Behind the Money

At one time not that long ago, you could find Libor in everything: mortgages, corporate loans, credits cards and more. Now, its days are numbered. The FT’s Harriet Clarfelt and Philip Stafford take us back to the 1980s origins of the scandal-ridden benchmark rate, how its reputation came apart and why, with just weeks to go before a June 30 deadline, one part of the financial world is still racing to leave it behind. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:Loan market braced for rush to Libor finish line The pain and SOFRing are almost over‘Litigation will take over’: US lawmakers warned of Libor chaos- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Harriet Clarfelt (@HClarfelt), Philip Stafford (@staffordphilip) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re revisiting an episode from last year. Johnson & Johnson, one of the world’s largest healthcare companies, is facing thousands of lawsuits from people alleging they got cancer from using one of their oldest products: talc-based baby powder. To manage the growing liability, J&J deployed a controversial bankruptcy manoeuvre known as the Texas two-step. The FT’s US pharmaceutical correspondent Jamie Smyth helps us explore whether J&J’s use of this manoeuvre is setting a precedent for corporations to evade accountability in America. Plus, stick around for an update on what’s happened to the Texas two-step since this episode first aired. Clip from NBC - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:Johnson & Johnson’s ‘Texas-two-step’ sparks outcry over US bankruptcy regimeTalc ruling a blow to J&J and the ‘Texas two-step’ bankruptcy jigTalcum powder cancer claims target J&J’s new consumer carve-out- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Jamie Smyth (@JamieSmythF) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As cryptocurrencies have grown in popularity and people use cash less and less, central banks have been put on the defensive. Their solution to stay relevant and maintain control? A central bank digital currency. Institutions such as the European Central Bank see it as their way to leap into the digital age. But as the ECB is pushing forward with its agenda, it’s facing criticism from the very people and banks who would help keep it alive. The FT’s Martin Arnold takes a closer look at the digital euro — its promises, pitfalls and why people took to the streets to protest against it earlier this year.   Clips from CNBC, Council on Foreign Relations, Meta, NBC- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:The digital euro: a solution seeking a problem?Central banks’ digital currency plans face public backlashFacebook Libra: the inside story of how the company’s cryptocurrency dream died- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Martin Arnold (@MAmdorsky) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The London Stock Exchange once held the top spot in global financial markets. In recent years, that’s changed drastically. The FT’s Harriet Agnew and Katie Martin explain how a yacht floating off the Canary Islands 30 years ago played a critical role in changing the stock market. Clips from CBS, Thames News - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:Britain’s ‘capitalism without capital’: the pension funds that shun risk ‘There are no domestic equity investors’: why companies are fleeing London’s stock marketWhy Europe’s stock markets are failing to challenge the US- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Harriet Agnew (@HarrietAgnew), Katie Martin (@katie_martin_fx) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the final episode of BTM Night School, we're talking markets: from stocks to bonds to commodities. We're joined by the FT's Markets editor Katie Martin and Ethan Wu, a member of the FT’s Wall Street team. Katie and Ethan unpack why last year was terrible for stocks, what bonds can tell you about inflation, and which market gives us the clearest picture into the “real” economy. This series is made in collaboration with Blinkist. To hear more conversations like this, check out the Blinkist app. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Interested in pursuing a Master of Business Administration? Sign up for our newsletter course MBA 101 for your guide to applying and getting into business school.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Silicon Valley legend Intel was the semiconductor chip industry’s global leader for decades. Lately it’s fallen behind, just as the US is recognising the importance of chips to economic and national security. Now, Intel is trying to turn itself round. The FT’s Richard Waters explains its plans and the many challenges it will face in order to reclaim that stature. Clip from CNN - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:Can Intel become the chip champion the US needs?Can Intel come back? Intel: Chips Act subsidies may impede a return to former glory- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Richard Waters (@RichardWaters) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ESG has become a buzzword within public companies and among asset managers. Central banks and big asset managers such as BlackRock have been championing these standards, asking companies to consider climate change and corporate governance. But ESG is also seeing a backlash. Gillian Tett, founding editor of the Financial Times’ Moral Money newsletter, explains how it is changing the corporate boardroom and how much of an effect the pushback against ESG is having. This series is made in collaboration with Blinkist. To hear more conversations like this, check out the Blinkist app.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Interested in pursuing a Master of Business Administration? Sign up for our newsletter course MBA 101 for your guide to applying and getting into business school.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When news broke last year that EY was planning to split its businesses, it was seen as a move that could reshape the accounting industry. The bold plan was given an equally grand name, “Project Everest”. But after months of negotiations from within the firm, and despite the support of the global leadership, the plan recently fell apart. FT’s US accounting editor Stephen Foley and accountancy correspondent Michael O’Dwyer explain why that shakeup didn’t happen. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:EY risks paralysis and a power vacuum after break-up failureJulie Boland: the EY leader in the middle of a ‘civil war’EY to cut 3,000 jobs in US to eliminate ‘overcapacity’EY: embarrassing climbdown calls future strategy into question- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Stephen Foley (@stephenfoley) and Michael O’Dwyer (@_MODwyer)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the rise of ChatGPT to job cuts at companies such as Meta and Amazon, tech has dominated the headlines in 2023. On this episode of Night School, the Financial Times’ innovation editor, John Thornhill, breaks down the biggest tech stories of the year so far. He tells US managing editor Peter Spiegel how artificial intelligence will revolutionise healthcare, who is winning in the global tech race, and what’s in store for blockchain’s future. This series is made in collaboration with Blinkist. To hear more conversations like this, check out the Blinkist app.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Interested in pursuing a Master of Business Administration? Sign up for our newsletter course MBA 101 for your guide to applying and getting into business school.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re bringing you something from our fellow podcast, FT Weekend. The show travels to Miami, Florida, to drink some beers, place some bets, and discover how AI is changing the sport of horse racing. FT data journalist Oliver Roeder joins FTW host Lilah Raptopoulos to talk about how the ancient sport is being upended by anonymous computer-assisted bets. These secretive gamblers are injecting billions of dollars into the pools, and aggressively tipping the odds, and it’s putting the whole sport at risk.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:I used AI to bet on horse-racing. Here’s what happenedStake.com: the Aussie gambling minnow that made it big on crypto How English football became hooked on gambling- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Oliver Roeder (@ollie) and Lilah Raptopoulos (@lilahrap)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inflation remains stubbornly high in the US. In this week’s episode of BTM: Night School, US managing editor Peter Spiegel talks to US economics editor Colby Smith about how we got here and what the Federal Reserve can do to tamp down inflation. This series is made in collaboration with Blinkist. To hear more conversations like this, check out the Blinkist app. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Interested in pursuing a Master of Business Administration? Sign up for our newsletter course MBA 101 for your guide to applying and getting into business school.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apple has spent two decades and billions of dollars building a massive supply chain for its products. At the centre of that operation is China. But as Beijing has become more authoritarian and relations with the US sour, it has become harder for Apple to do business there. The company has been signalling recently that it will diversify away from the country, but the FT’s Patrick McGee tells Michela why cutting ties will be extremely difficult.  Clips from Fox News, CGTN, Yahoo, ABC - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:How Apple tied its fortunes to ChinaWhat it would take for Apple to disentangle itself from ChinaTim Cook praises Apple’s ‘symbiotic’ relationship with ChinaApple and Foxconn win labour reforms to advance Indian production plans- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Patrick McGee (@PatrickMcGee_) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s time to hit the books with Behind the Money: Night School. This series will serve as a primer to the biggest economic stories of 2023. On today’s episode, US Managing Editor Peter Spiegel talks with Derek Brower about energy policy. They discuss how the United States became almost energy independent, President Biden’s about-face on oil and gas, and why the Inflation Reduction Act might just transform America’s economy into a hub of green innovation. This series is made in collaboration with Blinkist. To hear more conversations like this, check out the Blinkist app.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Interested in pursuing Masters of Business Administration? Sign up for our newsletter course MBA 101 for your guide to applying and getting into business school.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s been a lot of big finance and economics news in 2023. Whether it's stories about rising interest rates, tech industry layoffs or bank runs, it can almost feel like you need an MBA just to make sense of it all. That’s why the Financial Times is launching a bonus series on this feed called Behind the Money: Night School. Over the next five weeks, this show will help you understand the concepts behind the biggest economic stories of this year. U.S. managing editor Peter Spiegel chats with FT journalists as they unpack the basics around things like energy markets, inflation and the rise of artificial intelligence. This series is supported by Blinkist. If you want to find out more about conversations like this, check out the Blinkist app.Behind the Money: Night School debuts on Monday, April 17. And, you can find it right here, on the Behind the Money podcast feed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re revisiting an important episode from last year. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 triggered a global food crisis. Months later, FT correspondents Polina Ivanova, Chris Cook and Laura Pitel found out how Russia aims to profit from this. Ivanova explains how she and her colleagues used satellite photos, transponder data and a document trail to track a Russian company’s shipment of 2,675 metric tonnes of milling wheat out of the occupied Ukrainian port of Berdyansk, across the Black Sea and over to a port in Turkey. Clips from CNN, PBS- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:How Russia secretly takes grain from occupied UkraineRussian exit from Ukraine grain deal ‘catastrophic’ for poor nationsShips going dark: Russia’s grain smuggling in the Black Sea- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Polina Ivanova (@polinaivanovva) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07) Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Climate disasters are becoming more and more common, and the countries most vulnerable to them are often the ones emitting the least pollution. That imbalance has sparked a debate on whether rich, polluting nations have a responsibility to contribute more when there are climate catastrophes. In today’s episode, we’re looking at one country that serves as an example: Pakistan. We’ll discuss how it plans to fund its recovery after record-breaking floods – worsened by climate change – submerged much of the south Asian country last year. Clips from Sky News Australia, Al Jazeera, Channel 4 News- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:Rebuilding Pakistan: how much should rich nations help?‘It’s the fault of climate change’: Pakistan seeks ‘justice’ after floodsPakistan is on the brinkDebt burden traps global south in a vicious circle- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Ben Parkin (@b_parkyn), Camilla Hodgson (@CamillaHodgson), and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, markets were anxious, and the prestigious, yet scandal-ridden Credit Suisse looked as if it could be next to fall. But over the span of a single weekend, the Swiss government and Credit Suisse’s crosstown rival, UBS, raced against the clock to avert disaster. The FT’s banking editor Stephen Morris provides a front row look at how the deal came together.Clips from Bloomberg, CNBC, BBC- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:How the Swiss ‘trinity’ forced UBS to save Credit Suisse Credit Suisse: the rise and fall of the bank that built modern Switzerland Saudi National Bank chair resigns following Credit Suisse commentsAnd further listening: Behind the Money's December 2022 episode, Credit Suisse's last chance- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Stephen Morris (@sjhmorris) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Credit Suisse… Silicon Valley Bank… Signature Bank… First Republic… After weeks of breaking headlines about banks in crisis, we are taking a big picture look at the sector with the FT’s chief economics commentator, Martin Wolf. In this episode, he explains why banks fail, and lays out the four paths that banking reform could take in the future. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:Banks are designed to fail — and they do US capitalism is ‘breaking down before our eyes’, says Ken GriffinHow the Swiss ‘trinity’ forced UBS to save Credit SuisseFour ways to fix the bank problem- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Martin Wolf (@martinwolf_) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank last week raised questions about the strength of the United States’ banking system, and whether we’re headed for another financial crisis. The FT’s US financial commentator Robert Armstrong tells us why he’s not freaking out. Clips from CBS, NBC, CNN, DW- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:SVB was only a little bit insolvent, luckilySVB’s collapse is not a harbinger of another 2008The weekend US officials hatched a plan to stave off a banking crisis Silicon Valley Bank shows the perils of regulators fighting the last warFor further discussion: Join an FT subscriber-only webinar on SVB’s collapse and the fallout, featuring Robert Armstrong and other FT journalists and guests, on Thursday March 16 1600-1700 GMT (1200-1300 ET). Register here. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Robert Armstrong (@rbrtrmstrng) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over just a few years, the share price of an obscure company from the United Arab Emirates has jumped 40,000%. But little is known about International Holding Company, which has investments in everything from Elon Musk’s SpaceX to India’s Adani Group. The FT’s Middle East editor travelled to Abu Dhabi to get answers about its rapid growth and its connections to some of the most powerful people in the Gulf. Clips from MSNBC, CBS- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:The UAE business that went from obscurity to a $240bn valuation in 3 yearsThe sheikh’s empire driving Abu Dhabi’s meteoric stock market riseThe Abu Dhabi royal at the nexus of UAE business and national security Groovy girls, typing pools and labour camps: the complicated world of IHC- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Andrew England (@cornishft) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recently, flying in the US seems to be more chaotic than calm. And while it may seem like this all started recently, the FT’s Chicago Correspondent Claire Bushey takes us back to a decision that happened in the 1970s that got us to where we are now. Clips from NBC, PBS, CBS- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:How the US fell out of love with flyingPassengers to keep ‘paying the price’ of aviation chaos, says United CEOHyper-efficiency is bad businessUS airlines: higher fares and (hopefully) better service- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Claire Bushey (@Claire_Bushey) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been one year since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We’re spending this episode talking to FT reporters and Ukrainian entrepreneurs about the costs of this war: How individuals' lives have been uprooted, how the country’s economy has been turned upside down, and how global markets such as food and energy have been transformed. Clips from CNN, BBC, NBC, PBS, Al Jazeera English- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:Conflict with Russia hangs over Ukraine’s recoverySomething for the weekend: the year of UkraineMarking a year in the Ukraine warHe wanted an adventure. He ended up in Ukraine’s most brutal war zone- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Ben Hall, (@hallbenjamin) Emiko Terazono, (@EmikoTerazono) Tom Wilson (@thomas_m_wilson) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The EU’s executive branch is known for leading the way when it comes to regulating crucial industries, like Big Tech. But for now, one country appears to be further ahead in the race to keep competition alive for European entrepreneurs. The FT’s EU correspondent Javier Espinoza explains who is leading the pack and what it means for everyone else.  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:How Germany became Europe’s leading Big Tech trust busterBrussels re-energised for Big Tech battlesEU braced for legal challenges to rules designed to tackle Big TechFight breaks out between Ireland and Germany over Big Tech regulation- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Javier Espinoza (@JavierespFT) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The dollar dominated last year as the US Federal Reserve raised interest rates quicker than other countries to tame inflation. But the so-called “king dollar” has shifted recently. FT Capital Markets Correspondent Kate Duguid dives into how the greenback has been toppled from its throne and what that means for the rest of the world. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:US dollar hits reverse gear as Fed cedes rate-rise ‘driver’s seat’Dollar touches 7-month low as Fed rate rise expectations slideThe downturn in the dollar is not just about ratesEmerging market governments raise $40bn in January borrowing binge- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Kate Duguid (@kateduguid) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Several Big Tech companies have recently announced job cuts - and they pinned their decisions on a pandemic-induced hiring spree. But is that actually what’s driving the cuts? We sat down with the FT’s US financial commentator Robert Armstrong to get the full picture. Clips from Reuters, MSNBC, Yahoo Finance- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - BTM listeners, we want to know what you think of the show and what you want to hear more of. Visit ft.com/btmsurvey to submit your feedback. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:Slimming down Big TechIs Big Tech flabby?Bye-bye massages and free food: Big Tech cuts back perksThe shock of mass lay-offs is only the beginning for companies- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Robert Armstrong (@rbrtmstrng) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, we talked about China needing to find a mechanism to fix its economy. It looks like it may have found it - by abruptly ending its zero-Covid policies. The FT’s Shanghai correspondent Tom Hale and Global China Editor James Kynge break down what President Xi Jinping’s main goals are and whether it’s enough to jumpstart the country’s economy.Clips from CNN, BBC- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - BTM listeners, we want to know what you think of the show and what you want to hear more of. Visit ft.com/btmsurvey to submit your feedback. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:Xi Jinping’s plan to reset China’s economy and win back friendsChina’s economy begins to reopen after 3 years of Covid isolation China’s Covid generation: the surging inequality behind Xi’s U-turnI spent 10 days in a secret Chinese Covid detention centre- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Tom Hale (@TomHale_), James Kynge (@JKynge) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Electric vehicle giant Tesla took the automotive industry by storm with its innovative technology, but the company’s stock price has slid significantly since last year. And its chief executive Elon Musk has some Tesla fans rethinking their support given Musk’s moves as the new owner of Twitter. But the FT’s Richard Waters says that Tesla faces a challenge much bigger than Musk’s latest tweets. Clips from CBS, ABC News, NBC, CNBC- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - BTM listeners, we want to know what you think of the show and what you want to see more of. Visit ft.com/btmsurvey to submit your feedback. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:Trouble at Tesla: the end of a golden age of growth?Tesla cuts electric car prices across Europe and US to bolster demandOK, 2022 was a disaster for Tesla. What next?Musk/multitasking: the cost of being thinly stretched- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Richard Waters (@RichardWaters) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07) Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The global economy has been hit hard in the past few years by the Covid-19 pandemic, high inflation and Russia’s war in Ukraine. However, there’s one emerging economy that’s managed to succeed in spite of that - Indonesia. So, what’s its secret? We sat down with the FT’s Mercedes Ruehl to understand how the country got to where it is now, and whether that success will be permanent.Clips from Associated Press- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:Indonesia’s unexpected success storyIndonesia’s president steps on to world stage as G20 hostBauxite: holding resources hostage will impede Indonesia’s growthIndonesia’s growth outlook dims as Jokowi begins final term- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Mercedes Ruehl (@mjruehl) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07) Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to a new year with Behind the Money! We’re starting off by paying a visit to the New York Public Library to take a peek into the past. Some 300 years ago parts of Europe were in the middle of a financial revolution that quickly turned into a financial frenzy and then — a fallout. With help from the FT’s US markets editor Jennifer Hughes, we’ll learn more about the Mississippi and South Sea Company Bubbles, and what they tell us about today. Clips from: NBC, CNBC, CBS NewsMusic: Georg Philipp Telemann’s Overture-Suite in B-flat Major performed by Tempesta di Mare / The Philadelphia Baroque Orchestra- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn how to visit the New York Public Library’s exhibit, Fortune and Folly in 1720. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Further reading:Business trends, risks and people to watch in 2023FT writers’ predictions for the world in 2023- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Jennifer Hughes (@JennHughes13) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07) Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s our last episode of the year, so that means we’re looking ahead to 2023 with the help of the FT’s chief economics commentator Martin Wolf. He sat down with Michela to discuss some of 2022’s biggest stories — inflation, the war in Ukraine, climate change — and how they might impact events in the new year. Clips from NBC News, AP, Sky News, Channel 4 News, Al Jazeera, CNN, TRT World, Yahoo!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:How to think about policy in a polycrisisDelay only makes climate action more urgentXi Jinping’s third term is a tragic error- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Martin Wolf (@martinwolf_) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07) Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At one time, Credit Suisse was considered to be among the most respected banks in Europe. The FT’s European banking correspondent Owen Walker explains how the Swiss bank is trying to make a comeback after years of scandal and losses — and what might happen if it fails.Clips from CNBC, DW News, Reuters - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:Credit Suisse chair says outflows have reversed since ‘social media storm’‘Radical surgery’: Will Credit Suisse’s gamble pay off?Credit Suisse turns to ‘Uli the knife’ to cut bank loose from scandal- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Owen Walker (@OwenWalker0) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we revisit one of our favourite episodes. After years of mega-deals and mega-money gushing into start-ups, venture capital fundraising hit a record-high last year. Now, the FT’s Richard Waters says the fundraising bonanza is over and helps us explore what that means for the future of start-ups. Clips from Looney Tunes: ⓒ Warner Bros. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:Venture capital’s silent crash: when the tech boom met realityKlarna’s valuation crashes to under $7bn in tough funding roundVenture capital’s delayed rendezvous with reality- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Richard Waters (@RichardWaters) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Qatar is in the spotlight as the host of this year’s World Cup — and the small, oil-rich nation has had to confront a lengthy human rights record with the world watching. The FT’s Gulf correspondent Simeon Kerr breaks down Qatar’s larger goals due to hosting the tournament, and what changes it has — and hasn’t — made to see those through. Clips from BBC, AP, PBS NewsHour, France24, The Guardian- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:The ethical case for watching this possibly unethical World CupQatar counts down to World Cup kick-off after $200bn soft power betHow the unlikeliest World Cup ever came to beQatar 2022: the weirdest World Cup in history- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Simeon Kerr (@simeonkerr) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The crypto exchange FTX was supposed to be among the “credible” players operating in digital finance. But its swift descent into bankruptcy shocked the financial industry. The FT’s asset management correspondent Josh Oliver explains what went wrong, and markets editor Katie Martin tells us what it says about the future of crypto. Clips from CBS, ABC- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:How Sam Bankman-Fried seduced blue-chip investorsDD goes forensic on FTX: A deep dive into the crypto collapse that has stunned financeFTX held less than $1bn in liquid assets against $9bn in liabilitiesHedge fund admits half its capital stuck on FTX exchange- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Josh Oliver (@joshckoliver), Katie Martin (@katie_martin_fx) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07) Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tech Tonic is back with a new season about climate tech.As more people fly, aviation is on track to becoming a much bigger problem for climate change. Host Pilita Clark, FT columnist and climate journalist, looks at the potential for a more sustainable aviation industry, a sector that’s struggled to come up with new technology to cut its emissions. Could we end up being forced to cut back on flying altogether? Producer Josh Gabert-Doyon travels to Farnborough Airshow, and we hear from Zero Petroleum’s Paddy Lowe, Boom Supersonic’s Blake Scholl, and executives from Boeing, Airbus, ADS, United and EasyJet. Follow Tech Tonic to hear the full season here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine earlier this year triggered a global food crisis. Recently, FT correspondents Polina Ivanova, Chris Cook and Laura Pitel found out how Russia aims to profit from this. Ivanova explains how they used satellite photos, transponder data and a document trail to track a Russian company’s shipment of 2,675 metric tonnes of milling wheat out of the occupied Ukrainian port of Berdyansk, across the Black Sea and over to a port in Turkey. Clips from CNN, PBS- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:How Russia secretly takes grain from occupied UkraineRussian exit from Ukraine grain deal ‘catastrophic’ for poor nationsShips going dark: Russia’s grain smuggling in the Black Sea- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Polina Ivanova (@polinaivanovva) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07) Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s some internal turmoil at JPMorgan Chase over who should manage the bank’s wealthiest clients. At the centre of the infighting is a top financial adviser who’s managed the accounts of some big names, including retired baseball player-turned-entrepreneur Alex Rodriguez. The FT’s US banking editor Joshua Franklin walks us through what led to this years-long legal battle at one of the world’s biggest banks.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:Glitz and Gladwell: the infighting over prized JPMorgan wealth clientsBaseball star Alex Rodriguez at centre of JPMorgan client poaching rowAsset Management: Growth investors adapt to new paradigmTake our FT Podcast Listener Survey here. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Joshua Franklin (@FTJFranklin) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07) Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Republicans are picking a fight with some major financial institutions over ESG, or environmental, social and governance investing. That means considering things such as climate risks, labour issues and board diversity when choosing investment funds. The FT’s corporate governance reporter Patrick Temple-West explains why Republicans are upset and what this backlash might mean for the future of ESG.Clips from Fox News, CNBC- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:US Republicans pull $1bn from BlackRock over ESG investing concernsBlackRock: ESG tightrope is hard to navigateMaking funding flows fair: Must ESG be bad news for emerging markets?Greenwashing faces fresh curbs in UK regulator’s crackdown- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Patrick Temple-West (@Temple_West) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07) Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The spotlight is on China as the Communist party’s 20th National Congress takes place this week. At a critical moment when President Xi Jinping prepares to stay on for an unprecedented third term as leader, there’s an important problem: China’s economy is slowing down. The FT’s China correspondent Edward White explains why this has happened and whether or not it's too late for Xi to make the changes necessary to put the country on a path to strong growth again.   Clip from the South China Morning Post - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:Xi Jinping’s last chance to revive the Chinese economyChina’s property crash: ‘a slow-motion financial crisis’China growth to fall behind rest of Asia for first time since 1990China delays key GDP data in middle of Communist party congress - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Edward White (@edwardwhitenz) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trevor Milton and his electric vehicle start-up Nikola became Spac darlings in 2020 with his plan to transform the trucking industry. Then it all came crashing down. The FT’s Claire Bushey explains the boom and bust of entrepreneur Trevor Milton’s career and what we can learn from his story. Clips from Nikola- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:Nikola founder Trevor Milton accused of misleading investors at fraud trialNikola: the clues in Trevor Milton’s past that investors missed or ignoredUS justice department inquires into Nikola fraud claims- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Claire Bushey (@Claire_Bushey) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07) Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Years of low interest rates sent investors hunting for creative ways to generate returns. One unlikely place they found was inside the song catalogues of some of the top musicians and songwriters of the last few decades. But now, as interest rates rise and the possibility of a global recession looms, the FT’s Anna Nicolaou and Kaye Wiggins explain how one of the hottest recent trends on Wall Street could soon have to face the music. Clip from Chevrolet - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:How Wall Street stormed the music businessBlackstone-backed song rights machine suffers growing painsAnother brick in the Wall Street as Blackstone seeks Pink Floyd catalogue- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Anna Nicolaou (@annaknicolaou), Kaye Wiggins (@kayewiggins) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07) Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the rollout of bivalent boosters for Covid-19 continues, experts are concerned that the US isn’t doing enough to support the development of the next wave of vaccines and treatments that the world needs. In this week’s episode, we hear from White House Covid coordinator Ashish Jha, professor of molecular medicine and cardiologist Eric Topol and the FT’s US pharmaceuticals correspondent Jamie Smyth on what the future of Covid vaccines could and should look like.  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:Investors ditch vaccine stocks after Joe Biden says ‘pandemic is over’Joe Biden’s Covid-19 tsar warns millions risk losing access to treatment- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Jamie Smyth (@JamieSmythF) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07) Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the last year, Starbucks baristas across the US banded together to form unions at the stores where they work. And workers at other big name companies like Amazon have joined in to organise their own workplaces, too. But the FT’s labour and equality correspondent Taylor Nicole Rogers explains how these and other new unions around the US are running up against a classic problem in labour. Can they convince their employers to come to the bargaining table to hash out a contract?  Clips from NBC, CBS- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:US trade unions: Inside the revival brewing at StarbucksJoe Biden secures deal to avert US rail strike Howard Schultz vows Starbucks rebound after coffee chain ‘lost its way’- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Taylor Nicole Rogers (@TaylorNRogers) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07) Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Construction of a massive oil pipeline in east Africa is underway. For the governments of the countries it will run through, it promises new economic opportunities. But for many others, it could spell trouble. Like the fight over North America’s Keystone Pipeline, this one has become an important battleground for environmental groups around the world. The FT’s Leslie Hook explains the approach activists are taking to fight it. Clips from UBC Television Uganda- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:The oil giants drilling among the giraffes in UgandaMarsh revealed in oil pipeline project shunned by leading banks and insurers- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Leslie Hook (@lesliehook) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07) Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tech Tonic is back with a new season all about crypto!We wanted to share with you the second episode of the latest season of Tech Tonic. FT columnist and host Jemima Kelly tries to understand why an influential Silicon Valley investment firm thinks that Web3 is a good bet. Will blockchain technology really be the foundation of a new internet era? Is Web3’s promise to decentralise the internet going to pose a challenge to companies such as Facebook and Twitter? The FT’s innovation editor John Thornhill interviews Chris Dixon, head of Andreessen Horowitz’s crypto fund, and Jemima talks to Molly White, author of the Web3 Is Going Just Great blog.Follow Tech Tonic to hear the full season here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Buying carbon credits is a way for companies to show they’re serious about fighting climate change. But keeping track of these credits is tricky. Now, advocates of the blockchain - the technology that underpins cryptocurrency - say that its digital ledger could be a possible solution to bring transparency to the market. On today’s episode, the FT’s Camilla Hodgson explores whether this technology could help fight climate change or whether some supporters are just in it for their own benefit.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -For further reading:Crypto and climate change: can web3 help get us to net zero?FT News BriefingRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Early in his tenure the new Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon presented a grand new vision for what the massive bank should become. How has it panned out since? And is there still time for Solomon to make the changes it needs? The FT’s US banking editor Joshua Franklin examines what Solomon has and hasn’t achieved in his four years at the helm. Clips from CBS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:In era of quick-fire bosses, Wall Street embraces the ‘forever CEO’The reinvention of Goldman Sachs: what has David Solomon achieved?Goldman raises profitability target in effort to bridge valuation gap - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Joshua Franklin (@FTJFranklin) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07) Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The FT’s south Asia correspondent Ben Parkin explains how Afghanistan’s economy has changed in the year since US forces left the country and the Taliban retook control of the government.   Clips from CBS, BBC - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:The Taliban’s black gold: militants seize on coal to reboot economyLife under the Taliban: ‘what matters is that we’re hungry’The Taliban’s new order: ‘We’ll introduce a system for the world’ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Benjamin Parkin (@b_parkyn) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07) Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Federal Reserve has spent more than a decade buying up government debt as part of a post-2008 program to support the economy, also known as quantitative easing. Now with inflation reaching record highs, those days are over, and a new era of quantitative tightening is emerging. On this week’s episode, the FT’s markets editor Katie Martin explains how markets expect to grapple with the change.  Clips from ABC, CNBC, CBS- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:Did QE cause inflation?The mystery of how quantitative tightening will affect marketsDid central bank balance sheets really need to get so big?- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Katie Martin (@katie_martin_fx) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Venture capital fundraising hit a record-high last year. There were more deals, and more money poured into startups last year than at any other time in history. Now, the FT’s Richard Waters says the fundraising bonanza is over. On this week’s episode, we explore what that means for the future of startups. Clips from Looney Tunes: ⓒ Warner Bros. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:Venture capital’s silent crash: when the tech boom met realityKlarna’s valuation crashes to under $7bn in tough funding roundVenture capital’s delayed rendezvous with reality- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Twitter, follow Richard Waters (@RichardWaters) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.