The Rundown

Kyla Scanlon, Author of "In This Economy?” joins The Rundown to unpack why markets and the global economy increasingly feel like a reality TV show. We break down the end of the “Great Moderation,” the bond market’s new role as a check on political power, and why uncertainty may be the defining economic force of the next decade. Kyla and Zaid dive into Japan’s fragile bond market, the unraveling of the yen carry trade, and how global capital flows could push borrowing costs higher in the U.S. Finally, Kyla explains how China is gaining soft power through energy and AI, and whether there’s still reason to be optimistic about America’s economic future.

Rocket Lab is often labeled the “other SpaceX” — but that misses what actually makes the company interesting. In this weekend deep dive, we break down what Rocket Lab really does, from its Electron rocket to its fast-growing satellite manufacturing business. We dig into CEO Peter Beck’s origin story, the company’s vertically integrated model, and why its upcoming Neutron rocket could be a game-changer. Plus, the bull and bear case on Rocket Lab’s stock as space spending, defense contracts, and competition with SpaceX heat up.

Market update for January 23, 2026Follow us on Instagram (@TheRundownDaily) for bonus content and instant reactions.In today’s episode:Global investors quietly diversify away from U.S. assets, fueling gains in gold and emerging marketsIntel shares slide after the chipmaker admits it can’t keep up with surging AI data-center demandTikTok finalizes a deal to stay in the U.S., reshaping ownership but keeping its algorithm in placeNatural gas prices surge as a major winter storm threatens nearly half the countryCapital One stock falls after announcing a $5.15B acquisition of fintech BrexCollege football and the NFL deliver massive ratings, proving live sports still dominate TV

Market update for January 22, 2026Follow us on Instagram (@TheRundownDaily) for bonus content and instant reactions.In today’s episode:Stocks rally after tensions around Greenland ease and investors breathe a sigh of reliefApple works on an AI-powered wearable pin and plans a major Siri overhaulWaymo launches its robotaxi service in Miami as expansion acceleratesModerna surges on promising cancer vaccineUbisoft sinks after canceling multiple game projects and shutting studiosSpotify rolls out AI-powered prompted playlists for premium users

Market update for January 21, 2026Follow us on Instagram (@TheRundownDaily) for bonus content and instant reactions.In today’s episode:Stocks slide after Trump’s Greenland tariffs rattles markets and sends investors into safe havensNetflix shares fall after earnings as the company signals slower growth and ramps up spending ahead of its Warner dealUnited Airlines posts strong earnings and says it could deliver record profits in 2026 as travel demand stays hotGameStop jumps after CEO Ryan Cohen buys more stockKraft Heinz drops on a potential Berkshire exitFun fact: K-Pop Demon Hunters became Netflix’s most-watched title ever

Market update for Tuesday, January 20, 2026.Follow us on Instagram (@TheRundownDaily) for bonus content and instant reactions.Federal Reserve Deep Dive: watch hereInterview with Bloomberg’s Ashley Carmen: watch hereIn today’s episode:Stocks slide as Trump’s Greenland tariff threat rattles global marketsSmall caps hit record highs while Big Tech continues to lagTesla emerges as an early winner as Canada reopens its market to Chinese-made EVsNetflix goes all-cash in its bidding war for Warner BrosWinners and losers from today’s market, including RAPT Therapeutics and 3MThe NYSE is exploring 24/7 trading for digital stocks

Ashley Carman, Reporter at Bloomberg, joins The Rundown to break down whether Spotify is entering a more fragile phase under its new co-CEOs. We dig into mounting competitive pressure from YouTube and Netflix, the state of podcast monetization, and whether Spotify still has real pricing power. Carman also explains how AI is quietly reshaping the creator economy—and what it all means for the future of the platform.

The Federal Reserve is one of the most powerful institutions in America, yet most people don’t fully understand how it works or why it matters.In this weekend deep dive, Zaid breaks down why the Fed was created, how it evolved into the backbone of the U.S. financial system, and the critical role it has played during the Great Depression, World War II, the 2008 financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic.The episode also dives into the escalating clash between President Trump and Fed Chair Jerome Powell, why Trump wants lower interest rates, and why the Fed’s independence is now facing one of its biggest tests in decades.From bank runs and inflation to political pressure and market credibility, this episode explains why the future of the Fed could shape the future of the economy.If you enjoyed this episode, check out my interview with finance journalist and author of the bestseller book 1929, Andrew Ross Sorkin. Watch here.

Market update for January 16, 2026Follow us on Instagram (@TheRundownDaily) for bonus content and instant reactions.In Today’s Episode:Zaid quoted in the WSJ: “he just has aura”Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk hit with antitrust lawsuitNetflix expands its Sony Pictures deal and pushes further into video podcastsEnergy stocks slide after the White House unveils a plan to stop power bills from going upFun fact of the day: Wall Street banks posted a record $134 billion in trading revenue (while still cutting thousands of jobs)

Market update for January 15, 2026Follow us on Instagram (@TheRundownDaily) for bonus content and instant reactions.In today’s episode:Investors drop tech and rotate to small capsTSMC delivers blowout quarter and signals even more AI-driven spending in 2026Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley post strong earnings as trading and deal activity surgeOil prices slide as geopolitical tensions around Iran ease, pulling energy stocks lowerTesla moves Full Self-Driving to a subscription-only model as it leans harder into software revenue

Market update for January 14, 2026Follow us on Instagram (@TheRundownDaily) for bonus content and instant reactions.In today’s episode:Gold and Silver rally shows no signs of slowing downBitcoin breaks out of range Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Citigroup earnings recapNetflix considers an all-cash bid for WBD as Paramount tries to crash the dealBoeing outsells Airbus for the first time since 2018

Market update for January 13, 2026Follow us on Instagram (@TheRundownDaily) for bonus content and instant reactions.In today’s episode:• Google crosses $4 trillion after Apple taps Gemini to power Siri• CPI comes in as expected, with inflation holding steady at 2.7%• What the latest inflation data means for the Fed and rate cuts• JPMorgan kicks off earnings season with a big trading-driven beat• Nvidia and Eli Lilly announce a $1B partnership to use AI in drug discovery• Market movers: Intel and AMD rally, Delta slides after earnings

Market update for January 12, 2026Follow us on Instagram (⁠@TheRundownDaily⁠) for bonus content and instant reactions.DOJ opens criminal investigation against Federal ReserveWalmart agrees to AI shopping deal with GoogleTrump proposes 10% interest rate cap on credit cardsAllegiant acquires Sun County Airlines for $1.5BAbercrombie cuts Q4 outlook after holiday season

Andrew Ross Sorkin joins The Rundown to break down the lessons of his new book 1929, and what the most devastating market crash over the last century tells us about the current AI economy. We talk power shifts between Wall Street, Washington, and billionaires — from the 1920s to today — and why there is no amount of 'F You Money' that can over-power President Trump's influence. Sorkin explains why Fed independence matters, how political pressure warped decisions in 1929, and what today’s bond market may be quietly signaling. Plus, a sharp debate on speculation, prediction markets, AI hype, and why the Dow remains relevant.

The EV hype cycle is over, tax credits are gone, and demand is cooling fast, yet Lucid Motors is doubling down. In this deep dive, we break down Lucid’s turbulent journey from battery startup to luxury EV maker, why production is rising even as losses mount, and how long its Saudi-backed runway really lasts. We examine the bull case around SUVs, battery tech, and a surprise robotaxi partnership with Uber — and the bear case facing an industry stuck in an EV winter. By the end, you’ll understand why 2026 may be the make-or-break year for one of the most ambitious EV companies on the road.