Behind the Money

In this engaging discussion, Parmy Olson, a tech journalist and author of 'Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT, and the Race That Will Change the World,' dives into the complexities of AI's influence on society. She explores the concentration of power in tech and the need for regulatory oversight. Olson highlights the balancing act of fostering innovation while ensuring safety through new regulations. Additionally, she examines AI's transformative potential in journalism and education, emphasizing the ethical considerations that must accompany its advancement.

Amid global political turmoil, the hosts delve into the fallout from the assassination of a healthcare CEO, revealing frustrations with the U.S. healthcare system. They discuss the precarious state of democracies in South Korea and France, exploring the rise of authoritarianism. The conversation takes a lighter turn with concerns over overly bright headlights, and amusing anecdotes about driving mishaps spark a discussion on the cultural significance of the McRib, linking it to economic trends and consumer behavior.

Jamie Smyth, the US energy editor at the Financial Times, dives into the intersection of AI and nuclear power. Tech giants like Microsoft are eyeing Three Mile Island to fuel their energy needs amid a nuclear revival. Smyth explains the hurdles of restarting the reactor, from regulatory challenges to equipment procurement. He shares insights on local community sentiments affected by past traumas connected to the disaster. The discussion also highlights the delicate balance between economic benefits and safety concerns in the push for clean energy.

In this insightful discussion, Brooke Masters, the U.S. financial editor at the Financial Times, and Ortenca Aliaj, banking editor at FT, explore the implications of Donald Trump's potential second term on the banking sector. They analyze regulatory shifts, market reactions, and strategic adaptations of banks in the face of changing policies. The conversation touches on the unpredictability of Trump's governance, the future of Environmental, Social, and Governance standards, and emerging trends like the rise of private credit in finance.

Richard Milne, the Nordic and Baltic bureau chief for the Financial Times, shares his insights on the rise and fall of Northvolt, once Europe's battery hope. He discusses the company's meteoric ascent fueled by investment and innovation, followed by its shocking bankruptcy. Topics include management missteps, funding challenges amid the electric vehicle downturn, and what Northvolt's struggles mean for Europe's battery industry. Milne emphasizes the need for local manufacturing as Asian dominance looms, raising questions about the future of the green transition.

In this engaging discussion, Eric Platt, Senior corporate finance correspondent for the Financial Times, delves into the future of Berkshire Hathaway post-Warren Buffett. He highlights the emotional atmosphere at the annual shareholder meeting following Charlie Munger's passing and explores Greg Abel's emerging leadership role. Platt examines the challenges Abel faces, balancing innovation with Buffett's legacy, and how the company’s strategic transition could redefine its path. Insights into Buffett’s humble lifestyle versus Berkshire’s immense success add to the compelling narrative.

Joe Leahy, the China bureau chief for the Financial Times, sheds light on the current struggles of the Chinese economy, marked by a potential deflationary spiral. He delves into the impacts of Donald Trump's election on China's growth ambitions, as well as the government's response through new stimulus measures. The discussion also covers the pivotal role of local governments in economic revival and the challenges posed by diminished consumer confidence amidst a real estate crisis. Leahy emphasizes China's need to balance global competition with domestic priorities.

Brooke Masters, U.S. financial editor for the Financial Times, and Stephen Morris, San Francisco Bureau Chief for the same publication, dive into the potential winners and losers in corporate America under a second Trump administration. They explore how Wall Street might adapt with new regulations impacting private equity and traditional banks. The discussion includes Silicon Valley's rising political clout, particularly Elon Musk's influence. Varying energy policy shifts between Biden and Trump are analyzed, predicting significant investment dynamics for oil, gas, and renewables.

Antoine Gara, a correspondent for the Financial Times, and Pete Stavros, co-head of global private equity at KKR, dive into the transformative world of private equity and worker ownership. They discuss how private equity firms are shifting from their ruthless image to a more inclusive approach, offering employees equity to bolster motivation and company performance. The duo emphasizes the financial benefits of this strategy and how it effectively combats workforce disengagement, marking a significant evolution in the industry.

Oliver Roeder, a U.S. senior data journalist at the Financial Times, and Sam Learner, a graphics journalist known for data visualization, dive into the booming world of political betting. They discuss how millions are being wagered on the presidential race between Trump and Harris. The duo explains the workings of prediction markets and their ability to reflect public sentiment. They also address the limitations and nuances of these markets, shedding light on the evolving relationship between betting and democracy as the election draws near.