FT News Briefing

The payments provider, Stripe, is now worth $95bn after its latest round of fundraising, and more than 4.4m Americans have created businesses during the pandemic. Plus, the FT’s innovation editor, John Thornhill, gives highlights from the latest episode of his Tech Tonic podcast, which looks at two countries where citizens have been comfortable with how their government used some of their private data during the pandemic. Stripe valuation soars to $95bn after latest fundraisinghttps://www.ft.com/content/b9949a88-6c09-4de5-92e7-73994bb2b62fThe Covid entrepreneurs: Americans start millions of new businesseshttps://www.ft.com/content/400ae372-0cb2-48bb-8767-7986848ed9a6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canberra is contemplating investing in a A$1bn biopharmaceutical plant to reduce its dependence on imports of critical medicines, China’s state-backed pharmaceutical group, Sinopharm, wants more governments to buy its Covid-19 vaccine, and Spain is set to become the first EU country to amend its laws to give some gig economy workers employee rights. Plus, the FT’s markets editor, Katie Martin, explains why the European Central Bank will accelerate its bond buying programme.  Australia considers funding vaccine maker to curb reliance on importshttps://www.ft.com/content/483e6275-6d27-433c-9cbc-6918f2c916c6?edit=trueSpain to grant gig delivery workers employee rightshttps://www.ft.com/content/73be294b-a43d-4387-aced-7b5cb0d91007?Sinopharm faces battle to turn Covid vaccine into a global successhttps://www.ft.com/content/99c7a9de-fc11-45ab-890b-f6733ccb4186ECB pledges to step up pace of stimulus to counter market sell-offhttps://www.ft.com/content/bd7ccf1d-3b07-4f13-9a14-68692ef84e95Rise of the retail army: the amateur traders transforming marketshttps://www.ft.com/content/7a91e3ea-b9ec-4611-9a03-a8dd3b8bddb5 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Joe Biden is eyeing a multi-trillion-dollar infrastructure package for the US. Plus, the FT’s chief economics commentator, Martin Wolf, examines how well governments and economic policymakers have handled the economic crisis stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The OECD said on Tuesday that president Joe Biden’s $1.9tn US stimulus programme will boost the global economic recovery, the pandemic is being blamed for lower birth rates across Europe, and the IPO of South Korean ecommerce group, Coupang, is being clouded by worker deaths. Plus, the FT’s energy correspondent, Nathalie Thomas, explains the current surge of interest in green hydrogen as an alternative to fossil fuels. Biden stimulus will boost global recovery, says OECDhttps://www.ft.com/content/7f7d4b7d-028a-41a6-b11e-8320173ae4bcCovid pandemic blamed for falling birth rates across much of Europehttps://www.ft.com/content/bc825399-345c-47b8-82e7-6473a1c9a861?Coupang’s New York listing clouded by worker deathshttps://www.ft.com/content/a90749a2-5f5d-4789-8215-fd4168a50813The race to scale up green hydrogenhttps://www.ft.com/content/7eac54ee-f1d1-4ebc-9573-b52f87d00240Curaleaf bets on more liberal Europe with $300m deal for cannabis producer https://www.ft.com/content/8dffd932-0ecb-444f-9cc0-079466c7b997? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stocks declined on Monday with shares of technology companies leading Wall Street lower, and the stricken supply chain financier, Greensill Capital, files for administration. Plus, the FT’s private capital correspondent, Mark Vandevelde, breaks down the $29bn merger between Apollo Global Capital and Athene Holding. Wall Street dragged lower by tech stocks and pandemic beneficiarieshttps://www.ft.com/content/e4420f17-c0ac-4cd4-807d-4549f5de9bfa?Apollo to merge with Athene creating $29bn conglomeratehttps://www.ft.com/content/e9ba5f23-9777-4730-a59b-d0c4d1fb510cGreensill files for administration and warns of GFG ‘defaults’https://www.ft.com/content/db5bc46a-57cc-4c7d-a6fe-47f5a59412d4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The European Central Bank has asked lenders for details of their exposure to Greensill Capital and its key client GFG Alliance, US president Joe Biden will hold a summit with Japan, India, and Australia to find ways to counter China’s influence, and TikTok is removing videos uploaded by Myanmar soldiers. Plus, the FT’s New York correspondent, Josh Chaffin, explains why lenders have been lenient towards commercial property owners during the pandemic. ECB quizzes banks over exposure to Greensill and Guptahttps://www.ft.com/content/68ea9df2-aa69-4a0b-9462-d3ed6491cee6?Joe Biden enlists ‘Quad’ allies to counter Chinahttps://www.ft.com/content/a481167f-c362-4bd9-a9e9-7fd5944e5ea4TikTok on alert after it becomes outlet for Myanmar soldiershttps://www.ft.com/content/73847311-2aec-4555-ada0-56833da6bdf4Property and the pandemic: the great reckoning that never seems to arrivehttps://www.ft.com/content/084f94e8-84a8-4966-a38b-fcb0b5e6171e Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Federal Reserve chair Jay Powell triggered a sudden sell-off in long-term US Treasury debt and equities Thursday, and Opec and Russia have decided against unleashing a flood of crude on to the market. Plus, the FT’s markets editor, Katie Martin, explains how the UK is going about attracting new companies to the London stock exchange. Powell inflation comments send US stocks and bonds lower https://www.ft.com/content/1feb5449-76f0-4f67-85b2-ab03f05d5a65Oil jumps as Opec and allies decide against big rise in outputhttps://www.ft.com/content/771ebf3a-cff0-4ff3-ab9a-0bbd01a33f55UK looks at new rules to attract companies to London stock exchange https://www.ft.com/content/a9e9de26-7f44-41e1-9dd6-3721a52c7d9c Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Democratic leaders have reached a compromise on a deal that would limit who is eligible for $1,400 stimulus cheques. Plus, the FT’s capital markets correspondent Robert Smith unpacks the rapidly unfolding saga behind Greensill Capital and why the supply chain financier is on the verge of filing for insolvency. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday that the US would have enough doses of coronavirus vaccines for every adult by the end of May, global energy-related carbon emissions have rebounded from coronavirus lockdown levels, and Ant Group has shared just a fraction of its consumer data with China’s central bank, defying Beijing. Plus, the FT’s Berlin bureau chief, Guy Chazan, explains why Germany’s vaccine rollout has gone slower than expected.  Biden says US will have enough jabs to vaccinate all adults by end of Mayhttps://www.ft.com/content/89442c1b-8295-4682-9f09-c040b9017882?Global carbon emissions rebound to pre-lockdown levelshttps://www.ft.com/content/600ad91f-79d4-451c-97c1-ab9a0daf4d3eJack Ma’s Ant defies pressure from Beijing to share more customer data https://www.ft.com/content/1651bc67-4112-4ce5-bf7a-d4ad7039e7c7Germany loses Covid crown as vaccine campaign faltershttps://www.ft.com/content/33f8ffd6-066b-449c-bf7e-edd51d661b19 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two senior Democratic lawmakers have warned the Federal Reserve that it would be a “grave error” to extend looser capital requirements for US banks. ExxonMobil appointed two new board directors on Monday to placate activist shareholders and the former French president Nicolas Sarkozy was sentenced to three years in prison on Monday. Plus, the FT’s global media editor Alex Barker looks back on Rupert Murdoch’s media empire and what succession looks like for the mogul. Democratic senators call for tougher capital requirements for US bankshttps://www.ft.com/conent/44792b80-c331-44e3-b02c-41a151f4cb6c?Exxon adds two board directors in wake of activist pressure https://www.ft.com/content/be866c6f-bbff-4500-927b-49e02b7b9023Nicolas Sarkozy sentenced to jail for corruptionhttps://www.ft.com/content/1f2fe078-34f7-4665-afd7-a829082c7874Rupert Murdoch at 90: Fox, succession and ‘one more big play’https://www.ft.com/content/d9719c27-5e95-49c3-a534-2796196c6af7 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is set to announce the UK’s budget on Monday and it includes a £5bn “restart” grant scheme, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen warns that Europe could face an “era of pandemics,” and Japanese officials are preparing revisions to the country’s corporate governance code in an effort to change an inward looking corporate culture. Plus, the FT’s Patrick McGee explains how Lucid Motors will challenge Tesla in the electric vehicle market. Sunak to give £5bn boost to Covid-hit companies in Budgethttps://www.ft.com/content/9c6e7088-5577-4b17-adc1-502bffd33a76Europe must prepare for ‘era of pandemics’, von der Leyen sayshttps://www.ft.com/content/fba558ff-94a5-4c6c-b848-c8fd91b13c16?Japan prepares to shake up corporate codehttps://www.ft.com/content/a8de1297-52b1-4ee7-aa24-b4e966790dbaLucid takes on Tesla as electric vehicle competition hots uphttps://www.ft.com/content/8e01e59e-5b89-46c2-a798-6945fa2f255dNote: This episode has been updated to reflect that the Sputnik V vaccine was developed in Russia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury exceeded 1.5 per cent for the first time in a year and the outgoing head of Petrobras warns Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro against state controlled fuel prices. Plus, the FT’s Africa editor, David Pilling, discusses the Covax vaccine rollout in low-income countries. Wall Street stocks sell off as government bond rout accelerateshttps://www.ft.com/content/ea46ee81-89a2-4f23-aeff-2a099c02432cOusted Petrobras chief hits back at Bolsonaro https://www.ft.com/content/1cd6c9fb-3201-4815-9f4f-61a4f0881856?Africa will pay more for Russian Covid vaccine than ‘western’ jabshttps://www.ft.com/content/ffe40c7d-c418-4a93-a202-5ee996434de7 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

GameStop’s share price doubled in the final 90 minutes of trading on Wednesday, partners at the consultancy McKinsey have voted to remove Kevin Sneader from his post as global managing partner, and Myanmar’s banking system has ground almost to a halt as employees joined protests against the military coup. Plus, climatologist Michael Mann explains why wind power is not to blame for power failures in Texas during the recent cold snap.GameStop shares double in final 90 minutes of trading dayhttps://www.ft.com/content/50eaa1b5-d244-4b3e-b460-736828c049cdMyanmar protesters join general strike in defiance of threats of violencehttps://www.ft.com/content/5f61da58-e618-42a8-b13c-300567248ff1Blaming Texas electricity failure on windhttps://www.ft.com/content/adc21f2b-ccf7-4b8b-8604-53cae556a7ddSports gear maker Under Armour halves sponsorship commitments https://www.ft.com/content/f97405a1-4187-4186-833c-c8c4f07bfcbf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Federal Reserve chairman Jay Powell spoke to Congress on Tuesday and indicated the central bank would maintain its ultra-loose monetary policy, the Biden administration is planning a broad package of measures to punish Moscow for the SolarWinds hack, and holiday bookings in the UK surged after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a plan for easing the coronavirus lockdown. Plus, the FT’s banking editor, Stephen Morris, explains why the global bank HSBC is pivoting back to its roots in Asia.Powell signals ‘hope for return to more normal conditions’https://www.ft.com/content/7f4a37e4-1930-4f9c-86e5-5e6fd9fbba5aUS considers sanctions against Russia over SolarWinds hackhttps://www.ft.com/content/d7d67ea7-8423-4b9c-819d-761fa4a10fa0?Holiday bookings surge after UK unveils plans for lockdown easinghttps://www.ft.com/content/055ba761-3610-4d61-97a3-4a3719af066dHSBC shifts ‘heart of business’ to Asia in latest strategy revamphttps://www.ft.com/content/eb321081-434e-43f4-b9e7-13354afdfc5f Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nasdaq Composite closed 2.5 per cent lower on Monday as rising inflation expectations undercut arguments for tech stocks’ high valuations, Brazilian markets were rattled after president Jair Bolsonaro removed the head of Petrobras, and American rapper Jay-Z signs a big champagne deal with LVMH. Plus, the FT’s clean energy and environment correspondent, Leslie Hook, explains how Big Tech companies became one of the world’s largest supporters of green energy. Global stocks fall on nerves over inflation outlookhttps://www.ft.com/content/cab2caee-60c9-40cb-a115-099287ab8bf4Brazilian markets rattled by Bolsonaro’s removal of Petrobras chiefhttps://www.ft.com/content/68b0c6cf-7d78-4e0e-9025-bfaca7e098e2LVMH signs champagne deal with rap star Jay-Zhttps://www.ft.com/content/840826e8-a70e-4f1d-82a4-1b83895eced5How tech went big on green energyhttps://www.ft.com/content/0c69d4a4-2626-418d-813c-7337b8d5110d? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, is set to lay out a road map for lifting England’s lockdown, HSBC is accelerating its “pivot to Asia”, and McKinsey’s 650 senior partners have begun voting on whether Kevin Sneader should serve a second term at the helm of the business consultancy. Plus, the UK’s competition watchdog is planning new probes on Big Tech companies. The FT’s Brussels correspondent, Javier Espinoza talks to Andrea Coscelli, the head of the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority. Schools in England to reopen on March 8 under easing of lockdownhttps://www.ft.com/content/3a0434e5-8cac-4922-8f0f-062db0604115HSBC intensifies pivot to Asia with job moves and US exithttps://www.ft.com/content/38c3670c-3b0f-41e6-874e-0f9eee553744UK competition watchdog warns Big Tech of coming antitrust probeshttps://www.ft.com/content/da5c30a8-6fab-4131-b6bd-f8f05dcf5a46?McKinsey senior echelons vote in referendum on Sneader leadershiphttps://www.ft.com/content/f001f3ef-e296-4eb6-b711-5f7cb773e314 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an exclusive interview with the FT, French president Emmanuel Macron urges wealthy countries to help poorer ones access coronavirus vaccines, and US lawmakers grill key players in the GameStop trading saga. Plus the FT’s markets editor Katie Martin explains why a sell off in US government bonds could threaten Wall Street’s record run. US bond sell-off stirs warnings over stock market strengthhttps://www.ft.com/content/00c99cd2-7f9a-4a37-bb20-ce8d96f2527fRobinhood chief apologises over GameStop affairhttps://www.ft.com/content/69c0b5b0-9d49-4d0e-8f32-fe9428bff5b1Oil ‘supercycle’ predictions divide veteran tradeshttps://www.ft.com/content/f87ce114-f437-4c3f-bb73-fa38ca78146b Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Facebook has defied Australia’s push to make Big Tech pay for news by banning the sharing of content on its platform in the country, the oil and gas industry in Texas has buckled under the strain of a blast of Arctic weather, and three North Korean computer programmers have been charged over a cyber-hack spree. Plus, the FT’s global China editor, James Kynge, explains how Beijing’s digital currency is doubling as a surveillance tool for the state.News Corp agrees deal with Google on payments for its journalism https://www.ft.com/content/cec5d055-c2d1-4d5f-a392-a6343beb0b01Oil and gas industry in Texas buckles under strain of Arctic blasthttps://www.ft.com/content/9b7cdaf2-f43b-49c3-b8b8-b4840f95ebbdVirtual control: the agenda behind China’s new digital currencyhttps://www.ft.com/content/7511809e-827e-4526-81ad-ae83f405f623 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

China is exploring limits on exports of rare earth minerals that are crucial for the manufacture of American F-35 fighter jets, and stock trading volumes in Hong Kong have soared to four times those on London’s main exchange. The FT’s markets reporter, Nikou Asgari, explains why Amsterdam is becoming the European capital for Spacs. Plus, Chicago’s storied Second City comedy club may have a buyer. China targets rare earth export curbs to hobble US defence industryhttps://www.ft.com/content/d3ed83f4-19bc-4d16-b510-415749c032c1European bankers set sights on Amsterdam as regional Spac capitalhttps://www.ft.com/content/240293a8-20ed-4cf3-a5ec-63dc1c2d9076?Hong Kong stock trading volumes jump to 4 times those of LSEhttps://www.ft.com/content/c324674c-c91e-427e-82c5-87a7e9a53bab Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Joe Biden heads to Wisconsin to sell his stimulus plan, and the cold snap in Texas tests the state’s freewheeling electricity model. The pandemic’s online shopping surge has led to more warehouse automation, but that is making some human jobs tougher. Plus, Russian discount retailer Fix Price is planning a London stock market listing that could value the company at more than $6bn.Biden steps up stimulus pitch in bid to seal deal with Congresshttps://www.ft.com/content/1c172f12-87c0-4fda-82f2-40954d36b3f8Texas starts blackouts as frigid weather sends power prices surginghttps://www.ft.com/content/4d07eedc-b3ec-417e-8cb1-5895178c9f9bWhy I was wrong to be optimistic about robotshttps://www.ft.com/content/087fce16-3924-4348-8390-235b435c53b2Russian discount retailer aims to raise $1bn in London IPOhttps://www.ft.com/content/f8f68d4a-42b3-4c75-80ec-545b7d47831f Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brussels is set to allow data to continue to flow freely from the EU to the UK. In Argentina, the country’s powerful vice president wants to postpone a crucial $44bn debt deal with the IMF until the pandemic has eased. Commodities such as oil and copper may be entering a new ‘supercycle’ of higher prices. Plus, in China, at least, people are still going out to the movies.  Brussels to allow data to continue to flow to UKhttps://www.ft.com/content/43ed5e0a-7b0a-40db-800f-6f3b9c58b9a8Argentina’s powerful vice-president pushes for delay to IMF debt dealhttps://www.ft.com/content/78b08f12-7b78-4ecd-8e64-a717f8a43e09Investors set for commodities ‘bull run’ as prices rise in tandemhttps://www.ft.com/content/27086ad8-bc84-4e2e-9195-91880fa6916fChina’s box office roars while Hollywood remains on mutehttps://www.ft.com/content/573340cb-30b9-421e-8fec-51c8348a6bbb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Europe’s IPO market is off to its strongest start in five years thanks to a flurry of tech and ecommerce listings, Disney continues to attract subscribers to its streaming service, and China’s massive corn purchases have sent the price of the crop soaring. And the FT’s markets editor, Katie Martin, shares her thoughts on Elon Musk’s excitement over cryptocurrencies and whether it will spur wider adoption of digital currencies.  European IPOs mark best start to year since 2015 with €8bn haulhttps://www.ft.com/content/171ea5f4-b3f4-4e76-bb13-2480879d1bd0?Elon Musk’s effect on crypto world shows how irrational markets arehttps://www.ft.com/content/92ab487d-1990-42b9-b7d3-ba9d54d9bd22Disney Plus added 8m subscribers over Christmas https://www.ft.com/content/49581411-5650-4448-8325-ce12f85ee86bChina’s record purchase of corn a ‘watershed moment’ for grain markethttps://www.ft.com/content/94b04a3e-6169-4b07-8218-413138c641a1? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amsterdam surpassed London as Europe’s largest share trading centre last month, Federal Reserve chairman Jay Powell has pledged to keep monetary policy loose to support the struggling US labour market, and the World Health Organization recommended the use of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine for all adults. Plus, Italy will receive €200bn from the EU’s coronavirus recovery fund to help revive its economy. The FT’s Brussels bureau chief, Sam Fleming, explains what is at stake for Italy and the EU.Amsterdam ousts London as Europe’s top share trading hubhttps://www.ft.com/content/3dad4ef3-59e8-437e-8f63-f629a5b7d0aaPowell stresses patience in pledge to keep monetary policy loosehttps://www.ft.com/content/7ed63e7f-5389-42e8-beed-15b5d450c589WHO recommends use of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine for all adults https://www.ft.com/content/be33aa38-5eff-4069-b104-ba7bdb735c72 ‘We expect Italy to do its homework’: Draghi and the EU recovery fundhttps://www.ft.com/content/7c2007d9-6ce9-4895-ac5c-cd17e3bf69b2 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twitter’s user growth fell short of expectations for the second quarter in a row, more than 70 investors call on Amazon to stop interfering with a unionisation effort, and Huawei asks a US court to overturn the Federal Communication Commission ruling that labels the telecoms company a security threat. Plus, the FT’s global China editor, James Kynge, explains how US-China investment continues despite political tension.Twitter warns of slowing user growth as pandemic surge fades https://www.ft.com/content/ff84e6c2-a937-4b88-bd8c-df8bcaa1ee7eHuawei challenges its designation as a threat to US securityhttps://www.ft.com/content/b7c2294d-9207-4fae-8fed-d63a80c99618Amazon must not interfere with US union effort, say investorshttps://www.ft.com/content/c7f24fbb-bb4e-489e-8a30-37708700e816US-China investment flows belie geopolitical tensionshttps://www.ft.com/content/b3dcc262-a153-4624-bc1d-156179d6e914 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EU lawmakers want to force Big Tech companies to pay for news, echoing a similar move in Australia, Tesla’s $1.5bn investment in bitcoin sends the cryptocurrency to record highs, and oil hits $60 a barrel for the first time in a year. Plus, the FT’s Tokyo correspondent, Kana Inagaki, explains what drove SoftBank’s Vision Fund to have its best quarter in four years. EU ready to follow Australia’s lead on making Big Tech pay for newshttps://www.ft.com/content/4c40c890-afd3-40a3-9582-78a66c37a8afTesla sends bitcoin to record high with $1.5bn investmenthttps://www.ft.com/content/5e83f15e-ea2c-4d2f-8ae8-bf72fc5effd0Oil hits $60 for first time in a year as supply cuts outweigh lockdownshttps://www.ft.com/content/3032d80d-89b0-4020-922e-f4fa15435b5dSoftBank’s Vision Fund posts best quarter since launch in 2017https://www.ft.com/content/c2f107a7-734d-450a-bf46-eb68a65ceaf4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TikTok plans to expand into ecommerce in the US to compete with Facebook, Cuba has announced it will open most of the economy to private business, and Mercedes-Benz says by 2030 it will make as much from its electric cars as it does from its luxury combustion engine models. Plus, the FT’s environment and clean energy correspondent, Leslie Hook, looks at the global shift to renewable energy and how it could change the geopolitical landscape.TikTok takes on Facebook with US ecommerce pushhttps://www.ft.com/content/629c1c17-3daa-46af-8177-1814baaa2bed?Cuba lifts ban on most private business https://www.ft.com/content/3956b50f-621a-4289-90c3-247a2762fae2Mercedes’ electric profits to match those for combustion models by end of decadehttps://www.ft.com/content/6021706c-4f00-4547-9082-20e1d1d2d540?How the race for renewable energy is reshaping global politics https://www.ft.com/content/a37d0ddf-8fb1-4b47-9fba-7ebde29fc510 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

German carmakers are considering their own semiconductor stockpiles to avoid supply chain troubles, the UK government could soon hold directors personally liable for the accuracy of their companies’ financial statements, and CVC Capital Partners eyes a minority stake in one of the NBA’s most valuable teams. Plus, the FT’s Asia business editor, Leo Lewis, explains how robots in Japan are boosting employment.  Carmakers consider supply chain overhaul to avert more chip criseswww.ft.com/content/3ecd3ccd-18d1-45a0-afb6-84719bdadf52UK directors face tough new liability rules under major audit reformhttps://www.ft.com/content/d4dd13a9-903e-4ff7-9fc3-d30ffdf764beJapan’s love of robots is paying offhttps://www.ft.com/content/72268b41-9731-4ee9-a32d-a9b463e362c1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The EU and the UK are set to open probes into Nvidia’s $40bn acquisition of chip designer Arm, Microsoft looks to capitalise on Google’s threat to shut its search engine in Australia, and Mario Draghi accepts the mandate to form Italy’s next government. Plus, the FT’s retail correspondent, Jonathan Eley, explains how bargain retail is surging during the pandemic. UK and EU to open in-depth probes into Nvidia’s $40bn acquisition of Armwww.ft.com/content/a3adccc9-678e-44ef-bdb5-e847ecb7de8cAustralia media law push undeterred by Google search exit threatwww.ft.com/content/5d656fa3-9278-4528-9edf-514ddfd29c1d?Mario Draghi accepts mandate to form new Italian governmenthttps://www.ft.com/content/9022639f-9b88-40fe-9875-1d4a282ac5e4Bagging bargains: the unexpected rise of the discount megastorehttps://www.ft.com/content/554984ba-c010-4956-9125-6a7fc6806295 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amazon chief executive Jeff Bezos will step aside later this year to become executive chairman of the ecommerce group, Italy’s president is expected to ask former European Central Bank president, Mario Draghi, to begin talks to form a new Italian government of national unity, and the price of silver retreated on Tuesday after a surge last week. Plus, the FT’s John Reed, explains what the military coup in Myanmar means for the country. Amazon’s Jeff Bezos to step aside as chief executive this yearhttps://www.ft.com/content/b100100e-48d9-4b06-86e0-ed81dd9eee92Mario Draghi set to form new Italian governmenthttps://www.ft.com/content/36a84f52-7287-4062-a150-24f58d9b053aSilver price retreats rapidly in blow to new retail buyershttps://www.ft.com/content/77e6fef6-37ff-4f8e-abd6-4c2d65ac120cMyanmar coup blindsides the Westhttps://www.ft.com/content/cee63a22-4796-48bb-bcc3-0e3c95114ee0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Biden has threatened to impose sanctions on Myanmar after the military seized power in a coup, and Robinhood raises another $2.4bn to shore up finances strained by turbulent trading. Plus, the FT’ Beijing bureau chief, Ryan McMorrow, explains the popularity of TikTok’s big rival in China, Kuaishou, which goes public this week. US threatens sanctions on Myanmar after military coupft.com/content/1934605c-ecf1-4e7b-aac7-45ad8031b879?Robinhood raises $2.4bn in second cash injection in four dayshttps://www.ft.com/content/790324e0-8526-4d9e-9717-a4430e1be034Robinhood’s bid to ‘democratise trading’ checked by Wall Street realties www.ft.com/content/9e69faf0-09c4-42ca-8c5f-78dc9568c18fKuaishou IPO boosts biggest rival to China’s TikTok’s https://www.ft.com/content/2b7a8bec-7f01-45b8-ac9f-1fe3f1cbd1f4Wheels Up set to go public via Spac mergerhttps://www.ft.com/content/ec08b822-e022-41d1-8252-0a04b2772031 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reddit traders have targeted silver markets after piling into GameStop shares last week, and Republicans in the US Senate float a stimulus deal a third the size of president Joe Biden’s plan. Plus, the FT’s chief features writer, Henry Mance, spoke with the founder of the internet investigative group Bellingcat and shines a light on the trailblazing group. Reddit traders switch sights to silver after equities attackft.com/content/d46e8623-09af-4a1f-b7e5-207616388b0f?GameStop mania: why Reddit traders are unlikely to face prosecutionhttps://www.ft.com/content/8caa3c75-944a-468e-8a68-9deeec8b67d8Republican senators float compromise $600bn stimulus dealhttps://www.ft.com/content/20859a91-cadc-42c2-b97b-a994efd65ec1Bellingcat’s Eliot Higgins: ‘We’re on the precipice of the misinformation age’https://www.ft.com/content/0f31590f-74cf-4cfa-b0d6-92e8f27d6d34 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The EU’s Covid-19 vaccination plan is nearing a crisis point after several regions suspended inoculations over the shortage of jabs, and amateur day traders are challenging the financial establishment. Plus, the FT’s Seoul correspondent, Ed White, tells us how a North Korean defector is exposing the effect that sanctions are having on Kim Jong Un's regime"Shortfall in jabs pushes EU vaccine drive to crisis pointhttps://www.ft.com/content/1b2afe60-b5e6-456d-98e0-313fe664d0b9Occupy Wall Street spirit returns as traders upset the eliteshttps://www.ft.com/content/bcfb2252-f752-4177-a860-07dc66b0b9e8North Korea defection exposes pressure on NK Diplomates https://www.ft.com/content/7330790c-9630-44a5-9fa7-b446aa94e872 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Biden administration says it is “monitoring the situation” as shares in companies including GameStop, AMC and BlackBerry surged in trading on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Wall Street’s big indexes dropped after Federal Reserve chairman Jay Powell described a weakening in the recovery of the US economy, and China’s Covid-19 vaccine makers are having no problem meeting demand. Plus, the FT’s investment correspondent, Attracta Mooney, has been following BlackRock’s sustainability efforts and reports on how well the world’s largest asset manager is keeping its promises. ‘Short squeeze’ spreads as day traders hunt next GameStophttps://www.ft.com/content/acc1dbfe-80a4-4b63-90dd-05f27f21ceb2Wall Street notches its worst day since Octoberhttps://www.ft.com/content/570f7453-fb9b-4c73-845e-a33178f4942eLex Letter from Seoul: China’s vaccines and efficacy rateshttps://www.ft.com/content/768f7e3a-0a10-47a5-9f0d-ea1927ebb4ecBlackRock’s sustainability ‘report card’ one year from Fink’s annual letterhttps://www.ft.com/content/d7e83ba0-c90b-46c0-9233-ad06187606c1Walmart turns to robot-staffed warehouses to handle online ordershttps://www.ft.com/content/1b1b11c8-200c-4f7c-a431-6460f90bb95d? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Facing a shortfall in vaccine supplies and slow pace of vaccinations, the EU is debating how to restrict exports of coronavirus vaccines, India’s farmers are angry about agricultural reforms that could erode the state-run model and boost private agribusiness, and the plant-based food company Beyond Meat partners with Pepsico. Plus, a serious look at silly prices in the stock market with the FT’s markets editor, Katie Martin. Germany presses Brussels for powers to block vaccine exportshttps://www.ft.com/content/ed0059c9-1ea5-4ba9-a1ff-88004b59e71dInvestor anxiety mounts over prospect of stock market ‘bubble’https://www.ft.com/content/a790c796-f0c4-4cf9-8c7a-3b52daff89e4IMF expects US, China to recover most strongly from the virus economic hithttps://www.ft.com/content/341577c5-92f2-4bd3-a235-331d0db5dbbdFarmers flood into New Delhi to vent anger over agriculture reformshttps://www.ft.com/content/0312fd46-b47e-4c55-b007-c56f5e6f24beNarendra Modi’s ‘noble’ wait for a Covid jab makes him camera shyhttps://www.ft.com/content/c86afc76-f49b-432d-b2c0-5aa3655903bd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Companies have launched a $400bn fundraising blitz in the first three weeks of 2021 as government and central bank stimulus cascades across capital markets. Leon Black is to retire as chief executive of Apollo Global Management; the announcement came as Apollo revealed the conclusion of a review into Mr Black’s relationship with the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Plus, Henry Foy on what’s fuelling Russia’s Navalny protests and Tom Mitchell on Zoom’s warning for other companies in China. Companies raise $400bn over three weeks in blistering start to 2021https://www.ft.com/content/45770ddb-29e0-41c2-a97a-60ce13810ff2Leon Black steps down as chief executive of Apollohttps://www.ft.com/content/97fdc05b-d3cd-45b7-b155-5f4ab525c59aZoom spy claims a warning for multinationals in Chinahttps://www.ft.com/content/75ca2308-a192-4118-8283-fa8147ec39ceSan Francisco 49ers lift stake in Leeds Unitedhttps://www.ft.com/content/da10082e-5723-4783-8820-76f58d98d1af Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US has signalled a more confrontational stance toward Russia after Moscow cracked down on protesters over the weekend. In Congress, Democrats have said they want a deal on President Biden’s $1.9tn stimulus plan before taking up Donald Trump’s impeachment trial in the Senate. The WHO warns richer countries that they face a hit to their own recoveries if they fail to help the developing world roll out vaccines, and the technology for self-driving cars continues to be a grind. US demands release of Navalny after Russia cracks down on protestershttps://www.ft.com/content/3bacc3d7-b1ea-41ef-a949-0f60db7b8243What effect will Biden Stimulus have on Fed policyhttps://www.ft.com/content/e54712dd-bb35-43e4-8533-f1ae28fec054Vaccine delays in poorer nations threaten advanced economieshttps://www.ft.com/content/53c668bc-1066-4d8c-8c8d-5d29ba34a06eRolling out driverless cars is “extraordinary grind,” says Waymo bosshttps://www.ft.com/content/6b1b11ea-b50b-4dd5-802d-475c9731e89a Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Joe Biden has moved to have the US rejoin the Paris climate accord, but becoming a leader in lowering carbon emissions will not be so easy. Then, a look at how the European Central Bank is bracing for the latest phase of the pandemic-induced economic crisis. Plus, the FT’s art market columnist, Melanie Gerlis, explains how auction houses and galleries are surviving and adapting to the pandemic. The US will rejoin the Paris climate accord — what happens now?ft.com/content/81dd2826-55b6-44c2-b981-88717ec70314?ECB details bond-buying shift as it holds rates and stimulus steadyhttps://www.ft.com/content/14821fa0-0e3e-4a95-8414-53a257ee9142Art market: Predictions for 2021https://www.ft.com/content/86c27d1c-ff65-40a2-b6b2-d4add0209ffa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Company leaders have warned they will fight Biden Administration moves to raise corporate taxes and tighten regulation, and earnings reports show that big US banks had a strong end to 2020 thanks to trading. Plus, the FT’s Javier Espinoza continues his conversation with the European Commission’s competition and digital policy chief, Margrethe Vestager, about the future of big tech regulation. Business to Biden: prepare for a fight over tax and minimum wagehttps://www.ft.com/content/7027014e-9478-4320-97ee-a1c8144b4638Vestager warns Big Tech to cooperate or face patchwork of laws across EUhttps://www.ft.com/content/2bd619a2-dee0-492a-b397-73a0ba00e369Morgan Stanley posts record profit as trading boomshttps://www.ft.com/content/0f44d1b7-d79f-4c2a-b45e-d4c2d0ce4637 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Biden faces a long list of challenges after he is sworn in as the 46th US president today, Mr Biden’s nominee to serve as Treasury secretary, Janet Yellen, told Congress to “go big” on stimulus during her Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday, and a US court has struck down the pro-coal power sector rules set by the outgoing president, Donald Trump. Plus, the FT’s Javier Espinoza speaks with Margrethe Vestager, the EU’s executive vice-president in charge of digital policy, about the future of tech regulation. Joe Biden’s challenge: big, early victories in a toxic political climate https://www.ft.com/content/fa01bc64-a80c-4c32-abad-f8eb778c4fe6US court strikes down Trump’s pro-coal power sector ruleshttps://www.ft.com/content/fed06dac-7c84-47be-a137-0480518a9e98Vestager warns Big Tech to cooperate or face patchwork of laws across EUhttps://www.ft.com/content/2bd619a2-dee0-492a-b397-73a0ba00e369Netflix signals stock buybacks to come as subscribers hit 200mhttps://www.ft.com/content/ae6f0ad5-a685-4eab-86f5-a65e8c7021ef Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The cost of shipping goods from China to Europe has more than tripled in the past eight weeks as the pandemic disrupts global trade, Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny has been sent to prison just a day after returning to his home country despite international demands to release him, and Italian prime minister Guissepe Conte faces a crunch confidence vote by lawmakers today. Plus, the FT’s US investment editor, Michael MacKenzie, explains why the chief executive of Brookfield Asset management thinks the markets have undervalued real estate.   Tripling of China-Europe shipping costs threatens to hit goods supply ft.com/content/ad5e1a80-cecf-4b18-9035-ee50be9adfc6?Russia jails opposition activist Alexei Navalny for 30 dayshttps://www.ft.com/content/9c42f190-5ec2-4ad7-8bc6-f9e449200a9fItalian coalition parties back PM Conte after resignationshttps://www.ft.com/content/4cf07e94-d7ad-408c-bf08-1093318c8b48Markets are underestimating the lure of the office, says Brookfield chief https://www.ft.com/content/0316678b-664a-42f8-900a-5c5b5076e29e? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thousands of National Guard troops are being deployed to Washington to safeguard the capital for the inauguration of Joe Biden. The president-elect is already planning which executive orders he will sign, but there is still time for President Trump’s secretary of state to leave his mark on foreign policy. Germany’s ruling party, the Christian Democratic Union, has a new leader to replace Angela Merkel. Plus, the FT’s Tim Bradshaw reports that the pandemic tech boom is leaving cities with better logistics networks.  Washington fortified for Biden’s inauguration amid fears of more violencehttps://www.ft.com/content/94db9b9b-243b-4ce8-9e10-452fadc523ecPompeo tries to pin Biden down with parting foreign policy blitzhttps://www.ft.com/content/2b4e9369-8da5-4d12-b720-59b68a2136e6Angela Merkel’s heir apparent: Armin Laschet’s rise to the summit of German politicshttps://www.ft.com/content/371d6d1b-d95e-4d69-a3b3-b89ae71c03d7The pandemic tech boom is reshaping our cities  https://www.ft.com/content/40c3a928-6faf-4746-903d-3a114aac3878Indonesia deploys social media influencers in vaccine drivehttps://www.ft.com/content/adb9d6c6-ab89-4fe4-aae9-4b226e5f879f Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Biden plans to ask Congress for a $1.9tn economic rescue package, Federal Reserve chairman Jay Powell assures markets that asset purchases will continue, four big US banks report quarterly earnings, and far-right groups find alternative internet platforms to rally for further unrest. Plus, the FT’s Guy Chazan on who is vying to replace Angela Merkel as leader of Germany’s ruling party. Biden to push $1.9tn stimulus for pandemic-battered US economyhttps://www.ft.com/content/05e07e0d-1f2a-45da-bafb-367f4100c26aPowell moves to stamp out market fear of exit from loose policyhttps://www.ft.com/content/21d89f6d-be8f-48dc-9085-1e9baabcbdbeTop US banks set for $10bn round of buybackshttps://www.ft.com/content/c2b155a3-8901-4011-be32-fde3f4bad740Far-right turns to alternative platforms to stoke further unresthttps://www.ft.com/content/f5c4679b-20c5-4b68-bb6d-958f17385183?After Merkel: the battle for the soul of the Christian Democratic Unionhttps://www.ft.com/content/ce034f34-cbc6-4ea9-8c16-41fc939fc0fe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has become the first US president in history to be impeached twice, New York City cuts business ties with the Trump Organization, and the City of London has a post-pandemic recovery plan. Plus, the FT’s Beijing bureau chief, Tom Mitchell, explains what the clash between Jack Ma and Beijing means for China’s private sector. Donald Trump is impeached for second timehttps://www.ft.com/content/fc81c3df-f6c0-47c2-8efc-5a14d511f7e7New York City is latest to cut ties with Trump businesseshttps://www.ft.com/content/11b92247-b405-4e03-808d-2b802c63ff38Jack Ma vs Xi Jinping: the future of private business in Chinahttps://www.ft.com/content/751c2500-f50d-47c9-8f04-a28ad62285fd?segmentId=6bf9295a-189d-71c6-18fb-d469f27d3523City of London sets out five year post-pandemic recovery planft.com/content/91c887fc-29ef-472f-8e3f-22cb7d21573a? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Facebook-owned WhatsApp is scrambling to stave off privacy concerns following a recent update to its terms of service; greenhouse gas emissions in the US rose less in 2020 than in any year since the second world war; China’s fast-growing tech industry is in the spotlight for harsh working conditions. Plus, the FT’s Richard Waters reports on the growth of Microsoft Teams and what it could mean for the future of online work.What’sApp fights back as users flee to Signal and Telegram https://www.ft.com/content/ee1b716d-4ed2-4b26-8da1-40c98db7b9b6?US emissions rise the least since second world war during pandemic ft.com/content/1b1dfaf0-4dfb-4788-9270-f880242b2a56?Pinduoduo hit by new allegations over working practiceshttps://www.ft.com/content/cc7aa0f0-ca28-4bf1-a3a1-823cc5e6fad1Microsoft looks to make 2021 the year of Teamshttps://www.ft.com/content/1bbe1b15-dde6-4a3b-9728-8991818b6c92 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

U-S corporations are reviewing their political donations after the attack on the Capitol building, and research has found the huge global cyber espionage campaign discovered last month was carried out using tools similar to those developed by known Russian hacking group, Turla. Plus, the FT’s Turkey correspondent, Laura Pitel, explains how Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s aggressive foreign policy moves have left Ankara isolated from the west. Corporate American pulls political donations after assault on Capitol https://www.ft.com/content/be344816-3fab-42e2-99ed-38309d06a435SolarWinds cyber attack linked to tools used by Russian hacking grouphttps://www.ft.com/content/e1b247d5-ef53-4e82-afc3-9e3c2d7c5e2cErdogan’s great game: Soldiers, spies and Turkey’s quest for powerhttps://www.ft.com/content/8052b8aa-62b9-40c9-a40c-d7187d5cd98a? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Technology companies are blocking President Donald Trump from their platforms, renters fleeing U-S cities are straining the market for  mortgage-backed securities, and Europe tries to enforce its investment deal with China. Plus, the Consumer Electronics Show kicks off, virtually.Twitter vs Trump: has Big Tech gone too far?ft.com/content/6df12c33-e7a3-482b-92da-8c3549789a6b?Fading allure of urban life leaves dent on US mortgage bonds ft.com/content/67cb87c0-ef93-410f-90bc-60ffaf42af5e?EU and China agree new investment treatyhttps://www.ft.com/content/6a429460-4bfb-42d4-9191-73ba97dde130CES enters the pandemic era, taking a turn for the practicalhttps://www.ft.com/content/5c6b159c-da65-439f-8831-708cc0930aae Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Trump concedes power for the first time and calls for an orderly transition: the FT’s US managing editor Peter Spiegel looks at how Joe Biden can unite a divided nation; global markets have continued rising despite the chaos in Washington; Boeing agrees to pay $2.5bn to resolve a criminal charge stemming from the 737 Max crashes; and counter-culture icon Neil Young cashes in on the music streaming boom. Democratic leaders call on Pence to force Trump from White House https://www.ft.com/content/cecab0e3-ddb6-40fa-a78b-1d98fb3f7759Boeing to pay $2.5bn to resolve criminal case over 737 Max crashes https://www.ft.com/content/1e64a9ea-4659-4513-b82f-0a4b5e7cae1cBlue sweep of Congress will add pressure to weak dollar, analysts sayhttps://www.ft.com/content/9e58d2fb-37c5-432e-b4c6-dcf862d43b7dNeil Young joins music rights gold rush after striking Hipgnosis dealhttps://www.ft.com/content/dd67a2ab-d6e1-4334-ae45-ef1bf65f1e82Review clip: Silver Fiddle Music, Hipgnosis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Congressional leaders reconvened on Wednesday night to certify Joe Biden’s victory in November’s presidential election, defying pro-Trump rioters who attempted to scupper the process by storming the Capitol earlier in the day. The FT’s US managing editor, Peter Spiegel, reports on a frantic day in Washington. Further reading:Angry mobs of Trump supporters interrupt transfer of powerhttps://www.ft.com/content/9a37c259-f7c8-4cca-9a00-83e7e5b9287d‘Blue wave’ trade back on after Georgia Senate pollhttps://www.ft.com/content/15c8d75b-07dd-4382-8b98-bcc8fa0c900aNew York Stock Exchange reverse course again on China delistingshttps://www.ft.com/content/83cd59a9-05ba-4639-8ee4-2cb6c04e89e2 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saudi Arabia pledged to cut an extra 1m barrels a day of oil output in February and March, and also has agreed to end its dispute with Qatar. Plus, the FT’s US business editor, Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, explains why businesses are making their voices heard when it comes to the Republican rebellion against the outcome of the presidential election. Saudis pledge to cut oil output despite Russian increasesft.com/content/c5468924-5383-4717-81c8-5d0658748f31?Saudi Arabia and allies to restore ties with Qatarhttps://www.ft.com/content/ad2eb477-b8f8-4dae-9e4c-a441759fc897Diehard Trump Republicans on collision course with US businessft.com/content/9fe61a5e-b57a-4a99-8985-ad7867a500b0? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US equities had their worst day since October as spiking coronavirus cases and lockdowns shook investors, nearly €6bn of EU share dealing shifted away from London in the first trading day after Brexit, and China’s currency has rallied to its highest level in more than two years. Plus, the FT’s economics editor, Chris Giles, explains why the OECD’s top economist wants governments to rethink their constraints on public spending. EU shares trading flees London on First day after full Brexithttps://www.ft.com/content/a434b756-afe0-454d-9d70-ef2d42ea8d55Wall Street suffers worst day since October on virus advance https://www.ft.com/content/82e8a6ee-78a3-4ed1-aa13-bf6a67e58d97Renminbi rallies past 6.5 per dollar for first time since 2018https://www.ft.com/content/c91a70d8-001c-4924-9bfa-9b5c21099112OECD warns governments to rethink constraints on public spendinghttps://www.ft.com/content/7c721361-37a4-4a44-9117-6043afee0f6b Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.