Novo Nordisk's weight-loss drugs are discussed, along with the possibility of Bank of England interest rate cuts in 2024. The booming fertility industry in India is explored, highlighting the challenges of infertility and the business opportunities it presents. The podcast concludes by promoting upcoming shows and episodes, as well as mentioning the production team and executive producers.
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Quick takeaways
The UK Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, suggests that interest rates may be cut in 2024 in response to economic pessimism.
Novo Nordisk's obesity drugs have the potential to reshape society by reducing healthcare costs and the risk of serious cardiac events.
Deep dives
UK Chancellor raises prospect of cutting interest rates in 2024
The UK Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, has suggested that interest rates could be cut next year to combat pessimism about the economy. With UK inflation dropping to 3.9% and interest rates at a 15-year high, the decision ultimately falls to the Bank of England.
Osempic and Wegovi: Game-changing obesity treatments
Lars Fjorgard-Jorgensen, CEO of Novo Nordisk, has been named person of the year by the FT for his role in developing obesity treatments Osempic and Wegovi. These drugs offer more than just weight loss, as they have the potential to reshape society by reducing health care costs and cutting the risk of serious cardiac events.
The rise of fertility clinics in India
As birth rates in India decline and fertility struggles become more common, the fertility industry is booming. Middle-class families are having fewer children and getting pregnant later in life. The cost of in vitro fertilisation is often too high for most families, leading many to opt for more affordable alternatives like intrauterine insemination. Investors are recognizing the business opportunity and private equity investors are backing fertility groups in India.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt raised the prospect of the Bank of England reducing interest rates in 2024 in an interview with the FT, and Novo Nordisk’s drugs for obesity could have a profound effect on healthcare, society and our relationship with food. Plus, part three or our three-part series on a changing India looks at the country’s booming fertility industry.
The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help by Breen Turner, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.