Quantum computing is poised to outshine artificial intelligence, promising breakthroughs in drug development and financial modeling. With billions being invested by top tech firms and governments, this technology could transform industries. Explore how quantum computers excel beyond classical ones, tackling complex challenges in banking and cybersecurity. Join the discussion on the major players in the field, from IBM to innovative startups, as they navigate the future of this groundbreaking technology.

Bailey Lipschultz, a Bloomberg journalist with a keen focus on public market transitions, joins the discussion on the trend of companies like SpaceX and OpenAI opting to stay private. The conversation reveals why high-valuation firms are shunning IPOs, emphasizing their desire to avoid public scrutiny and focus on long-term growth. Lipschultz highlights how the shifting landscape favors private fundraising and examines the broader implications for market accountability and transparency in this evolving financial era.

Golnar Motevalli, Bloomberg's Head of Iran coverage, offers a compelling analysis of Iran's diminishing regional influence. She discusses the fallout from the loss of Syria as a key ally and how the weakening of proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah complicates Tehran's position. Motevalli delves into the geopolitical shifts affecting Iranian foreign policy, the internal challenges Iran faces, and the impact of external pressures, particularly from Israel and the U.S. A fascinating exploration of how these dynamics redefine Iran's standing in the Middle East.

France is in the grip of a deep political crisis after President Macron's government collapsed following a no-confidence vote. The discussion highlights the implications for the far-right's rise, particularly concerning Marine Le Pen. Unpopular budget measures, like postponed pension increases, add to the turmoil. Amidst public concerns about the cost of living and declining trust in leadership, the challenges for politicians in rallying support are daunting. Future political alliances and potential candidates for upcoming elections are also examined.

Daniel Moss, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist known for his insights on economic trends, joins host Stephen Carroll to delve into inflation expectations for 2025. They discuss the cautious steps central banks are taking as inflation levels near target rates, and how trade tariffs and a strong dollar may complicate future forecasts. Moss also examines whether recent declines in inflation are merely temporary or signal a new period of sustained inflation, shedding light on the evolving monetary policy landscape.

Sam Fazeli, Director of Research at Bloomberg Intelligence with a PhD in pharmacology, tackles the concerning rise in vaccine hesitancy, particularly for childhood immunizations. He discusses the alarming implications of appointing a vaccine-skeptic to a key health position, highlighting the historical context and recent measles outbreaks. Fazeli emphasizes the need for transparency in vaccine approval processes to build public trust and explores how health policies can either enhance or undermine vaccine uptake amid political pressures.

Bitcoin's value has soared since the recent presidential election, sparking discussions about the potential for friendlier regulations under the new administration. Experts weigh in on how Trump's ambitious proposals could unleash investor excitement and impact the crypto market. The podcast explores the competitive nature of global Bitcoin mining and emphasizes the growing interest from institutional investors. As Bitcoin shifts in perception, it emerges as a potential hedge against inflation, contrasting sharply with traditional assets like gold.

Brendan Murray, Bloomberg's trade expert, discusses the dramatic implications of Donald Trump's proposed tariffs, including a 20% levy on all imports and 60% on Chinese products. He delves into how these changes could reshape global trade dynamics and impact consumer prices in the U.S. Murray highlights potential economic fallout, such as decreased imports and inflation, and considers the effects on diplomatic ties with the EU. Listeners will gain insights into who might be most affected and the ripple effects of these ambitious trade policies.

Megan Crane, Bloomberg's Washington DC editor, delves into the complexities of US election results. She explains the delay factors, including mail-in ballots and varying state rules. Historical election outcomes highlight unpredictability. Crane also tackles ballot curing and tracking processes, particularly in Pennsylvania, revealing how recent changes may affect counting times. The discussion emphasizes the resilience of the U.S. election system amid political tensions and the evolving landscape of voting methods.

The popularity of nuclear power has seen major swings since the first reactor went into commercial operation some 70 years ago. As countries look for ways of securing their future energy supplies, interest in nuclear has been revived. Could power-hungry artificial intelligence be another catalyst? Our reporter Jonathan Tirone joins host Stephen Carroll to explain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.