In this episode, Joe Leahy, Asia News Editor at the Financial Times, shares his expert insights on the mounting economic pressures facing China. He discusses deflationary trends and the alarming drop in consumer and factory prices. Leahy speculates on potential fiscal stimulus measures from Beijing, including monetary easing and support for the struggling property market. He highlights the cautious consumer behavior and investor uncertainty that complicates growth targets, painting a picture of China's economic landscape.
Insurers are increasingly adopting low-carbon transition goals in response to the financial risks posed by climate change.
China faces growing economic pressures, compelling authorities to implement stimulus measures while cautiously managing debt risks.
Deep dives
Insurers Address Climate Change
Insurers worldwide are increasingly recognizing the impact of climate change on their financial stability, as evidenced by a recent survey from BlackRock. The survey revealed that nearly all insurers now have at least one low-carbon transition goal integrated into their investment strategies, a significant rise from just 2% two years ago. This shift has been driven by the escalating costs associated with climate-related disasters, such as the recent hurricanes in the U.S., which are projected to result in insured losses of up to $55 billion. As these extreme weather events become more frequent, the insurance industry is compelled to adapt their practices to ensure sustainability and resilience against climate risks.
China's Economic Stimulus Dilemma
The economic outlook in China appears weaker than anticipated, creating anxiety among investors regarding the government's forthcoming fiscal stimulus plans. Recent data indicates a slowdown in growth, prompting concerns that authorities may not meet the official growth target of around 5%. After observing deflationary pressures and diminished consumer confidence, Beijing has initiated stimulus measures, although it has yet to articulate a clear financial commitment. The balancing act for the Chinese government involves stimulating the economy without incurring excessive debt, reminiscent of the 2008 financial crisis, which they are keen to avoid.
OpenAI's Corporate Restructuring Plans
OpenAI is considering a shift to a public benefit corporation (PBC) model, which aims to balance shareholder profits with broader societal benefits. This new structure would provide the company with greater protection against activist investors and allow leadership to focus on its mission of advancing AI for humanity. OpenAI plans to establish a separate nonprofit entity to continue its altruistic goals while the PBC concentrates on commercialization and technology development. As pressure mounts to generate revenue amidst high operational costs, the shift reflects a trend among AI firms seeking to harmonize profit motives with social responsibility.
OpenAI is considering a largely untested company model to protect chief executive Sam Altman from outside interference, and virtually all global insurers now include at least one low-carbon transition goal within their investment plans. Millions of dollars in bets are being placed on the US presidential election following the lifting of a domestic betting ban last week. Plus, China’s deflationary pressures picked up in September with weaker than expected consumer and factory prices, and the 2024 Nobel Prize for economics has been awarded to a trio of academics for their work on global inequality.
The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. 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.