Carlyle's David Rubenstein: The U.S. economy is doing reasonably well

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  January 20, 2026 at 14:16  |  7:40  |  CNBC
Speakers
David Rubenstein — Financial Executive / Former Government Official

Summary

David Rubenstein, co-founder and co-chairman of Carlyle Group, discusses the state of the U.S. economy at Davos. He says the economy is doing reasonably well, with inflation below 3%, tolerable unemployment, falling interest rates, no recession, and AI performing well. He also addresses President Trump's interest in Greenland, tariffs, NATO, and America's global standing.

  • David Rubenstein says the U.S. economy is doing reasonably well.
  • He cites inflation below 3%, 4.4% unemployment, falling rates, and no recession.
  • Rubenstein sees AI as a positive factor for the economy.
  • He expects negotiations over Greenland rather than military action.
  • He notes European upset over Trump and Greenland but expects it to pass.
  • He praises American immigration and entrepreneurship as enduring strengths.
  • The interview also touches on tariffs, NATO, and the second Trump administration.
Ideas
David Rubenstein Financial Executive / Former Government Official 1:50
US economy and AI doing well
Rubenstein believes the U.S. economy is doing reasonably well: inflation is coming down, though not to the 2% target and now below 3%; unemployment at 4.4% is tolerable; interest rates are coming down; the U.S. is not facing a recession; and AI is doing quite well.
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This CNBC video, published January 20, 2026, features David Rubenstein discussing U.S. economy, AI-SECTOR. 1 trade idea extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: David Rubenstein  · Tickers: U.S. economy, AI-SECTOR