Bloomberg Daybreak: US Edition

Deadlock in US-Iran Peace Talks; Navy Secretary Fired

16 min
Apr 23, 20264 days ago
Listen to Episode
Summary

Bloomberg Daybreak covers the deadlocked U.S.-Iran ceasefire over Strait of Hormuz control, Navy Secretary John Phelan's firing amid Pentagon leadership disputes, and a record-setting stock market rally driven by AI investments and strong earnings from Tesla and semiconductor companies.

Insights
  • The U.S.-Iran standoff is fundamentally about whose economy can withstand longer-term pressure, with oil prices rising and global supply chains at risk, particularly in Asia which depends heavily on Gulf oil
  • Pentagon leadership instability amid geopolitical tensions signals internal disagreements over defense priorities and shipbuilding strategies that could affect military readiness
  • AI-driven capital expenditure is accelerating across major tech companies, with Tesla tripling spending to $25B and semiconductor demand creating historic market momentum
  • Treasury swap line requests from Persian Gulf and Asian allies indicate growing currency and liquidity concerns tied to geopolitical uncertainty
  • Software stocks are underperforming amid AI disruption concerns, while hardware and semiconductor sectors benefit from data center infrastructure spending
Trends
Geopolitical risk premium in energy markets as maritime chokepoints remain contestedMassive capital reallocation toward AI infrastructure and robotics across automotive and tech sectorsPentagon leadership turnover accelerating amid defense strategy disagreementsDivergent market performance between AI-benefiting hardware/semiconductors and AI-disrupted software companiesInternational currency and liquidity concerns driving swap line requests from allied nationsMeasles outbreak and public health policy tensions in CongressSemiconductor sector momentum reaching historic 16-session winning streakMicrosoft and tech giants expanding Asia-Pacific AI infrastructure investmentsDefense supply chain vulnerabilities around shipbuilding prioritiesOil price volatility tied to Strait of Hormuz mine-clearing timeline uncertainty
Topics
U.S.-Iran Ceasefire and Strait of Hormuz ControlOil Price Volatility and Energy MarketsPentagon Leadership Changes and Defense StrategyAI Capital Expenditure and Infrastructure InvestmentSemiconductor Industry Performance and DemandTreasury Swap Lines and Currency LiquidityTesla Earnings and EV Industry SpendingIntel AI Capabilities and Server Chip ProductionSoftware Stock Underperformance and AI DisruptionMicrosoft Australia Investment StrategyRobinhood Asia Expansion and Singapore Regulatory ApprovalNavy Operations and Mine Clearing TimelineMeasles Outbreak and Public Health PolicyHouse Vacancy and Congressional CompositionSemiconductor Index Record Winning Streak
Companies
Tesla
Announced tripling of capital expenditure to $25B for AI and robotics expansion; reported better-than-expected earnin...
Intel
Reporting earnings today; key focus on AI demand, server chip production capacity, and efforts to restore technologic...
Microsoft
Announced $18B investment in Australia through 2029 to expand AI market presence in Asia-Pacific region
IBM
Posted quarterly software sales in line with estimates but shares down 7.5% amid investor concerns about AI disruptio...
ServiceNow
Software provider reported disappointing results and delayed sales deals attributed to Middle East war; shares down 13%
Texas Instruments
Gave surprisingly strong forecast driven by data center and industrial equipment spending; shares up 10% in early tra...
Robinhood Markets
Received initial regulatory approval in Singapore to offer brokerage services as part of Asia expansion strategy anno...
People
Nathan Hager
Co-host of Bloomberg Daybreak: US Edition covering markets and economic implications
Karen Moscow
Co-host of Bloomberg Daybreak: US Edition covering markets and economic implications
Caroline Levitt
Addressed U.S.-Iran ceasefire timeline and stated president has not set deadline for negotiations
Elon Musk
Outlined Tesla's expansion plan to triple capital expenditure to $25B for AI and robotics during earnings call
Mark Champion
Analyzed U.S.-Iran standoff dynamics, economic impacts, and unresolved nuclear and ballistic missile issues
Jumana Bersechi
Reported from Dubai on Strait of Hormuz blockade deadlock and oil price pressures
Laura Davison
Reported on Navy Secretary John Phelan's firing and Pentagon leadership disputes over shipbuilding priorities
Amy Morris
Reported on Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's testimony regarding foreign exchange swap line requests from allied na...
Tom Busby
Provided preview of Intel earnings focusing on AI demand, server chip production, and technological edge restoration
Michael Barr
Covered health secretary budget hearings on measles outbreak, chemical leak incident, and congressional vacancy updates
John Phelan
Fired amid disputes with deputy defense secretary and defense secretary over shipbuilding priorities
Scott Bessent
Testified to Senate on foreign exchange swap line requests from Persian Gulf allies and Asian nations
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Concluded budget hearings on Capitol Hill; grilled on measles outbreak and funding reductions
David Scott
Died at age 80; was first Black chairman of House Agriculture Committee seeking 13th term
Quotes
"I know there's been some anonymous sourced reporting that there was maybe a three to five day deadline. That is not true. The president has not set a deadline himself."
Caroline Levitt, White House Press SecretaryEarly in episode
"I think you've seen most, if not all, certainly the major technology companies substantially increasing their capital investments. And we're going to be doing the same. I think it's going to pay off in a very big way."
Elon Musk, Tesla CEODuring earnings discussion
"We are in a place where we just don't know whether the war will resume. It seems clear that neither side really wants that. And therefore, you have this kind of standoff over all moves."
Mark Champion, Bloomberg Opinion ColumnistDuring Iran analysis segment
"You've still got two blockades in place. The street is still not safe. And it is a deadlock between the two sides. And the question here is whose side is time on?"
Jumana Bersechi, Bloomberg ReporterStrait of Hormuz reporting
Full Transcript
Hello, I'm Stephen Carroll. I'm in Brussels, where many of Europe's biggest decisions get made. And I'm Caroline Hepker in London. We're the hosts of the Bloomberg Daybreak Europe podcast. We're up early every weekday, keeping an eye on what's happening across Europe and around the world. We do it early so the news is fresh, not recycled, and so you know what actually matters as the day gets going. From Brussels, I'm following the politics, policy and the people shaping the European Union right now. And from London, I'm looking at what all that means for markets, money and the wider economy. We've got reporters across Europe and around the globe feeding in as stories break. So whether it's geopolitics, energy, tech or markets, you're hearing it while it happens. It's smart, calm and to the point. And it fits into your morning. You can find new episodes of the Bloomberg Daybreak Europe podcast by 7am in Dublin or 8am in Brussels, Berlin and Paris. on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Bloomberg Audio Studios. Podcasts. Radio. News. Good morning. I'm Nathan Hager. And I'm Karen Moscow. Here are the stories we're following today. Karen, the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran has turned into a standoff over control of the crucial Strait of Hormuz. President Trump says the truce will stay in effect indefinitely until Iran comes to the table with a new peace proposal. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt says the president has no timetable. I know there's been some anonymous sourced reporting that there was maybe a three to five day deadline. That is not true. The president has not set a deadline himself. Ultimately, he will dictate the timetable. Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt at the White House, for its part, Iran says it has no immediate plans to take part in negotiations. Iran's president posted on social media that the U.S. blockade and threats are main obstacles to diplomacy. Bloomberg's Jumana Bersechi has more from Dubai. You've still got two blockades in place. The street is still not safe. And it is a deadlock between the two sides. And the question here is whose side is time on? Because the longer this goes on for, the more you're going to see upward pressure on oil prices. Already we're beginning to see that there's been public backlash in the U.S. against the war and against President Trump himself and his handling of the war. At the same time, President Trump also maintains that this is costing Iran $500 million a day, the blockade is. And again, we haven't been able to verify those numbers, but it is a battle of the wills here. In Bloomberg's Jumana Berset, she reports Iran is maintaining its own blockade, firing on ships and reportedly seizing at least two of them. The Washington Post reports the Pentagon told Congress this week that clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz could take up to six months. Nathan, with the war still unresolved, there's been another high-profile shakeup at the Pentagon. Navy Secretary John Phelan has been fired, and we get more with Bloomberg Deputy Washington Bureau Chief Laura Davison. Just earlier this month, it was a dispute about promoting specific generals. That was the top uniformed officer at the Army. And just yesterday, the top civilian leader at the Navy, also after clashing with Stephen Feinberg, who's the deputy defense secretary, and Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary, over shipbuilding priorities, also was asked to resign. Bloomberg's Laura Davison reports Phelan's ouster is not expected to affect Navy operations around the Strait of Hormuz. he's being temporarily replaced by Undersecretary Hong Kao. Meanwhile, Karen, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has told lawmakers many Persian Gulf allies and some Asian nations have requested foreign exchange swap lines with the U.S. We get more from Bloomberg's Amy Morris in Washington. Swap lines allow one nation to deploy the currency of another as needed to address liquidity demands. During his testimony before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, Treasury Secretary Besant told lawmakers that Persian Gulf allies are asking for swap lines with the U.S. Swap lines, whether it's from the Federal Reserve or the Treasury, are to maintain order in the dollar funding markets and to prevent the sale of U.S. assets in a disorderly way. Besant also pointed to the potential for swap lines to support dollar-denominated lending overseas. In Washington, Amy Morris, Bloomberg Radio. All right, Amy, thank you. On Capitol Hill, the Senate worked through the night into this morning to take a first step to reopen the Department of Homeland Security. Republicans approved a $70 billion budget plan to fund ICE and Border Patrol through a process that requires no Democratic votes. Democrats proposed a series of amendments focused on lowering health care and other costs The bill now heads to the House where Speaker Mike Johnson can afford to lose just two Republicans to pass the narrow spending plan Some Republicans are pushing him to go for an even bigger affordability package ahead of November's midterms. Let's turn to the markets now, Karen. A record-setting rally is taking a pause right now as peace talks in the Middle East remain in limbo. The S&P 500 is coming off another record close. It has now gained more than 9% this month, and the NASDAQ 100 also closed at an all-time high. Oil is on the rise as well. West Texas Intermediates up about 2.5% at $95.34 a barrel. Brent is at $104.50. That's a gain of 2.5%. Nathan, Tesla unveiling plans for a massive ramp-up in spending on AI and robotics. The electric carmaker says capital expenditure will tripled to more than $25 billion. CEO Elon Musk outlined the expansion plan during the earnings call. I think you've seen most, if not all, certainly the major technology companies substantially increasing their capital investments. And we're going to be doing the same. I think it's it's going to pay off in a very big way. That's CEO Elon Musk, who spoke as Tesla for the second quarter in a row, announced better than expected earnings and shares of Tesla. They're down 3.2% in early trading. And the earnings parade continues today, Karen, with more than 30 companies reporting, including chipmaker Intel. Bloomberg's Tom Busby has a preview. Key for investors, Intel's efforts to restore its technological edge and benefit from the extraordinary demand for all things AI related. Also of note, any update on Intel's admission three months ago that it hadn't devoted enough production to server chips and at that time was not able to meet all the orders that came in. Bloomberg consensus calls for revenue of $12.36 billion, more than half of that from client computing, on adjusted earnings per share of one cent. And Intel shares up about 80% so far this year. Tom Busby, Bloomberg Radio. All right, Tom, thank you. Well, it's been quite a run for Intel and the rest of the chip stocks. In fact, it's been a historic one. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index has now gained for a record 16 straight sessions. It's up 30% in April and set for its second best month ever. That was set in 2000. And we may see more gains today, Karen. Texas Instruments gave a surprisingly strong forecast, helped by booming spending on data centers and industrial equipment. Those shares are up more than 10% in early trading. Well, on the flip side, software-related stocks are under pressure this morning. Nathan, shares of IBM, they're down 7.5%. Big Blue, it posted quarterly sales in its software unit that were in line with estimates, but that's failing to shake investor concerns about AI disruption to its business. Shares of ServiceNow, they're also lower, down more than 13%. The provider of software for business tasks reported results that disappointed investors and said some sales deals have been delayed by the war in the Middle East. Well, Microsoft is making a deal, Karen, announcing its biggest ever investment in Australia, pledging to spend almost $18 billion by the end of 2029 as it pushes deeper into the artificial intelligence market in the Asia-Pacific. And Robinhood markets, Nathan, expanding its global footprint. The financial technology company has received an initial regulatory stamp of approval in Singapore to offer brokerage services. Robinhood first announced it would be expanding into Asia in December 2024, eyeing Singapore for its headquarters. Time now for a look at some of the other stories making news in New York and around the world. And for that, we're joined by Bloomberg's Michael Barr. Michael, good morning. Good morning, Karen. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. concluded a marathon of budget hearings with federal lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Kennedy was grilled on the country's worst measles outbreak in decades. This heated exchange was between Kennedy and Democratic Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware. Does the president know there is a historic measles surge occurring nationwide? You want me to answer a question? It's just a very simple question. You're going to get your opportunity on a grandstand. Can you answer that question? I can answer that question. It started before I came in. Sir, I'm giving you the opportunity to answer the question. Does the president know there is a historic measles surge occurring nationwide? I'm sure he does. In response to bipartisan concerns about funding reductions, Kennedy said they were painful. Officials in West Virginia say two people were killed after a chemical leak at a plant just west of Charleston. More than a dozen others including 70 MS workers responding to the leak were sent to the hospital Governor Patrick Morse The families of those we lost today our hearts are with you and our state grieves for you We stand ready to support you in every way possible. State officials say all shelter-in-place orders have been lifted. Georgia's Democratic Congressman David Scott has died at age 80. Scott was the first black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and was seeking his 13th term in Congress. Scott's death creates a sudden fifth vacancy in the chamber amid three resignations just this month. Until special elections are held to fill the empty seats, there will be 218 Republicans and 212 Democrats in the House. Global News, 24 hours a day and whenever you want it with Bloomberg News Now. I'm Michael Barr, and this is Bloomberg. Karen. Thanks, Michael. Time now for our Bloomberg Sports Update, and for that, we bring in John Stashauer. Thanks, Karen. And the NFL Draft begins tonight in Pittsburgh. The Las Vegas Raiders set to take Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza first overall. He led the Hoosiers the national championship, and he won the Heisman Trophy. The top seeds of the NBA playoffs both won at home. That's Oklahoma City. Beat Phoenix 120-107. The Shea Gilgis Alexander scored 37. The Thunder lead the series 2-0. Detroit, after losing game one to Orlando, was tied at halftime. Pulled away in the third quarter. The Pistons beat the Magic 98-83. That's the Bloomberg Sports Update. Stay with us. More from Bloomberg Daybreak coming up after this. The news doesn't stop on the weekends. Context changes constantly. And now Bloomberg is the place to stay on top of it all. Hi, I'm David Gurra. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for the new Bloomberg This Weekend. I'm Christina Ruffini. We'll bring you the latest headlines, in-depth analysis and big interviews. All the stories that hit home on your days off. And I'm Lisa Matteo. Watch and listen to Bloomberg this weekend for thoughtful, enlightening conversations about business, lifestyle, people, and culture. On Saturday mornings, we put the past week's events into context, examining what happened in the markets and the world. Then on Sundays, we speak with journalists, columnists, and key political figures to prepare you for the week ahead. Join us as soon as you wake up and bring us with you wherever your weekend plans take you. Watch us on Bloomberg Television, listen on Bloomberg Radio, stream the show live on the Bloomberg Business app, or listen to the podcast. That's Bloomberg this weekend, Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 7 a.m. Eastern. Make us part of your weekend routine on Bloomberg Television, radio, and wherever you get your podcasts. What separates good leaders from transformational ones? I'm Jessica Chen, and in Season 2 of Leading by Example, we'll sit down with executives like Grace Chen of Birdie Gray to find out. It's important to understand where you spike, but also really acknowledge where you don't and find people who can fill those gaps. Listen to Leading by Example, executives making an impact, on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Coast to coast on Bloomberg Radio, nationwide on Sirius XM, and around the world on Bloomberg.com and the Bloomberg Business App. This is Bloomberg Daybreak. Good morning, I'm Nathan Hager. The ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran has turned into a standoff over control of the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump has said the truce could go on indefinitely while hinting talks could happen this week. White House spokeswoman Caroline Levitt says the timing is up to the president. He is satisfied with the naval blockade and he understands that Iran is in a very weak position and the cards are in President Trump's hands right now. Press Secretary Caroline Levitt at the White House. For more, we're joined by Bloomberg opinion columnist Mark Champion. Mark, it's good to have you with us. Where do things stand on this morning of what appears to be an indefinite truce between the U.S. and Iran? Good morning. Yes. So, you know, we are in a place where we just don't know whether the war will resume. It seems clear that neither side really wants that. And therefore, you have this kind of standoff overhaul moves. and the great difficulty in going back to talks because their positions are so distant from each other. And that runs from, you know, Hormuz itself and the control of Hormuz that the Iranians want after the war The Americans obviously do not want that nor do their allies in the Gulf And then you have the nuclear file you have ballistic missiles you have the whole range of things that were under discussion before the war, or at least the US wanted to be under discussion, and are still unresolved, essentially. You know, the Iranians are still able to fire missiles, ballistic missiles. They still have a nuclear program, badly damaged, but it exists and they have not given up the principle that they'll keep it. So, you know, we're really in this place where everything remains unresolved. The war has not achieved US goals. It's done enormous damage to the Iranian state and to its economy. And we're now in a standoff. And the question is, who can last longer. Well, as the standoff continues, Mark, what's the potential economic impact? We've heard reports that just clearing the mines that Iran has laid through and around the Strait of Hormuz could take up to six months. Yes. So, you know, for now, the oil price is up again, just above $100. That's a, you know, a significant increase from before the war, but it is quite manageable for, you know, parts of the global economy, certainly for the US. It's a political issue, but it's a manageable issue for the US economy. Much harder in Asia, which relies very heavily on the Gulf for its oil. And there the issue is just the, you know, physical supply that about 10% of the world's supply has been taken off the market. And that is a very significant problem in Asia, which is the biggest consumer of Gulf oil, not so much for the US, which consumes rather little. It's just affected by, you know, global price trends. So it's, you know, it is uncertain. The Iranians will also be hard hit, but they are still getting some tankers through the US blockade, whether that is the US turning a blind eye because they don't want this to become an existential issue that prompts the Iranians to carry through on their threats to attack energy infrastructure in the Gulf, or whether they simply aren't able to control these ships once they turn off their black boxes. It's not quite clear yet, but it will take a toll on both sides. This is Bloomberg Daybreak, your morning podcast on the stories making news from Wall Street to Washington and beyond. Look for us on your podcast feed by 6 a.m. Eastern each morning on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere else you listen. You can also listen live each morning starting at 5 a.m. Wall Street time on Bloomberg 1130 in New York, Bloomberg 99.1 in Washington, Bloomberg 92.9 in Boston, and nationwide on Sirius XM Channel 121. Plus, listen coast to coast on the Bloomberg Business app now with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interfaces. And don't forget to subscribe to Bloomberg News Now. It's the latest news whenever you want it, in five minutes or less. Search Bloomberg News Now on your favorite podcast platform to stay informed all day long. I'm Karen Moscow. And I'm Nathan Hager. Join us again tomorrow morning for all the news you need to start your day right here on Bloomberg Daybreak. I'm Francine Lacroix, an award-winning journalist, and I've got a new podcast, Leaders with Francine Lacroix from Bloomberg Podcasts. I've interviewed everyone from heads of state to fashion icons about the news of the moment, but I've always been curious, who are these people as leaders? I don't think there's one right way to be a leader. Make decisions. A poor decision is always better than no decision. Listen to new episodes every other Monday. Follow Leaders with Francine Lacroix wherever you get your podcasts. What separates good leaders from transformational ones? I'm Jessica Chen, and in Season 2 of Leading by Example, we'll sit down with executives like Grace Chen of Birdie Gray to find out. It's important to understand where you spike, but also really acknowledge where you don't and find people who can fill those gaps. Listen to Leading by Example, executives making an impact on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.