FT News Briefing

An independent inquiry into the lobbying scandal surrounding David Cameron and Greensill Capital is underway, raising questions about government funding access. Meanwhile, Darktrace, a cybersecurity firm, is preparing for a big IPO in London. On the other side of the Atlantic, U.S. states are rapidly adopting online sports betting as a means to fill budget gaps post-pandemic, sparking discussions about its ethical implications. Additionally, the landscape for business travel is shifting, with a potential long-term decline as technology reshapes work dynamics.

David Cameron opens up about his missteps in lobbying for Greensill Capital. Meanwhile, Chinese tech giant Xiaomi is ramping up its chip investments amid U.S. pressures. Microsoft is set to acquire voice tech pioneer Nuance for a staggering $16 billion. Investors are bracing for President Biden's looming corporate tax increases, raising concerns in the equities market. It’s a whirlwind of corporate maneuvering and economic implications that spotlight the evolving financial landscape.

Amazon is on track to defeat a historic unionization attempt in Alabama, sparking discussions about worker rights and corporate resistance. The Biden administration's global corporate tax plan is also under scrutiny as companies navigate its implications. Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs made a £75 million investment in Deliveroo to stabilize its IPO after a rocky start, revealing investor concerns about labor practices and market valuations. These events highlight the ongoing tensions between corporate strategies and worker welfare.

Discover the Biden administration's bold proposal for a global minimum corporate tax, aimed particularly at tech giants. Dive into the intriguing IPO plans of the biotech company behind the AstraZeneca vaccine, now facing unique market challenges. Meanwhile, Indian social media platform ShareChat is surging in popularity, thanks to TikTok's ban. Lastly, a privacy complaint against Google raises serious questions about user tracking in Europe, showcasing the ongoing battle for digital privacy rights.

The EU is set to investigate the ethical standards of clinical trials for the Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine. Meanwhile, Renesas Electronics faces pressure to diversify amid semiconductor industry challenges. In Brazil, President Bolsonaro grapples with political isolation and the ongoing impact of the pandemic on his leadership. Additionally, businesses are struggling with post-Brexit trade headaches, including a British nematode factory dealing with new export regulations. Global health and technology issues intertwine in a complex narrative.

Janet Yellen pushes for a global minimum corporate tax, aiming to curb tax haven exploitation. Meanwhile, bond investors are reaping rewards from pandemic-era investments. A Taiwanese chip company finds itself at the center of global semiconductor discussions, navigating political tensions while meeting rising demand. Additionally, GameStop's stock faces volatility as the company announces plans for a new share issuance amid mixed investor sentiment.

The surge in Bitcoin mining is driving up computer chip prices, exacerbating the global semiconductor shortage. Western brands find themselves in a difficult position, caught between U.S. sanctions and China's human rights abuses. The podcast delves into how these geopolitical tensions are affecting industries like gaming and fashion. It also discusses the ethical dilemmas that arise for companies trying to navigate their responsibilities in a rapidly evolving political landscape.

President Biden's ambitious $2 trillion infrastructure plan is set to transform US transportation but faces legislative hurdles. Deliveroo's disastrous IPO marks a significant flop in London’s market, raising questions about tech stock viability. Meanwhile, a concerning decline in Black representation in finance signals deeper systemic issues, with stalled progress despite diversity initiatives. The podcast analyzes these critical trends and the stark contrast in experiences among various racial groups in the financial sector.

The head of the IMF warns of a looming debt crisis for emerging markets as the global economy attempts to bounce back from the pandemic. Meanwhile, Russia capitalizes on the Suez Canal incident to promote its Arctic shipping route. In Mexico, president Andrés Manuel López Obrador faces mixed public feedback but maintains significant trust ahead of midterm elections. The discussion also touches on the challenges of poverty and job losses, shedding light on the intricacies of global economic recovery.

The Biden administration is reinforcing diplomatic ties with Taiwan, aiming for more engagement amidst China tensions. U.S. companies are grappling with rising inflation due to increasing costs. Meanwhile, the Archegos Capital collapse raises alarms on hedge fund leverage, signaling banks may adopt a more cautious approach. The discussion also highlights Volvo's new parental leave policy to boost gender diversity in management, showcasing progressive corporate practices.