India's success at the G20 Summit, PwC's decision to curtail consulting work for US audit clients, Venezuela's potential detente with Washington and the rally of Venezuelan government bonds, Australia's biggest pension fund investing in digital infrastructure.
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Quick takeaways
India's success in gaining admission for the African Union as a full G20 member demonstrates the positive step towards multilateralism at the G20 summit.
PwC's decision to curtail consulting work for US audit clients highlights the growing intolerance of conflicts of interest and concerns about the reputation of the profession.
Deep dives
G20 Summit: Friction over Ukraine and Admission of African Union
At the G20 Summit, the leaders' declaration saw watered-down language regarding the war in Ukraine to appease Russia and China. The African Union was admitted as a full G20 member, a concrete outcome proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This moment signaled a positive step for multilateralism, which has been strained in recent years.
PWC's Shift in Consulting Services and the Challenges of Auditor Independence
PWC is discontinuing certain consulting services to mitigate conflicts of interest and enhance audit work. This move challenges other firms to follow suit amid growing intolerance of conflicts for funds and concerns regarding the profession's reputation.
Investors Rally into Venezuelan Government Bonds Amid Hopes of Diplomatic Breakthrough
Investors are optimistic about a potential diplomatic breakthrough between the US and Venezuela, which could lead to softer US sanctions. Although previous rallies have been fruitless, the prospect of relief from sanctions motivates investors to bet on Venezuelan bonds, currently trading at deeply distressed levels.
PwC is planning to give up tens of millions of dollars of consulting work for its US audit clients, Australia’s biggest pension fund is going big on digital infrastructure, and Venezuelan government bonds are having a moment. Plus, the FT’s John Reed explains why this year’s G20 summit was a huge win for India.
The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Monique Mulima, Monica Lopez, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. 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.