing personalization and reshaping advertising strategies, showcasing the platform's commitment to tailored shopping journeys and innovative partnerships that improve user engagement.

John Williams, the President of the New York Fed, dives into the fundamental role of anchoring inflation expectations in central banking. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining public confidence in achieving a 2% inflation target. The conversation also addresses the current U.S. economic climate, touching on low unemployment and the impacts of trade policy uncertainties. Williams further highlights the significance of central bank independence and advocates for transparency to foster public understanding of monetary policy's role in everyday life.

Peter Navarro, Senior Counselor for Trade & Manufacturing at the White House, shares insights on imminent U.S.-China trade talks in Switzerland. He highlights the potential impact of an alarming proposed 80% tariff and discusses the complexities of U.S. trade relations with various nations. The conversation dives into specific challenges surrounding negotiation teams, trade barriers, and the significance of fairness in trade practices, linking economic considerations with national security. Navarro's perspective sheds light on the high stakes of international negotiations.

Adriana Kugler, Federal Reserve Governor, shares her insights on the monetary policy landscape, emphasizing her commitment to anchoring long-run inflation expectations. She discusses the Fed's current strategy to maintain interest rates at 4.3 percent in light of inflation and economic stability concerns. Kugler also addresses the challenges posed by tariffs on economic indicators, exploring how these factors impact GDP and consumer behavior amidst growing uncertainties. Her perspectives provide a deep dive into the balance between economic growth and inflation control.

Howard Lutnick, the US Commerce Secretary, dives deep into the world of international trade. He unpacks the recent trade deal with the UK, highlighting its benefits for U.S. exports. Lutnick also discusses the complexities of U.S. relationships with countries like China, Japan, and India, focusing on tariff negotiations. He emphasizes the strategic importance of equitable trade agreements and anticipates economic trends for the upcoming year. Key insights into how these factors influence the broader political landscape are also explored.