FT News Briefing

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announces a £5bn grant scheme to support businesses affected by the pandemic. Ursula von der Leyen warns Europe may enter an 'era of pandemics.' Japan is revising its corporate governance to foster a more outward-looking culture. In electric vehicles, Lucid Motors is gearing up to challenge Tesla's dominance. The rivalry between traditional car makers and new startups is heating up as the market undergoes significant changes.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury has crossed 1.5%, causing a stir in the stock market. The ousted Petrobras chief takes a stand against Brazil's president on fuel pricing. Ghana makes headlines as the first country to receive Covid vaccines through the COVAX program, shedding light on global vaccine inequities. The discussion also touches on inflation's impact on bonds, potential repercussions for stock performance, and the challenges facing low-income countries in vaccine distribution. An informative dive into pressing economic and health issues!

GameStop shares made headlines by doubling in their last trading hour, reigniting market excitement. The leadership landscape shifts at McKinsey as partners opt for a new managing partner amidst a backdrop of controversies. Turning to Myanmar, employees across the banking sector are striking against the military coup, escalating tensions. Meanwhile, climatologist Michael Mann debunks the myth that wind power caused Texas's electricity failures during extreme weather, shedding light on the state's power politics.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell offers optimism about a return to normal economic conditions, emphasizing the need for continued supportive policies. The Biden administration plans sweeping sanctions against Russia following a major cyber attack. Meanwhile, the travel industry in the UK sees a spike in holiday bookings as lockdown easing approaches. HSBC is shifting its focus back to Asia, capitalizing on growth opportunities while navigating geopolitical tensions. This highlights the interplay between global politics and strategic business decisions.

Tech stocks are feeling the heat as inflation fears spike, causing major players like Apple and Amazon to tumble. In Brazil, political upheaval strikes as President Bolsonaro fires the head of Petrobras, unsettling investors. Meanwhile, Jay-Z's partnership with LVMH for a champagne deal showcases the lucrative blend of celebrity and luxury branding. Plus, a deep dive into how Big Tech is championing green energy efforts, marking a significant shift towards sustainability in the industry.

Boris Johnson is preparing to unveil a plan to ease England's lockdown, with schools set to reopen. HSBC is making bold moves in its pivot to Asia, shifting priorities amid changing global dynamics. McKinsey's senior partners are voting on whether to extend Kevin Sneader's leadership amid internal challenges. Meanwhile, the UK’s competition authority is gearing up for a crackdown on Big Tech companies, signaling a new era of regulatory scrutiny.

Emmanuel Macron emphasizes the urgent need for wealthy nations to provide coronavirus vaccines to poorer countries, highlighting the risk of new viral variants. The podcast also delves into the congressional hearing around the GameStop trading frenzy, featuring Robinhood's CEO. Meanwhile, rising bond yields raise alarms about the stock market's stability. Additionally, oil prices are on the rise, with predictions suggesting a potential surge to $100 per barrel as economic recovery gains momentum.

Facebook has sparked controversy by banning content sharing in Australia amidst new legislation requiring payment for news. The oil and gas industry in Texas is struggling under extreme Arctic weather conditions, pushing crude prices higher. Meanwhile, North Korean hackers face charges for their cyber activities. Additionally, concerns arise over China's digital currency, which not only aims to enhance payment systems but also raises alarms about surveillance capabilities.

China is considering limits on rare earth mineral exports, impacting the U.S. defense industry. Meanwhile, Hong Kong sees trading volumes leap to four times those in London. Amsterdam is emerging as Europe’s SPAC capital, attracting attention for its favorable conditions. Additionally, the iconic Second City comedy club in Chicago may soon have a new owner, signaling changes in the entertainment landscape.

President Biden is ramping up his push for a major COVID relief plan while Texas grapples with power outages due to extreme cold. The surge in online shopping has fueled warehouse automation, creating a complex landscape for human workers. Meanwhile, Russian discount retailer Fix Price aims for a $1 billion IPO in London, riding the wave of economic challenges in its home market. The discussion brings together politics, technology, and international business in an engaging and thought-provoking way.