FT News Briefing Wealthy donors and campus speech
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Dec 12, 2023 Record investments are flooding into high-yield bond ETFs, highlighting a shift in financial strategies. In the UK, Rishi Sunak battles against Tory rebels over a contentious asylum policy linked to Rwanda. Meanwhile, a congressional hearing is scrutinizing rising anti-Semitism in universities, exposing the delicate balance between free speech and donor influence. Wealthy contributors are pushing for policies that address these issues, raising ethical dilemmas about the impact of money on academic freedom and governance.
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High-Yield Bond ETF Surge
- Investors poured record sums into high-yield bond ETFs in November, indicating increased risk appetite.
- This surge, exceeding the previous record from April 2020, suggests investors are becoming more comfortable with riskier assets.
Sunak's Rwanda Plan Vote
- Rishi Sunak faces a crucial vote on his controversial Rwanda asylum plan, despite the Supreme Court deeming it unlawful.
- Sunak's revised plan includes a new treaty with Rwanda and emergency legislation to bypass human rights challenges, causing division among MPs.
Donor Influence on Campus Speech
- University presidents face criticism over handling antisemitism on campus, with one resignation and more potentially to come.
- Wealthy donors, including Wall Street figures, are pressuring universities, raising concerns about donor influence on free speech.