FT News Briefing

Karina Urbach, a historian and granddaughter of the late Alice Urbach, shares the emotional tale of her grandmother's stolen cookbook, highlighting issues of cultural appropriation and culinary legacy during the Holocaust. Elizabeth Strout, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, discusses her creative process and the intricacies behind her beloved characters, Olive Kitteridge and Lucy Barton. She reflects on the deep connections between authors and their characters, and the thrill of bringing stories to life, promising new journeys ahead with her writing.

China is stepping in to support Sri Lanka with crucial funding amid its economic crisis. Meanwhile, Wall Street reacts to Snap's poor earnings report, causing a ripple effect in the tech sector. In Colombia, a former guerrilla fighter turned economist is poised to shake up the political landscape as voters express dissatisfaction with the status quo. This potential leftist victory could echo broader anti-incumbent sentiments taking root across Latin America, raising both hopes and concerns about future reforms on the continent.

Hedge funds are grappling with losses in the wake of a tech stock downturn. The ongoing war in Ukraine is exacerbating a dire global food crisis, prompting calls for urgent action. Meanwhile, the story of a crypto pioneer and the collapse of the Terra and Luna stablecoins is unraveling, revealing intense investor fallout and a controversial leader. The tumult in these financial sectors underscores the immense pressure and personality-driven narratives shaping modern investing.

Global political shifts are on the rise, with Hungary declaring a state of economic emergency and Australia welcoming a new Labor prime minister. Meanwhile, Atlanta's restaurant owners are creatively tackling a tight labor market, revealing innovative hiring practices. However, the economic landscape remains challenging, as high inflation outpaces wage gains, putting pressure on workers. Insights into Amazon's impending meeting also highlight shareholder anxieties about transparency and executive pay.

World leaders at Davos are concerned that three decades of globalization may be reversing. Business executives discuss how geopolitical tensions are reshaping investment strategies, with a spotlight on Toshiba's potential sale as a key corporate asset in Japan’s energy sector. The podcast also delves into the evolving attitude towards mergers and acquisitions, and highlights the rise of virtual experiences in entertainment, particularly soul-searching amidst the decline of live events. Exciting changes are happening across multiple sectors!

Saudi Arabia is reaffirming its support for Russia within Opec+, while concerns grow over the potential negative impact of an EU ban on Russian oil. Boeing's relocation to the D.C. area aims to strengthen ties with the government amid ongoing crises, but reactions from stakeholders have been mixed. Discussions highlight the logistical challenges and price increases expected in the global oil market and the strategic adjustments Boeing must make to revitalize both its defense and commercial sectors.

Rhiannon Hamam, a Texas public defender and co-host of the podcast 5-4, dives into the struggles against abortion rights in America. She explains the implications of the potential overturning of Roe vs Wade, highlighting legislative challenges in conservative states. Hamam discusses the emotional toll these restrictions impose on patients and healthcare providers, emphasizing the need for community support. The conversation also touches on the critical role of abortion funds as individuals navigate these increasing barriers to care.

Tensions rise as Canada bans Huawei from its 5G network, reflecting growing concerns over Chinese influence in tech. The U.S. struggles to engage Latin America, creating opportunities for China to step in. Meanwhile, the corporate bond market faces turbulence due to rising interest rates and inflation, pushing investors to explore undervalued bonds. As both bond and stock markets decline, shifting focus toward commodities emerges as a strategy against economic uncertainty. The podcast dives into these interconnected global dynamics and investment challenges.

Wall Street suffered a downturn following Target's profit warning, tied to inflation and supply chain issues. A tiny yet strategically vital island in the Black Sea, known as Snake Island, plays a significant role in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, with valiant Ukrainian guards earning recognition. Meanwhile, tensions over the Northern Ireland protocol reveal Britain's fraught relationship with the EU, while the U.S. women's soccer team celebrates a historic equal pay agreement, shining a light on gender rights in sports.

Global fund managers are holding the highest cash reserves since 9/11, signaling concerns over market stability. Meanwhile, China's economy is struggling heavily under COVID lockdowns. The discussion also highlights how inflation disproportionately affects certain workers. Salary advancement schemes aimed to help financially stressed employees are examined, revealing their potential drawbacks and regulatory challenges. These insights spark a debate on whether these solutions truly alleviate worker struggles or complicate them further.