FT News Briefing

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.

Brussels allows data to flow freely from the EU to the UK, impacting tech and health sectors. Argentina's vice president seeks to postpone a vital debt deal with the IMF, causing economic jitters. Meanwhile, a commodities boom is underway, with high prices for oil and copper signaling a potential supercycle. In China, the box office is thriving, showcasing a resurgence in movie-going despite Hollywood's quieter scene. The podcast dives into these dynamic global developments shaping the economy and entertainment.

The European IPO market has surged to its best start in five years, fueled by tech listings. Disney's streaming service welcomed 8 million new subscribers, pushing its total to nearly 150 million. In cryptocurrency news, Elon Musk's enthusiasm for digital currencies is stirring discussions about broader adoption. Meanwhile, China's unprecedented corn purchases are dramatically impacting global grain prices, marking a significant shift in agricultural markets.

Amsterdam has overtaken London as the biggest trading hub in Europe, highlighting a shift in financial dynamics post-Brexit. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve's chairman emphasizes a need for patience to support the US labor market. The WHO's endorsement of the AstraZeneca vaccine aims to assist low-income countries in pandemic recovery. Italy is set to receive €200 billion from the EU recovery fund to rejuvenate its economy, but faces challenges in effectively utilizing these resources and navigating bureaucratic hurdles.

Twitter struggles with slowing user growth despite previous surges, raising concerns about its future. Investors are pressuring Amazon to cease interference in unionization efforts in Alabama, highlighting the ongoing debate over workers' rights. Meanwhile, Huawei fights a legal ruling branding it a security threat. In a surprising twist, U.S.-China investment flows remain robust, reflecting complex relations, even amidst political tensions. The landscape of international trade and corporate governance remains as intriguing as ever.

EU lawmakers are pushing for regulations that would require Big Tech to pay news organizations for the content they share, inspired by Australia. Tesla's substantial investment in Bitcoin has propelled the cryptocurrency to new heights, while oil prices have surged to $60 a barrel for the first time in a year. Additionally, insights from the Tokyo correspondent highlight SoftBank's Vision Fund achieving its best quarter since its inception in 2017, showcasing the dynamic landscape of tech investments and market shifts.

TikTok is gearing up for a major e-commerce push in the US, aiming to outpace Facebook with innovative features like live shopping. Cuba is opening its economy to private businesses, signaling a historical shift. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz plans to balance its profits from electric vehicles with those from traditional combustion engines by 2030. The podcast also explores how the global transition to renewable energy is reshaping geopolitics and the nuances of trade disputes in the green energy sector.

German carmakers are stockpiling semiconductors to tackle supply chain issues. Meanwhile, UK directors face potential personal liability for inaccurate financial statements. In Japan, robots are enhancing care in nursing homes, creating jobs instead of replacing them. Additionally, CVC Capital Partners is seeking a stake in the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs, highlighting the rise of private equity in sports.