FT News Briefing

Businesses in the UK are grappling with new bureaucracy and challenges post-Brexit, impacting trading practices and causing law firms to rethink their operations. In Europe, discussions about extending lockdowns are heating up as COVID-19 cases rise. Meanwhile, Bitcoin is surging past $34,000, gaining traction as mainstream acceptance grows. The podcast dives into these pressing issues, highlighting the intertwining effects of a changing landscape in business and finance.

Britain and the EU are finalizing a major post-Brexit agreement, setting the stage for new trade dynamics. Meanwhile, China is targeting Alibaba with an antitrust investigation, indicating a tightening grip on tech giants. Australia's coal export ban is causing power shortages across China, showcasing the economic ripple effects. The pandemic has reshaped corporate landscapes, revealing stark contrasts between thriving companies and struggling sectors. Insights into recovery trends reveal how e-commerce and remote work are transforming the economic landscape.

France is reopening its borders with the UK for truck drivers who test negative for COVID-19, as Brexit negotiations heat up. The U.S. government is suing Walmart over its connection to the opioid epidemic, adding pressure on the retail giant. The chaotic launch of Cyberpunk 2077 has spurred Sony to rethink its industry approach. Lastly, an investigative look into MindGeek, the parent company of Pornhub, reveals the murky operations behind the online porn industry and calls for much-needed transparency and regulation.

Global stock markets are feeling the strain as a new coronavirus variant emerges in the UK, causing investor jitters. Scientists weigh in on the mutation's impact on vaccines and public health efforts. Meanwhile, SoftBank is making waves with a significant SPAC launch, seeking to raise $604 million. On a different note, Lululemon is turning its focus to international markets, capitalizing on the booming demand for yoga wear. Tune in for insights on these pressing topics!

Several EU nations have imposed travel bans on the UK due to a highly transmissible Covid variant. In the US, lawmakers have struck a deal for a new $900 billion stimulus package. Meanwhile, Chinese shopping sites are racing to establish their own global freight networks. The discussion also delves into the UK's stock market struggles post-Brexit and examines the challenges London faces in maintaining its global financial status against rising competition from EU and Asian markets.

A coalition of U.S. states has launched a significant antitrust challenge against Google's search engine, spotlighting the tech giant's monopolistic practices. Meanwhile, Brexit has spurred UK companies into a frenzy of stockpiling, leading to traffic chaos in southern England and France. On the financial front, insights into the Federal Reserve's bank stress tests reveal how resilient U.S. banks are amid pandemic pressures, contrasting their current strength with challenges faced during the 2008 financial crisis.

The Federal Reserve is set to continue its significant monthly debt purchases to support the struggling U.S. economy. Meanwhile, small businesses are grappling with a credit crunch while larger corporations thrive. Luckin Coffee faces a hefty $180 million penalty for accounting fraud, raising questions about corporate accountability. Additionally, Robinhood is under legal scrutiny in Massachusetts over its marketing practices. The episode sheds light on the urgent need for targeted support for smaller enterprises.

Spanish corporations are aggressively competing for substantial EU recovery funds amid financial uncertainties. Meanwhile, the UK aims to reshape London as a major shipping hub post-Brexit, introducing changes to bolster the industry. The discussion also covers the potential impact of a new nuclear power plant on the UK’s clean energy ambitions, weighing the benefits of nuclear against renewable sources. Additionally, there's a spotlight on the struggle of online brokers trying to retain clients gained during the pandemic surge.

The podcast unpacks the striking SolarWinds cyber-attack, revealing its widespread impact on government and businesses alike. Experts analyze potential state actors behind the breach and the urgent U.S. responses. Meanwhile, Joe Biden's confirmation as president unfolds amidst election challenges. The show also delves into the Federal Reserve's strategies, including insights on bond-buying policies and predictions for interest rate hikes—set to remain unchanged until late 2023. Tune in for a mix of politics, finance, and cybersecurity!

The podcast dives into the renewed optimism surrounding Brexit negotiations, hinting at potential progress and the financial implications for markets. It highlights the exciting rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine in the U.S., addressing public skepticism and prioritization challenges. Additionally, discussions reveal the aftermath of the Wirecard scandal and the cautious approach to reinstating dividends for Eurozone banks, reflecting investor sentiments amidst these unfolding events.