FT News Briefing Can Jay Powell stick the landing?
Aug 25, 2022
Hedge funds are betting against Italian bonds, reflecting concerns over the nation's political stability. Meanwhile, Japan is looking to revive its nuclear energy ambitions, a surprising pivot after Fukushima. The Federal Reserve faces a tough balancing act: managing inflation without triggering a recession. Blackstone's interest in acquiring Pink Floyd’s music catalog highlights the growing trend of musicians cashing in on their rights. Also discussed are the implications of President Biden's student loan forgiveness plan.
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Hedge Funds Bet Against Italy
- Hedge funds are betting against Italian bonds due to political turmoil and reliance on Russian gas.
- Italy is seen as vulnerable to the European Central Bank's unwinding of stimulus programs.
Japan's Nuclear Energy U-Turn
- Japan is shifting its energy policy by restarting nuclear reactors and potentially building new ones.
- This change follows soaring energy prices and increased public acceptance of nuclear power.
Powell's Soft Landing Challenge
- Fed Chair Jerome Powell faces pressure to control inflation without triggering a severe recession.
- The FT's Colby Smith analyzes past Fed chairs' approaches to this challenge.