FT News Briefing

Hannah Kuchler, FT's pharmaceutical correspondent, dives deep into the shocking story of Insys Therapeutics, the first drugmaker executives imprisoned for their role in the opioid crisis. She reveals their disturbing bribery schemes aimed at getting doctors to prescribe dangerous fentanyl. The discussion highlights how aggressive marketing overwhelmed ethical practices, contributing directly to widespread addiction. Kuchler also discusses the crucial role of whistleblowers in bringing these legal battles to light and the continuing impact of this scandal on the pharmaceutical industry.

The US has pulled out of global tax talks with Europe for tech companies, raising concerns among nations. Meanwhile, private equity firms are on a buying spree, defying pandemic trends. Hertz faces a setback by halting its $500 million stock sale. Edward White discusses how Trump's foreign policy is straining America's ties with Asian countries, highlighting ongoing tensions with North Korea and the complex dynamics of India-China border conflicts.

In this episode, Alex Vitale, a sociology professor at Brooklyn College and author of 'The End of Policing,' dives into the urgent conversation around police reform and defunding initiatives, inspired by recent protests. He discusses practical implications of these movements and contrasts policing methods in the U.S. and Europe, particularly in handling mental health crises. The discussion also touches on the optimistic market trends driven by potential federal economic support and highlights the notable Royalty Pharma IPO.

A landmark ruling by the US Supreme Court now protects LGBTQ workers under federal civil rights laws, sparking discussion on its implications for businesses. Meanwhile, Europe's youth face high unemployment rates amid a stalling labor market. In a fascinating shift, major oil companies like BP are pivoting towards cleaner energy, reflecting changing industry responsibilities and a commitment to addressing climate change.

SoftBank makes headlines with over $500 million flowing into Credit Suisse funds, aimed at boosting struggling startups. Meanwhile, the White House debates the extension of unemployment benefits, claiming they may disincentivize work. As China prepares for a potential new wave of COVID-19, France rolls out a significant support plan for its vital aerospace industry, emphasizing the challenges faced by major players like Airbus. Will these financial maneuvers revive the economy or spiral into further issues?

Investors are on edge as rising COVID-19 cases and a grim economic forecast from the Federal Reserve shake US and European markets. The UK government has unexpectedly reversed its full Brexit border checks, raising eyebrows across industries. Meanwhile, HSBC is feeling the squeeze amidst geopolitical tensions tied to China's national security law, facing pressures from shareholders. The challenges posed to major banks’ headquarters in London also loom large, indicating a turbulent financial landscape ahead.

Discover why the Federal Reserve plans to keep interest rates near zero through 2022 amidst economic upheaval. Delve into Brazil's struggles against the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on its economy and small businesses. Examine the paradox of CEOs taking temporary pay cuts while still receiving hefty stock options that could overshadow their sacrifices. The conversation highlights corporate governance and public perceptions of executive compensation during these challenging times.

The impact of a hard Brexit on the EU's recovery plans is coming into sharp focus as member states push for clarity from Brussels. A former Goldman Sachs banker narrowly escapes prison for insider trading, raising eyebrows about accountability. On a brighter note, Vroom's IPO has investors buzzing as its stock price doubles on its debut. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve is set to unveil crucial economic forecasts, hinting at strategies to tackle recession amid ongoing social unrest and rising unemployment.

The US stock market has made a surprising recovery, erasing all its pandemic losses. Meanwhile, the World Bank warns that emerging economies might face their first shrinkage in decades. In response to ongoing protests against police brutality, Congressional Democrats have proposed sweeping police reform measures. Finally, experts discuss a cautious optimism in the oil industry, highlighting recent production cut decisions by OPEC and the strategic job reductions at BP.

The global Black Lives Matter protests have sparked a significant increase in corporate donations to civil rights groups. Economic concerns loom as businesses face potential cash shortages and the shipping industry grapples with 400,000 crew members stranded due to Covid-19. Confusion reigns around US job statistics, with misclassifications obscuring the true unemployment rate. Surprisingly, the job market is showing signs of recovery, defying expert expectations in a challenging economic landscape.