FT News Briefing

Toshiba faces backlash from major shareholders over its plan to break into three companies, sparking a heated debate. Meanwhile, European auto suppliers warn that an EU ban on combustion engines could threaten 500,000 jobs. Delving into Tesla's influence, the discussion highlights how its market power may stem from a complex web of financial relationships rather than just its stock value. Additionally, the podcast examines challenges in Singapore's cryptocurrency landscape, including regulatory struggles following the suspension of a troubled exchange.

Join political editor George Parker as he dives into the complex world of the House of Lords, revealing its unelected nature and hereditary traditions that still dominate British politics. He highlights the challenges this poses to modern democracy. Meanwhile, acclaimed director Pablo Larraín discusses his film 'Spencer,' offering a fresh perspective on Princess Diana by focusing on a pivotal moment in her life. Together, they explore the nuances of fame and legacy, making for an engaging conversation about history and representation.

Brazil's finance minister shines a hopeful light on the country’s economy despite a technical recession. OPEC's decision to ramp up oil production ties into the complexities of US-UK trade negotiations. The conversation also delves into Brazil's new minimum income program aimed at supporting impoverished families. Meanwhile, there's a notable discussion on influential women and ongoing women's rights advocacy, showcasing strides in the fight for equality.

Tennis tournaments in China face suspension as the WTA reacts to player safety concerns. Meanwhile, hedge funds are in a talent war, offering inflated salaries to attract top traders after the pandemic. In France, local protests over an offshore wind farm have escalated into a national debate. Amidst this, Isfahan is witnessing significant protests triggered by a severe water crisis, exposing governmental mismanagement and raising urgent questions about water scarcity in Iran.

Robin Wigglesworth, Global Finance Correspondent for the Financial Times, shares his insights on stock market fragility. He discusses how low interest rates have led to increased investor risk-taking, contributing to market volatility. The conversation touches on the challenges posed by rising interest rates and inflation, and the potential for unexpected corrections. Additionally, Wigglesworth comments on Inditex's leadership transition and Morrisons' innovative move to create carbon-neutral eggs, reflecting broader trends in retail and sustainability.

Jack Dorsey has stepped down as CEO of Twitter after 15 years, paving the way for Parag Agrawal. The leadership transition highlights the pressures of corporate accountability in tech. Meanwhile, Glencore faces calls to divest its thermal coal business amid rising environmental concerns. Additionally, Pfizer's dominance in the COVID-19 vaccine market is explored, revealing both its strategic advantages and the challenges of equitable distribution in a fast-evolving pandemic landscape.

Countries are scrambling to handle the Omicron variant with new lockdowns and travel restrictions. The UK intends to block Meta’s $400 million acquisition of Giphy, raising questions about tech regulation. Meanwhile, the Iranian government faces increasing pressure as nuclear negotiations resume, revealing economic struggles among its citizens. The podcast also hints at the upcoming Ghislaine Maxwell trial, which promises to shed light on the Epstein case, adding another layer to a week packed with significant developments.

Tim Hayward, a longtime food critic for the Financial Times, dives deep into the evolution of British cuisine, urging locals to embrace their culinary identity. He discusses the rich history of traditional dishes like eels and pies in East London, showcasing the shift from embarrassment to pride. The conversation also features a visit to a historic pie shop and insights from mixologist Shannon Mustipher, who shares a holiday cocktail recipe while highlighting the contributions of bartenders of color to the seasonal drinking scene.

President Biden's decision to release 50 million barrels of oil aims to lower fuel prices, but it caused oil prices to rise unexpectedly. The podcast discusses the strategic and political implications of this move amid inflation concerns and OPEC's potential cuts. It also transitions into a fascinating documentary on how the music industry is adapting to new trends and technologies, emphasizing the unique challenges and opportunities for independent artists in today's digital landscape.

Discover how China's hypersonic technology is reshaping military dynamics, with breakthroughs that stunned Pentagon scientists. The discussion highlights a missile test that showcases unprecedented speed, raising alarms in the U.S. about its implications for national defense. Alongside this, President Biden's nomination of Jay Powell hints at continuity for the Federal Reserve amidst challenges like inflation and labor market recovery. Also, Uber's cannabis delivery service in Canada represents an intriguing pivot in its business model.