FT News Briefing

Robert Smith, FT’s Capital Markets correspondent, dives into the dramatic tale of Greensill Capital, a company teetering on the edge of insolvency. He sheds light on the founder's extravagant lifestyle and ambitious mission to democratize finance. The discussion reveals Greensill's complex sales tactics that attracted major investments while hiding risks. Smith also explores the broader consequences of Greensill's collapse, emphasizing systemic risks to the supply chain finance sector and how it mirrors historical financial crises.

President Biden announces a breakthrough in vaccine distribution, aiming to have enough doses for all adults by May. Meanwhile, global carbon emissions are rising again as economies recover. The podcast delves into Ant Group's resistance to Beijing's data-sharing demands and Germany's faltering vaccination campaign, raising concerns about public skepticism toward vaccines. Additionally, it explores the emotional strain of lockdowns on families and the challenges faced by Huawei amid U.S. sanctions.

Democratic lawmakers raise alarms about the potential dangers of loosening capital requirements for US banks. ExxonMobil makes strategic board changes under pressure from activist shareholders, balancing sustainability with oil production. In a striking legal development, former French president Nicolas Sarkozy is sentenced to prison for corruption. Meanwhile, as Rupert Murdoch turns 90, insights into his expansive media empire and the quest for succession highlight the complex interplay of politics and media.

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.