Scott and Ed open the show by discussing Tesla’s Robotaxi event, JPMorgan’s earnings, and the bull market’s second birthday. Then Alice Han, China economist and director at Greenmantle, joins the show to break down the latest fiscal policies coming out of China. She also shares how she thinks about investing in Chinese markets, discusses the likelihood that China will invade Taiwan, and explains why China’s trade surplus is causing problems for the country.
Podcast Type: Markets
Hindenburg Shorts Roblox + Germany’s Shrinking Economy
Scott and Ed open the show by discussing the ongoing machinist strike at Boeing, Amazon’s new AI tool for delivery drivers, the DOJ’s suggested remedies for the Google antitrust case, and a potential delay in Cerebras Systems’ IPO. Then they break down Hindenburg’s accusations against Roblox and discuss why its business model is so problematic. Finally, they break down Germany’s economic issues and why the country’s lack of spending might be the root cause of its problems. For our take on the Tesla robotaxi event and the stock’s resulting drawdown, tune in on Thursday.
What’s the Biggest Threat to the U.S. Economy’s Soft-Landing? — ft. Mark Zandi
Scott and Ed open the show by discussing Starboard Value’s activist stake in Pfizer, the end of the Longshoremen’s strike, and Ben Horowitz’s decision to donate to Kamala Harris’s campaign. Then Mark Zandi, Chief Economist of Moody’s Analytics, joins the show to discuss the recent jobs data and why he’s confident that the Fed has stuck the landing. He also shares which Presidential candidate he thinks would be better for the economy. Finally, he breaks down where he thinks the housing market is headed and offers a solution to the housing affordability crisis.
An Nvidia Challenger Files For An IPO + Can A New CEO Turn Nike Around?
Scott and Ed open the show by discussing Tesla’s quarterly deliveries, a potential CVS breakup, and a venture capital firm’s decision to return money to investors. Then Scott explains the biggest red flag he sees in chipmaker Cerebras Systems as it prepares to go public, but breaks down why he would still invest in the company. Scott and Ed debate about sovereign wealth funds in the Gulf and whether or not the funds make smart investments. Finally, they examine Nike’s earnings and break down why Nike’s dependence on its brand might have led to its downfall.
Unlocking Innovation Through Antitrust Enforcement — ft. Lina Khan
Scott and Ed open the show by discussing China’s stock market surge, Softbank’s investment in OpenAI, and why Gavin Newsom vetoed an AI safety bill. Then Lina Khan, Chair of the Federal Trade Commission, joins the show to discuss the need for regulation in big tech and the connection between inflation and the concentration of industries. She also breaks down how the FTC analyzes mergers and acquisitions, and explains how the FTC measures consumer harm.
OpenAI’s Exodus, the Rise of Palantir, and the Longshoremen’s Strike
Scott and Ed open the show by discussing the DOJ’s antitrust lawsuit against Visa, Meta’s new AR glasses and the recent executive resignations at OpenAI. Then Scott explains why Palantir is one of the most overvalued companies in tech, and why he thinks the brand has resonated with retail consumers. He also advises current Palantir employees on what he thinks they should do with their stock options. Finally, Scott and Ed break down the Longshoremen’s demands and discuss the impact a potential strike could have on the economy.
Is Jerome Powell Lucky or Good? — ft. Robert Armstrong
Scott and Ed open the show by discussing Qualcomm’s potential acquisition of Intel, Nike’s new CEO, and Microsoft’s deal with Constellation to re-open Three Mile Island. Then Robert Armstrong, US financial commentator for the Financial Times, joins the show to discuss the Fed’s interest rate decision. He explains why he wasn’t surprised about the Fed’s 50 basis point cut and why he thinks the Fed’s optimistic view on inflation is justified. Finally, he breaks down Intel’s fall from grace and gives his perspective on Trump and Harris’ economic plans.
Is AI the Hollywood Killer? + Amazon’s New Return to Work Policy
Scott and Ed open the show by discussing the Federal Reserve’s rate cut decision, SpaceX’s deal with United, Blackrock and Microsoft’s AI infrastructure fund, and Instagram’s new teen accounts. Then Scott and Ed share their reactions to Lionsgate’s partnership with an AI company. Scott also offers advice to anyone in Hollywood whose job could be threatened by AI. Finally, they discuss the benefits of Amazon’s new return to work policy but explain why flexibility for certain employees is very necessary.
Why Young People Are Worse Off Than Their Parents — and What to Do About it (from TED Talks Daily)
In this special conversation, Scott and head of TED Chris Anderson dive deeper into Scott’s explosive recent TED Talk, which has been seen by millions and ignited conversations about what he calls “the great intergenerational theft,” or how older generations are stealing prosperity from the young. With razor-sharp insights on the skyrocketing cost of housing, the mental health crisis created by social media, reckless government spending and more, Scott explores bold solutions to the most pressing issues facing young people — and delivers a few spectacular rants along the way. If you’ve already seen Scott’s TED Talk, skip ahead to 20:25. This is an episode from TED Talks Daily, a daily podcast to spark your curiosity, from TED. Find more TED Talks Daily wherever you get your podcasts.
Takeaways from the Second Debate + Does the US Need a Sovereign Wealth Fund?
Scott and Ed open the show by discussing recent inflation data, Oracle’s earnings, Wall Street’s decision to curb working hours for young bankers, and Open AI’s newest model. Then Scott shares his reactions to the President debate and breaks down business learnings from Kamala Harris’ performance. Ed predicts which stocks he thinks will benefit most from the Presidential race. Finally, Scott and Ed discuss a proposed sovereign wealth fund and explain why it seems unnecessary for the U.S. to have one.