Mastercard CEO: AI Shopping Agents, Machine-to-Machine Payments, and the New Infrastructure of Commerce

The AI race isn't being won in the model lab — it's being won in the power grid. And right now, America is losing. Motley Fool analyst Rachel Warren talks with Hannan Happi, co-founder and CEO of Exowatt — backed by Sam Altman and Andreessen Horowitz — about why the AI build-out is hitting a wall that no amount of chips or software can fix. They get into why a one-year grid delay costs a hyperscaler $12 billion in missed revenue, why China has 10 times more capacity than the US to build AI infrastructure, and what investors need to actually be tracking as hundreds of billions of dollars flow into the AI build-out — including whether the data centers being built today will still be operating in ten years.  Host: Rachel Warren Guest: Hannan Happi Producers: Dennis Golin, Lauren Budabin  Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We spend years squirreling away money that we eventually hope to live off of in retirement. What should we be doing as we get closer to the big day? Host Robert Brokamp discusses potential strategies with Dana Anspach, who has been a financial planner since 1995 and is the CEO and founder of Sensible Money, a fee-only planning firm in Arizona. She is also the author of three books, including her latest: “Living Off Your Acorns: Your Guide to the Four Phases of Retirement.” Topics covered: -How to systematically de-risk your portfolio as you get closer to retirement-Deciding when to retire, and planning for the possibility that it may be sooner than you prefer-Strategies for lowering your tax bill over the course of retirement-The benefits of categorizing the often-complex decisions about retirement as green, yellow, and red-The “arrival fallacy” and steps to take to ensure your retirement is as fulfilling as possible Host: Robert Brokamp, CFP®, EAGuest: Dana Anspach, CFP®, RMA®Engineer: Kristi Waterworth We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The market is fixated on interest rates and data centers this week. Rates continue to rise along with the U.S. debt, which may ultimately put pressure on companies across the market. Data centers have had their own drama with public pushback against the AI buildout at a high. We discuss this and more this week. Travis Hoium, Lou Whiteman, and Jim Gillies discuss: - Why Interest Rates Matter- The Bond Market Wins- Moderna’s Big Week- Take My Money!- Data Center PR Problem- Stocks On Our Radar Companies discussed: NVIDIA (NVDA), Peloton (PTON), Moderna (MRNA), Union Pacific (UNP), Apple (AAPL). Host: Travis HoiumGuests: Lou Whiteman, Jim GilliesEngineer: Bart Shannon Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The big box retailers are reporting earnings, and there are plenty of headwinds to discuss. But among the common themes this earnings season, these companies are leaning into AI (and AI assistants with cheesy names) to bring their businesses into the future. Tyler, Matt, and Jon also discuss drone deliveries before finishing the episode with a listener question about the next generation of real-estate brokerages. Have a question? Email us; [email protected] Tyler Crowe, Matt Frankel, and Jon Quast discuss:- The tariff refund for big box retailers- What retailers are doing with AI assistants and agentic AI- Uber’s partnership with Zipline- Amazon’s big “splash” with drone delivery- Why AGNT stock hasn’t been a winning investment…yet Companies discussed: HD, LOW, TJX, WMT, TGT, UBER, AMZN, BRK.A, BRK.B, AGNT, REAX Host: Tyler CroweGuests: Matt Frankel, Jon QuastEngineer: Bart Shannon Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, "TMF") do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Target reported solid earnings this morning, which is a great sign for the consumer, but the big news today was from Moderna. The company’s clinical trial results for a cancer vaccine were so encouraging it was fast tracked through the trial and, while there are questions, this could change how we look at cancer in the future. We discuss why the stock is up over 100%. Plus, we end the show with the latest from OpenAI and Anthropic. Travis Hoium, Lou Whiteman, and Rachel Warren discuss: - Target Earnings- Is Target Stock a Buy?- Moderna’s HUGE News- Scaling Qs- Is AI Growth Slowing?- Speed Running to an IPO Companies discussed: Target (TGT), Moderna (MRNA), Merck (MRK). Host: Travis HoiumGuests: Lou Whiteman, Rachel WarrenEngineer: Kristi Waterworth Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most of the time, stock investors don’t pay attention to the bond markets. But when the words “not seen since 2007” start getting thrown around, investors start to look at lot harder at what’s going on with bonds. Lou, Matt, and Tyler dissect the recent moves in bond markets and how it’s showing up in stocks. Plus, Klarna’s and Home Depot’s earnings and how they are feeling the strains of the debt market. Have a question? Email us; [email protected] Tyler Crowe, Lou Whiteman, and Matt Frankel discuss: - The selloff in bonds and how it’s affecting stocks- Why AI companies are getting caught up in the bond market moves.- Klarna’s earnings- Home Depot’s earnings Companies discussed: META, GOOG, MSFT, KLAR, HD Host: Tyler CroweGuests: Matt Frankel, Lou WhitemanEngineer: Kristi Waterworth Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, "TMF") do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Berkshire Hathaway is a net buyer of stocks again for the first time in nearly 4 years, but new CEO Greg Abel still had some surprising stocks to sell during the quarter. Jon, Matt, and Rachel break down Berkshire’s latest moves before answering a listener question regarding how to spot a winning stock early before finishing the episode by running some Berkshire stocks through some Hidden Gems mental frameworks. Jon Quast, Matt Frankel, and Rachel Warren discuss: -Berkshire buys stocks again-Greg Abel’s changing approach-Hidden Gems Investing’s favorite AI scoring categories-Why housing stocks could be Hidden Gems-Why the AI industry is still a great place to look for Hidden Gems Companies discussed: Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A)(BRK.B), Alphabet (GOOG)(GOOGL), D.R. Horton (DHI), Kroger (KR), Delta (DAL), Rocket Lab (RKLB), Dream Finders Homes (DFH), Forgent Power Solutions (FPS) Host: Jon QuastGuests: Matt Frankel, Rachel WarrenEngineer: Kristi Waterworth Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, "TMF") do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when an AI agent does your shopping — and how do you make sure it doesn't order two grills instead of one? In Part 2 of his conversation with Motley Fool CEO Tom Gardner, Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach breaks down the company's Agent Pay protocol, explains why machine-to-machine payments could transform B2B commerce, and reveals why Mastercard just acquired the world's largest stablecoin platform. He also gets into what the AI revolution really means for employment, why proprietary transaction data is Mastercard's deepest competitive moat, and how he personally stays sharp running a $500 billion company.  Host: Tom Gardner  Guest: Michael Miebach  Producers: Bart Shannon, Lauren Budabin  Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think you know how Social Security calculates your benefit? Chances are, you're missing at least one piece of the puzzle. Host Robert Brokamp takes a listener’s real-world question and turns it into a clear, step-by-step guide to how your benefit is actually built. Key concepts discussed:-The “35 highest-earning years” rule—demystified: How Social Security treats your top earning years, wage inflation adjustments, and what “zero years” can do to your average.-AIME, bend points, and PIA: The three core building blocks of your benefit and why the formula is designed to replace a higher share of income for lower earners.-Claiming strategy matters more than you think: How taking benefits early vs. waiting (up to age 70) permanently changes your payout—and why family benefits (spousal/survivor) should be part of the decision.-How to estimate your benefit with better tools: Where the Social Security statement can mislead (especially if income will drop later), plus the best calculators and resources to model realistic future earnings and claiming ages.Host: Robert Brokamp, CFP®, EAEngineer: Bart Shannon and Kristi Waterworth Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Demand for AI is exploding and two companies – OpenAI and Anthropic – are driving the industry forward. Everything from hyperscalers to neoclouds to memory stocks are hanging on the demand for tokens they need. We discuss that demand, how debt got involved, and what could go wrong. Plus, what sports franchise would you buy?Travis Hoium, Lou Whiteman, and Jason Moser discuss:- AI IPO Setup- Insatiable Demand- Debt Gets Involved- Restaurant Recovery?- Buying a Franchise- Radar StocksCompanies discussed: Quantum Computing (QUBT), Firefly (FLY), Alphabet (GOOG), Amazon (AMZN), SpaceX (SPCX).Host: Travis HoiumGuests: Lou Whiteman, Jason MoserEngineer: Bart ShannonAdvertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices