FT News Briefing

Big investors are tightening their grip on companies over climate change, pushing for sustainable practices. General Electric plans a bold split into three separate companies to streamline operations. The trend of moving away from traditional conglomerates is evident, with firms like Toshiba following suit. Activist investors are reshaping the investment landscape, notably through divestment from fossil fuels. The challenges of balancing shareholder demands with climate responsibility are becoming increasingly complex.

Elon Musk’s Twitter poll prompts a surprising decision to consider selling 10% of his Tesla shares, causing a stir in the markets. This comes as Tesla's stock faces a nearly 5% drop. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve prepares for changes in leadership with Randal Quarles stepping down, opening doors for potential new appointments. In corporate news, Masayoshi Son announces an ambitious $8.8 billion share buyback to counter investor pressure, raising questions about stock sustainability and strategies.

Discover the financial minefields that young footballers face as they suddenly handle large sums of money. Hear personal stories of those who fell victim to poor financial advice and risky investments. Learn why financial literacy is crucial and how unexpected career changes can impact finances dramatically. The importance of proactive financial planning for these athletes is highlighted, emphasizing the need for retirement preparation and informed decision-making.

The White House warns that OPEC+ is jeopardizing the global economic recovery by stalling oil production increases. SoftBank faces pressure for a stock buyback to stabilize its share price. Rising inflation complicates the bond market’s relationship with central banks, as they balance investor expectations with economic stability. The discussion offers insights into energy market dynamics and the evolving financial landscape influenced by fossil fuel demand and changing central bank policies.

The Federal Reserve plans to reduce its monthly bond-buying, signaling a shift in monetary policy. Meanwhile, the UK seeks Qatar as a new gas supplier amid a crisis. Argentina faces severe economic challenges, with high inflation driving young people to emigrate and complicating debt negotiations with the IMF. The nation’s hardening stance in talks raises concerns about a potential default. In a different arena, renewed talks on the Iran nuclear deal add another layer of complexity to global relations.

Major banks, such as BNY Mellon and Barclays, face criticism for softening climate commitments while continuing fossil fuel financing. Gulf states are caught between net-zero goals and the need to sustain oil revenues for funding green transitions. The podcast highlights a $130 trillion pledge from private sectors to combat climate change and discusses the pressing regulatory needs to mobilize these funds. It also delves into Gulf nations' strategies to shift towards renewable energy amid public and economic challenges.

The podcast dives into Apple's new privacy policy and its seismic impact on the digital advertising landscape, causing nearly $10 billion in ad sales losses. It discusses the challenges faced by tech giants like Snapchat as they adapt to these changes. The fallout from Barclays CEO Jes Staley's resignation related to Jeffrey Epstein adds drama to the financial sector. Meanwhile, the ongoing COP26 Climate Conference highlights global leaders' urgent calls for climate action and the serious consequences of inaction.

COP26 is painted as a crucial climate summit with ambitions to finalize the global warming rules established by the Paris Agreement. The discourse heats up as commentators debate the efficacy of ESG investing—can it truly create change? Corporate responsibility is spotlighted, showcasing how consumer pressure drives sustainable practices. Factors such as major emitters' pledges and methane reduction strategies are examined, particularly highlighting the implications of China's absence from the gathering.

Lorna Borenstein, CEO of Grokker and author of "It's Personal," discusses the booming wellness industry and its implications for employee wellbeing. She shares insights on how corporate wellness apps can combat burnout and foster community but questions their effectiveness as a quick fix. Lorna emphasizes the importance of creating a workplace culture that prioritizes listening and understanding employees. The conversation also explores the complexities of remote work and the need for a balanced approach to wellness that goes beyond digital solutions.

Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of the New York Stock Exchange, where human traders still play a crucial role amidst growing automation. Discover Facebook's rebranding to Meta and its implications. Explore the European Central Bank's bond-buying strategies in the face of rising inflation and market speculation. Plus, uncover the unconventional advertising tactics of Floki Inu, a new 'meme' coin making waves in London's transit system. This episode brings the trading floor to life with insights from seasoned traders.