Bloomberg Businessweek

Featuring some of our favorite conversations of the week from our daily radio show "Bloomberg Businessweek Daily."Hosted by Carol Massar and Tim StenovecHear the show live at 2PM ET on WBBR 1130 AM New York, Bloomberg 92.9 FM Boston, WDCH 99.1 FM in Washington D.C. Metro, Sirius/XM channel 121, on the Bloomberg Business App, Radio.com, the iHeartRadio app and at Bloomberg.com/audio.You can also watch Bloomberg Businessweek on YouTube - just search for Bloomberg Global News.Like us at Bloomberg Radio on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @carolmassar @timsteno and @BWSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Watch Carol and Tim LIVE every day on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3vTiACF. The US Justice Department released files from investigations into notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the culmination of a push that has had repercussions for prominent business leaders and politicians, including President Donald Trump. The disclosure came after Congress overwhelmingly passed legislation in November compelling the department to make the files public. Trump had long resisted the move but relented and signed the bill as pressure from Republican lawmakers forced his hand. The law required the release of investigative records, flight logs, travel documents, immunity deals, internal department communications and papers related to Epstein’s 2019 death. But the measure also includes protections for survivors and allows exceptions for ongoing investigations. The Justice Department organized a team of more than 200 attorneys to work on determining which materials were responsive to the new law, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche wrote in a letter Friday to lawmakers. “This process resulted in over 1,200 names being identified as victims or their relatives,” Blanche wrote in a letter reported by Fox News. The department redacted references to their names and any materials that could result in their identification, Blanche said. However, Blanche also told lawmakers that “the volume of materials to be reviewed” meant it wasn’t possible to meet the law’s requirement to release all files by Friday. The department plans to complete the release of all files during the next two weeks, Blanche said. Today's show features: Bloomberg News Senior Investigative Reporter Jason Leopold on the DOJ's Epstein files release Bloomberg News Senior Editor, Equities Americas Eric Weiner recaps the trading week Tye Brady, Chief Technologist at Amazon Robotics, on delivery preparations for customers during the holiday season using new robotic technology Dan Ahrens Portfolio Manager of the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF, on what the Trump Administration’s push to reschedule marijuana as a less-dangerous drug means for pot stocks See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Jason Granet, Chief Investment Officer at BNY, as he provides insights on market trends and discusses the Federal Reserve's strategy moving forward. Frank Sorrentino, CEO of ConnectOne Bank, shares optimism about NYC's economy while addressing challenges like hiring shortages and affordability. Meanwhile, Michelle Korsmo, President of the National Restaurant Association, highlights the industry's struggles with rising food costs and labor shortages, advocating for immigration reform to fill crucial positions. A thought-provoking mix of finance and industry insights!

Kathy Wylde, the outgoing president and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, joins the conversation to share insights on her role in Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's transition team. She discusses the challenges of a looming $10 billion deficit and the importance of robust economic development. Kathy highlights Mamdani's evolving approach with business leaders, emphasizing data-backed discussions. She also addresses the delicate balance of housing policies, advocating for rent stability while incentivizing private-sector housing supply. Her perspective sheds light on the collaboration needed between government and the business community.

Juliette Feld Grossman, the CEO of Feld Entertainment, shares her insights into the vibrant world of live entertainment. She discusses the evolving consumer appetite for large-scale experiences and reveals the company's ambitious plans for 2026. Juliette explains their unique pricing strategies catering to diverse audiences and highlights the importance of seat-based pricing to enhance attendee experiences. Additionally, she dives into the challenges of sourcing international talent and the innovative ways Feld is expanding its iconic brands like Ringling Bros.

Allie McCartney, a Managing Director of Wealth Management at UBS, shares insights on market volatility and the impact of AI on infrastructure financing. Natalia Kniazhevich, a Bloomberg News equities reporter, highlights the strong debut of Medline's IPO and investor preferences for profitable businesses. Mike Bellin, U.S. IPO leader at PwC, discusses future trends in the IPO market, emphasizing potential growth in sectors like AI, fintech, and crypto, while stressing the importance of valuation discipline in turbulent times.

Bitcoin is facing its fourth annual decline, but the context is unique this time without scandals. Fred Thiel, CEO of a leading bitcoin mining company, believes in a market recovery driven by institutional adoption. He highlights potential support levels around $84,000 linked to ETF dynamics. The discussion also covers how Bitcoin has decoupled from stocks and the impact of easing liquidity. Thiel explains how his company’s vertical integration sets it apart in the industry, suggesting a cautious but optimistic outlook for Bitcoin's future.

In this discussion, Felix Gillette reveals the complexities of Paramount's hostile bid for Warner Bros. and the implications for streaming giants like Netflix. R.C. Whalen shares concerning insights on the banking sector, highlighting hidden risks and the dynamics of private credit markets. Julia Pollak decodes the latest labor data, addressing the impact of federal changes and the need for aligning workforce education with AI advancements. Larry Pitkowsky outlines investment strategies, emphasizing the potential of Lennar and the strength of Berkshire Hathaway amid leadership transitions.

Amanda Agati, Chief Investment Officer at PNC Asset Management Group, offers a deep dive into the 2025 PNC Christmas Price Index, revealing a 4.5% rise in holiday costs. She explores the surprising price surge of golden rings due to gold's market dynamics and links the pear tree's price hike to housing costs and supply challenges. Labor costs are also driving up expenses for festive performances. Despite rising prices, consumers remain willing to splurge, pointing to a robust holiday spending season.

Mike McKee, an economic and policy correspondent, dives into market caution as critical employment data looms. Meghan Robson from BNP Paribas reveals a bleak credit outlook, with sector-specific borrowing trends emerging. Sally Librera, of National Grid New York, discusses strategic upgrades to the energy grid to meet surging demand from data centers. Sri Natarajan highlights McKinsey's challenges amidst industry shifts and AI's impact on consulting roles, stressing their enduring market position despite hurdles.