FT News Briefing

Veteran market strategist Jeremy Grantham has reduced his global stock holdings, revealing a bearish perspective amidst market optimism. The European Central Bank is actively engaging in bond-buying to stimulate economic recovery. Meanwhile, sustainable investments are predicted to thrive post-pandemic, with their performance outpacing traditional assets. Fund managers emphasize the importance of ESG factors, indicating that companies overlooking sustainability may struggle in the future.

Tensions rise as US Defense Secretary Mark Esper publicly opposes Trump's push for military intervention in protests, drawing criticism from former officials. A new study raises doubts about hydroxychloroquine's effectiveness against COVID-19. Amidst social unrest, the importance of peaceful protests is emphasized. Meanwhile, Warner Music achieves a landmark IPO, marking a major milestone in a turbulent economic landscape. The discussions highlight the intersection of politics, public health, and the music industry's resilience.

Companies are stepping up to address systemic racism, revealing personal commitments from leaders. Public health experts express concern that protests may worsen the Covid-19 situation, raising important questions about safety. Meanwhile, Zoom has seen a remarkable surge in popularity as remote work becomes essential, marking a significant shift in corporate communications. This intersection of social justice and public health reveals both challenges and opportunities for change.

Tensions flare as President Trump threatens to deploy military troops in response to widespread protests following George Floyd's death. The protests highlight deep-rooted issues of police brutality and showcase a diverse array of demonstrators. Meanwhile, unrest brews within Facebook, where employees express dissatisfaction over the company's handling of political posts and advertising. This internal discontent may signal a significant shift in the tech giant's culture and approach to content moderation.

Protests erupted across the U.S. as crowds demanded justice for George Floyd, highlighting ongoing racial injustices and the pandemic's impact on Black communities. Political reactions are shaping the upcoming presidential election amid these tensions. Meanwhile, the European Union is pushing for new taxes to fund its recovery from the pandemic. On the domestic front, alarm bells are ringing as seven U.S. public pension plans may run out of money by 2028, raising concerns about economic stability.

Donald Trump is pushing for a comprehensive review of social media's legal protections, stirring debate about free speech. Meanwhile, the UK government has opened citizenship doors for over 300,000 Hong Kong residents fleeing China's clampdown. AstraZeneca's impressive shift from struggling commercial tactics to a leader in vaccine development highlights the company’s innovative transformation through collaboration with Oxford University. These dynamic discussions reveal significant impacts on politics, global citizenship, and healthcare.

Boeing is set to resume production of the controversial 737 Max, all while planning significant layoffs. Meanwhile, the EU reveals a massive €750 billion recovery plan, facing hurdles in securing member support. Tensions escalate as the U.S. redefines Hong Kong’s status, potentially jeopardizing its role as a global financial hub. Experts discuss the implications of this shift amidst rising geopolitical strains and regulatory challenges affecting businesses.

Global stocks are feeling optimistic about a potential economic recovery. Major corporations like Disney, Apple, and ExxonMobil have borrowed a staggering trillion dollars this year, prompting discussions on market trends. Meanwhile, SpaceX is set to launch two NASA astronauts into space, marking a significant step in commercial space exploration. Industry experts weigh in on the implications of these developments for investors and the future of space travel.

The impact of COVID-19 on Japan’s birth rate is profound, with couples hesitating to start families amid economic worries. The country faces challenges with labor shortages due to this demographic shift. Meanwhile, India is navigating its contact-tracing app, the Aarogya Setu, as it adapts to public feedback and privacy concerns. The changing landscape of family planning and technology reveals the intricate balance between health and economic stability in these nations.

China is set to push national security laws on Hong Kong, raising tensions and sparking divided reactions among locals. Meanwhile, US retailers labeled as 'essential' are experiencing significant sales growth, contrasting sharply with those struggling due to the pandemic. Higher education faces a financial crisis as institutions adapt to online learning, grappling with the loss of international student fees and questions about the value of virtual education. The interplay of politics and economics is creating a complex landscape for both regions.