Polina Ivanova, an FT journalist, highlights the vital role of Telegram in connecting Russian and Ukrainian troops with civilians during the war. She shares how the app facilitates critical communication and alerts. Meanwhile, Eswar Prasad, a Cornell University expert, discusses Thailand's innovative digital currency initiatives, providing insights into the future implications of central bank digital currencies and their potential to transform socio-economic landscapes.
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Quick takeaways
Turkey's stock market is suffering due to high interest rates luring savers away from equities, signaling a shift in investor sentiment.
Thailand's initiative to use digital wallets for financial aid illustrates potential applications of Central Bank Digital Currencies in modern economies.
Deep dives
Turkish Stock Market Decline
Turkey's stock market is experiencing a downturn, with the BIST 100 index having dropped 8% in August after enjoying significant gains over the past two years. The index had more than doubled since 2022 as investors turned to equities amid rising inflation, seeking safe havens for their money. However, recent interest rate hikes by the central bank, now at 50%, have prompted savers to look for better returns elsewhere. As a result, foreign investors are pulling out their gains, leading to a shift in market sentiment regarding Turkish equities.
Telegram's Role in the Ukraine Conflict
Telegram has become a critical communication tool during the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with widespread usage among both Russian soldiers and Ukrainian civilians. Its features, including groups for organizing protests in Russia and channels for real-time air raid alerts in Ukraine, reflect its versatility and importance for users seeking information. The app's relatively lenient content moderation policies allow for a diverse flow of information, making it the go-to platform for news amid government censorship of other social media. However, concerns have arisen over the implications of its unregulated nature, especially following the arrest of Telegram's founder in connection with criminal content moderation issues.
Thailand's Digital Currency Experiment
Thailand's government plans to distribute significant financial aid to low-income households via digital wallets, presenting a unique case for the implementation of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). This initiative allows direct transfers into digital wallets, demonstrating a possible model for future CBDC operations, where money may be programmed for specific uses or restrictions, such as prohibiting gambling. While this digital solution is expected to provide immediate relief, it poses potential downsides, such as larger government deficits without addressing long-term economic productivity. The broader trend towards digital money raises concerns regarding the use of government-issued currency as a tool for social policy, indicating a complex future of monetary systems.
Turkey’s stock rally hits reverse as juicy interest rates lure savers out of the market, and the FT’s Polina Ivanova explains how Telegram is a lifeline for both Russian and Ukrainian troops and civilians. Plus, Cornell University’s Eswar Prasad says Thailand could open a window into how central bank digital currencies might be used in future.
The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Michela Tindera, Prakriti Panwar, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, 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.