FT News Briefing

Key headlines reveal Democrats pressing for Attorney General Barr's testimony linked to political influence claims. Berkshire Hathaway's Charlie Munger expresses a bleak outlook on the future. Europe cancels its largest telecoms conference over COVID-19 fears. The U.S. Department of Justice backs Qualcomm's antitrust appeal, complicating regulatory dynamics. Discussions also highlight declining newspaper relevance and the broader economic impact of the pandemic.

US Senator Bernie Sanders celebrates a win in the New Hampshire primary, signaling a significant moment in the Democratic race. Meanwhile, Lyft faces investor disappointment despite achieving record revenue. Concerns grow over regulatory crackdowns on electric scooters in Germany. The podcast also explores the rising interest in biotech investments aimed at combating COVID-19, highlighting the surge in telemedicine stocks as virtual healthcare becomes crucial in these uncertain times.

T-Mobile's acquisition of Sprint is on the verge of approval, signaling major shifts in the telecom landscape. Meanwhile, President Trump's budget cuts threaten key social programs while maintaining tax breaks. Political instability looms in Germany after a key leader's resignation, raising questions about the future of the CDU. The fallout from the 2017 Equifax breach continues, linking it to broader concerns over Chinese cyber espionage and strained U.S.-China relations. Recent indictments highlight the tension between countries over security and espionage.

Google faces accusations of favoritism in holiday rentals, stirring up controversy among competitors. France's Covéa is eyeing a $9 billion buyout of PartnerRe, shaking up the reinsurance sector. Meanwhile, Ireland's election results reveal a three-way tie, reflecting a significant political shift. Plus, as Airbnb navigates safety challenges following troubling incidents, a pilot program aims to enhance trust and community safety.

Uber's shares soared as they promised profitability by year's end. Tensions rise between the U.S. and U.K. over Huawei's role in 5G, with Trump reportedly furious at Johnson. Elliott Management has invested $2.5bn in SoftBank, pushing for strategic changes. Meanwhile, a journalist quarantined in Wuhan reveals how suppressed information worsened the coronavirus outbreak. Public trust is eroding due to delayed warnings from authorities, impacting citizens both at home and abroad.

Donald Trump was acquitted by the Senate, with Mitt Romney making headlines for his surprising vote. Meanwhile, HSBC is delaying the appointment of a new CEO as it revamps its strategy. In China, energy executives predict a 25% drop in oil consumption due to the coronavirus's impact on demand. Additionally, the podcast discusses Spotify's aggressive push into the podcasting world and how it might transform its music streaming business amid financial challenges.

President Trump's State of the Union address claims incredible economic results. Pete Buttigieg unexpectedly takes a narrow lead in the Iowa caucuses amid reporting delays. The implications of these primary results loom large for New Hampshire. Meanwhile, the NYSE explores a potential takeover of eBay, raising investor interest. SoftBank's Vision Fund faces leadership changes due to internal concerns, and Ford's stock plummets as a disappointing outlook is announced. A whirlwind of political and corporate developments shapes the current landscape.

Emergency oil production cuts are on the horizon as the coronavirus wreaks havoc on the economy. Alphabet's revenue growth has unexpectedly slowed, raising questions about tech giants' market influence. Meanwhile, tensions mount as Iowa caucus results are stalled due to 'quality control' issues. Germany is drafting new legislation to counteract anti-competitive practices from major tech companies like Google and Amazon, reflecting rising global concerns about their power.

Boris Johnson outlines his future vision for UK-EU relations amid Brexit. Meanwhile, China is ramping up financial support to combat an economic downturn triggered by the coronavirus outbreak. American voters in Iowa prepare to kick off the Democratic presidential primaries, reflecting diverse political sentiments. Additionally, a discussion highlights Germany's concerns of being overshadowed by Silicon Valley, with the challenges posed by Apple's soaring valuation revealing a need for transformation in traditional industries like automotive.

IBM is undergoing a leadership change as Arvind Krishna steps in as CEO, highlighting the company's shift towards cloud computing. Meanwhile, Amazon celebrates a record holiday season thanks to their one-day shipping services. The World Health Organization has declared an international health emergency due to the coronavirus outbreak. As the UK heads towards Brexit, the population finds itself divided between feelings of vindication and sadness about leaving the EU.