Bloomberg Daybreak: US Edition

Eric Balchunas, an ETF analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, discusses the latest regulatory changes affecting the ETF market, including the rise of crypto ETFs. Stephen Schork, president of the Schork Group, shares insights on the oil market's stability amidst political shifts and geopolitical tensions. Arun Sundaram, SVP for Equity Research at CFRA, analyzes Walmart's strategic outlook, focusing on its strong holiday performance and challenges from inflation and competition with Amazon. Expect an engaging overview of the intersecting worlds of finance, energy, and retail!

Oliver Crook, Bloomberg's Germany correspondent, shares insights on the dynamic landscape as Germany approaches its elections. He discusses the rise of the far-right AFD party and how this shift could affect coalition negotiations and economic policies. The conversation also delves into key issues such as migration and defense spending. Meanwhile, housing data trends and challenges surface in the US, alongside Rivian's strategic moves in the EV market, making for a thought-provoking analysis of current global economic conditions.

Former President Donald Trump outlines his bold plan for reciprocal tariffs aimed at rebalancing trade with various nations. He delves into potential discussions with global leaders, including India's Prime Minister Modi, about existing trade imbalances. The conversation shifts to significant staffing cuts within federal agencies and the return of TikTok on Apple and Google amidst evolving legal dynamics. Trump's assertive strategies for a potential political comeback also surface, reflecting his ongoing influence in the current landscape.

President Trump engages in talks with Vladimir Putin, aiming to reshape U.S. policies on the Ukraine conflict, causing unease among European allies. Meanwhile, a new voluntary resignation program for federal workers sees only a fraction of anticipated sign-ups, sparking discussions on federal employment dynamics. In a significant move, Tulsi Gabbard is confirmed as the Director of National Intelligence, promising to foster a culture of scrutiny and challenge within the agency, leveraging her military experience.

President Trump directs federal job cuts, working alongside Elon Musk's efficiency efforts, raising eyebrows about the future of public service. Trump also welcomes the release of an American from Russia, hinting at potential peace talks regarding Ukraine. Economists anticipate a steady rise in core inflation, influencing the Federal Reserve's cautious monetary approach. As political strategies unfold around downsizing, the complexities of government efficiency and corporate restructuring become key focal points in this dynamic landscape.

President Trump has imposed a sweeping 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, igniting tensions with allies like Canada and Mexico. The European Union is poised to retaliate with countermeasures. Meanwhile, Sam Altman of OpenAI declines Elon Musk's lucrative bid for the company, intensifying their rivalry. The podcast also touches on various current events, from a tragic jet crash to the excitement of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, highlighting the interplay of politics and the global market.

The Philadelphia Eagles clinched their second Super Bowl title with a stunning 40-22 victory over the Chiefs, showcasing a powerhouse defense and a stellar performance from Jalen Hurts. Meanwhile, President Trump announced a bold plan to impose 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, raising questions about its impact on U.S. industries and trade relations. Additionally, BP shares surged after activist investor Elliott took a significant stake, signaling potential changes for the company as it seeks to overcome years of underperformance.

Parmy Olson, a technology opinion columnist at Bloomberg, dives into the Paris AI Action Summit, discussing the fierce global competition in artificial intelligence. Karishma Vaswani, another Bloomberg Opinion columnist, analyzes the ramifications of Donald Trump's escalating trade war with China, shedding light on the potential economic fallout from tariff policies. Both guests highlight the challenges and opportunities posed by these crucial global issues, underscoring the interplay between innovation, regulation, and international relations.

Scott Besson, the former Treasury Secretary under Trump, shares his insights on the recent federal court ruling that halted a controversial buyout plan for federal workers. He discusses the implications of this decision for government efficiency and employee morale. The conversation also delves into Amazon's struggle to meet soaring AI demand, warning of capacity constraints in its cloud services. Besson connects these economic challenges to broader issues like tax priorities and the importance of a stable dollar policy amid ongoing reforms.

GOP Senators are clashing over Trump's budget strategy, revealing major rifts within the party. Meanwhile, a looming buyout deadline leaves 40,000 federal workers on edge. Economic whispers suggest Trump is pushing for lower 10-year yields instead of Fed cuts. As Ford warns of profit declines and tech giants grapple with hiring shifts, the financial landscape continues to evolve. Not to be overlooked, tensions in Gaza and impacts on U.S.-South Africa relations add to the complex picture.