Bloomberg Talks

Nicholas Burns, former U.S. Ambassador to China and current Harvard professor, shares his insights on the escalating U.S.-China trade war, now resembling a trade embargo. He emphasizes the urgency for both nations to negotiate within 90 days to prevent lasting economic decoupling. Burns discusses the broader implications of tariffs, the need for collaboration on the fentanyl crisis, and the complexities of diplomacy in a polarized political climate, stressing the importance of sustained dialogue and reform in U.S. public service.

Ken Griffin, the founder and CEO of Citadel, shares his insights on financial market dynamics and the recent trade tensions between the U.S. and China. He reflects on the volatility faced by investors, noting that sometimes it's wiser to remain in cash rather than engage in active trading. The conversation also delves into U.S. tax policy's impact on economic growth and the balancing act of fostering innovation while managing national deficits. Griffin emphasizes the complex relationship between inflation, job creation, and manufacturing challenges in today's economy.

Rachel Reeves, the UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer, discusses her potential plan to mandate pension funds to invest in UK assets, aiming to boost the domestic economy. She emphasizes voluntary collaborations where major funds commit a portion to local investments, enhancing opportunities in infrastructure and private markets. Reeves also addresses the importance of creating favorable conditions for UK startups amid challenges from tax changes and emphasizes the pivotal role of skilled immigration in economic growth.

Anthony Scaramucci, Founder and Managing Partner at Skybridge Capital, shares his insights on the surging popularity of Bitcoin ETFs. He unpacks the unique features of new cryptocurrency ETFs designed for those hesitant to invest directly in Bitcoin. Scaramucci discusses strategic investment choices through major companies like MicroStrategy and Coinbase, likening Bitcoin to gold and assessing its emerging role as an asset class. He also touches on the evolving crypto legislation landscape and its importance for the U.S. financial system.

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.