FT News Briefing

The podcast dives into the controversy surrounding the Federal Reserve's undisclosed trading activities by a senior official during the pandemic. It also covers the massive protests in Kazakhstan sparked by rising fuel costs and the challenges of autocratic governance. The discussion highlights the implications for global oil markets and Russia's role in regional stability. In the financial realm, listeners learn about market reactions to the Fed's hawkish signals and the turbulent state of bond and equity markets as interest rates rise.

Explore the shifting financial landscape as the Federal Reserve hints at aggressive rate hikes while tech stocks take a tumble. Dive into Europe's energy crisis with Germany's Uniper seeking a massive rescue amid soaring gas prices. Discover how corporate America is grappling with the aftermath of the Capitol insurrection, balancing political donations and the need for a stable democracy. Lastly, examine Hong Kong's rising food prices due to pandemic disruptions. It's a whirlwind of economic challenges and corporate accountability!

Chinese banks focus on safe investments amid economic uncertainty, reflecting concerns about growth. The EU seeks a role in negotiating with Russia over the escalating Ukraine crisis. Meanwhile, the small German city of Mainz is experiencing a financial boom, thanks to BioNTech's vaccine success, with tax revenues soaring to over a billion euros. Local leaders are working hard to ensure that this newfound wealth leads to a diversified and sustainable economy.

Elizabeth Holmes faces a guilty verdict for fraud in the Theranos scandal. Apple makes headlines as the first company to reach a staggering $3 trillion valuation. Meanwhile, President Biden tackles rising meat prices with new initiatives aimed at supporting smaller producers. Amid all this, challenges arise in measuring U.S. job growth, with the pandemic creating inconsistencies in employment data. Experts delve into the implications of these statistics on policy decisions.

The US faces an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases, largely driven by the Omicron variant, straining healthcare resources. Tesla defies supply chain challenges, achieving record vehicle deliveries as competition in electric vehicles heats up. Economic forecasts for 2022 reveal the ongoing impacts of the pandemic on global markets, while central banks grapple with inflation and changing interest rates. Expert insights provide a glimpse into stock market expectations amid these turbulent times.

Madhumita Murgia, FT's European technology correspondent, dives into the fascinating intersection of science fiction and technology. She discusses how the term 'metaverse' originated from the 1992 novel Snow Crash and its impact on today’s tech landscape. The conversation highlights cultural differences in AI perceptions, contrasting Western fears with the optimistic views found in Japanese media. Murgia also shares insights on China’s emerging sci-fi authors who critique surveillance capitalism, blending nostalgia with cautionary tales about our digital futures.

Explore the shifting dynamics of U.S. stock exchanges as they pursue new company listings amid declining Chinese investments. Discover Turkey's efforts to stabilize its lira through a new savings scheme, despite ongoing inflation concerns. Dive into the challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs in securing affordable loans, revealing biases in lending practices. Learn about the vital role of Community Development Financial Institutions and the funding disparities they encounter while helping minority-owned businesses thrive.

U.S. holiday shopping is being disrupted by 'Grinch bots' snatching up popular gifts. Meanwhile, Chinese tech firm SenseTime is revamping its IPO with state support after facing U.S. sanctions. In Chile, former student leader Gabriel Boric's election signals a left-leaning shift, raising hopes for reforms in response to widespread social discontent. Voter sentiment is changing, pushing for alternatives to the private pension system. Lastly, as cities adapt post-pandemic, micro-mobility solutions like e-scooters are gaining traction.

U.S. political tensions rise as Joe Manchin rejects Biden's social spending bill, causing ripples in Congress. European countries tighten restrictions to combat the Omicron variant. Uniquely, the concept of the yield curve is explored through music, making complex economic signals more accessible. The yield curve's ability to predict recessions is highlighted, with past examples demonstrating its critical role in forecasting economic downturns. Tune in for a blend of politics, health updates, and innovative financial insights.

In this lively discussion, Matt Vella, editor of FT Weekend, and pop critic Ludovic Hunter-Tilney explore cultural predictions for 2022. They delve into nostalgic topics, like whether Britney will release a life documentary and if flip phones will make a comeback. Ludovic also shares tips on crafting the perfect holiday playlist, highlighting standout albums and music trends. Their humorous take on the interplay between nostalgia and modern connections gives insight into upcoming cultural shifts.