Bloomberg Businessweek

Guests include Peter Tchir, a macro strategist with military insights; Lydia Beyoud, a financial regulation reporter; David Royal, an investment expert; and Christina Lee, a private debt strategist. Tchir analyzes the geopolitical fallout from U.S. military action in Venezuela and its impact on China. Beyoud discusses the surge in prediction markets and regulatory challenges. Royal shares insights on investor flows and the 2026 outlook. Lee highlights M&A opportunities and dynamics in the private credit market.

Francisco Monaldi, Director of the Latin American Energy Program at Rice University, delves into the complexities of reviving Venezuela’s oil industry, a plan that could cost over $100 billion. He highlights the daunting challenges, from years of neglect to the need for an investment of about $10 billion annually. Monaldi discusses the implications for U.S. energy security, the role of China and Russia, and the necessary conditions for companies to invest. He emphasizes that success hinges on Venezuela's political transition and its potential effect on global oil markets.

Joining the show are Rockford Weitz, a professor of naval strategy and maritime security, and Mike Collins, a fixed-income market expert. They delve into the U.S. military operations in Venezuela, likening it to past interventions and discussing geopolitical motivations. Jimena Zuniga highlights Venezuela's dire economic situation and potential political futures, while Sam Stovall analyzes how oil price fluctuations impact markets and GDP growth. Discussions reveal the intricate balance between military actions and economic realities in this politically charged landscape.

Kevin Crowley, Bloomberg's senior U.S. oil reporter, delves into the intricacies of the oil market as 2026 kicks off. He discusses the staggering 3.8 million b/d oversupply driven by non-OPEC growth, alongside the cautious stance of OPEC+ amidst geopolitical tensions. Tim Moore joins to share insights on clean energy prospects, including key players like Bloom Energy and Sunrun. They explore whether $60 is a sustainable price for U.S. shale drilling and highlight the surprising energy independence of the U.S. due to record production.

Brad Schneider, a U.S. Representative from Illinois and chair of the New Democrat Coalition, discusses the congressional perspective on the legality of U.S. military actions in Venezuela. Justin Logan, director at the Cato Institute, critiques the administration’s rationale for its intervention. They explore the implications of U.S. governance in Venezuela, concerns over regional stability, and potential political motives tied to oil interests. Both guests raise essential questions about the justification behind the U.S. role in the ongoing crisis.

David Schassler, Head of Multi-Asset Solutions at VanEck Funds, dives deep into investment strategies, highlighting the implications of AI adoption and infrastructure development. He discusses the transition to phase two of AI, where profit paths may become more challenging. Schassler emphasizes the importance of real assets and infrastructure investments, as well as a necessary gold allocation for stability. With a bold forecast, he predicts gold could hit $5,000 in the coming years amid economic shifts.

Kathy Wild, former president and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, discusses her role in shaping economic policies under Mayor-elect Mamdani. Max Abelson dives into the fascinating world of Trump meme coins, revealing the mechanics and regulatory gray areas surrounding them. Robert Hansen, CEO of Duckhorn Portfolio, shares insights on adapting wine strategies for younger consumers, while Mark Erwin, CEO of Lofted Spirits, connects military leadership to scaling distilling operations and expanding brand presence in international markets.

Greg Pendy, Director of Equity Research at Clear Street, dives into the competitive world of space technology. He discusses the recent success of AST SpaceMobile's satellite launch and how it's gearing up against SpaceX. The conversation highlights key players like Planet Labs and Intuitive Machines, along with trends for 2026. Pendy sheds light on the reliance on satellite launch providers and the evolving U.S. space strategy. He even gives Intuitive Machines a nod as a standout for the future, showcasing its potential in the moon market.

Mike Green, Chief Strategist at Simplify Asset Management, discusses the rise of alternative ETFs and income-focused derivatives while offering insights on market positioning for 2026. Laura Champagne, Director of Research at Tabor Asset Management, tackles retail trends, emphasizing apparel and the impact of GLP-1 drugs on consumer behavior. Ross Gerber, Co-founder of Gerber Kawasaki, dives into the media landscape's shifting dynamics, critiquing Warner Bros.' strategies and predicting the future decline of traditional cable in favor of streaming.

Bill Barhydt, Founder and CEO of Abra, discusses the intriguing shifts in the Bitcoin market and what they could mean for 2026. He analyzes the remnants of a major selloff and likens today’s market dynamics to those of 2020. Barhydt highlights how regulatory clarity and potential rate cuts might invigorate the crypto space. He also emphasizes the importance of long-term holding among Abra's clients and forecasts key regulatory developments that could reshape adoption. The conversation is a deep dive into both the volatility and opportunities in the ever-evolving crypto landscape.