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.

Gina Martin Adams, Chief Equity Strategist for Bloomberg Intelligence, unpacks the complexities of forecasting company earnings. She discusses how discrepancies between reported figures and expert expectations arise each earnings season. The conversation highlights the automotive industry's unique challenges and the importance of analyst consensus. Additionally, she emphasizes a strategy of under-promising to over-deliver while analyzing the tech sector's persistent outperformance. The episode also touches on the importance of mental well-being in navigating market fluctuations.

Flavia Krause-Jackson, Bloomberg's executive editor for EMEA and Latin America, dives into Europe's critical defense shortcomings. She discusses the alarming gap in military readiness highlighted by the Ukraine conflict and rising geopolitical tensions. The conversation reveals concerns about inadequate defense spending and how this leaves Europe vulnerable. Flavia also analyzes the potential impacts of a returning Trump on NATO strategies, and the pressing need for countries like the UK and France to bolster their military capabilities amidst shifting global dynamics.

In this discussion, Stephanie Flanders, Bloomberg's Head of Economics and Government, shares her insights on the growing government debt fueled by pandemic stimulus plans. She reveals how rising interest rates complicate debt management and the public's evolving attitude towards spending and austerity. Flanders contrasts the experiences of the US and France, emphasizing how economic growth plays a crucial role in managing debt. The conversation highlights the intricate balance between fiscal responsibility and fostering recovery in a post-pandemic world.