FT News Briefing

Xerox plans to take its $33 billion bid for HP directly to shareholders, raising questions about market control and leadership. Nasdaq is set to outpace the New York Stock Exchange in IPOs this year. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s owner has struck a record-breaking $500 million deal with Silver Lake. In China, renewable energy efforts are faltering, causing concern ahead of UN climate discussions, as the nation grapples with balancing economic growth and environmental responsibilities.

A surge of global takeovers exceeding $70 billion signals aggressive corporate consolidation. Bill Gross predicts a challenging year ahead for U.S. markets. In legal news, a judge rules that Trump’s top advisors must testify before Congress, while Mexico grapples with a technical recession. Uber faces serious hurdles in London, losing its operating license amidst safety concerns and regulatory scrutiny. The implications of these developments are significant for Uber's global operations.

Pro-democracy candidates achieve a stunning victory in Hong Kong’s local elections, fueled by record voter turnout. Over in the UK, Boris Johnson unveils a bold Conservative manifesto focused on immigration and healthcare reforms. Meanwhile, Michael Bloomberg officially enters the U.S. presidential race, raising questions about his impact on the media landscape. In the luxury market, LVMH's $16.7 billion acquisition of Tiffany & Co. is set to reshape the brand's future, highlighting the evolving consumer preferences in today's economy.

Google's $2.1 billion deal for Fitbit faces backlash from politicians and privacy advocates concerned about data security. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confronts serious legal challenges, including bribery and fraud allegations. In China, a major construction group halts work on a skyscraper, signaling economic troubles. Additionally, Charles Schwab prepares to acquire TD Ameritrade for $25 billion, highlighting the ongoing consolidation trend in the financial sector as smaller firms struggle to compete.

Get ready for a whirlwind of politics and business! The U.S. ambassador to the EU's dramatic testimony against Trump shakes the impeachment landscape. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's IPO moves are leaving global banks in the dust. GM's legal showdown with Fiat Chrysler over alleged bribery adds fuel to the fire. Plus, discover how Walmart is making a surprising comeback in today's competitive retail market. Tune in for the latest insights!

In a heated televised debate, Boris Johnson edges out Jeremy Corbyn, sparking discussions on Brexit strategies. Meanwhile, testimony reveals Trump’s questionable conduct during a call with Ukraine. A tragic self-driving Uber accident points to driver negligence as a key factor. Additionally, Brazil's push for sugarcane exports complicates EU trade talks, raising concerns over environmental policies and the Amazon fires. The delicate balance between agriculture and environmental commitments could derail this landmark deal.

Alibaba is looking to raise a staggering $13.4 billion in Hong Kong amidst rising violence, highlighting mounting tension in the region. Coty’s bold move to acquire a controlling stake in Kylie Jenner’s cosmetics brand is also making waves. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has put a pause on a major corporate tax cut. Additionally, Facebook grapples with the fallout from shutting down 5.4 billion fake accounts, raising questions about user authenticity and its ongoing revenue resilience despite scandals.

Saudi Aramco is scaling back its IPO, raising eyebrows in the investment community. Nancy Pelosi vows to protect a whistleblower amidst Trump's impeachment inquiry. Boris Johnson is set to introduce tax breaks worth £1bn to stimulate business. Meanwhile, HP's board decisively rejects a $22-a-share bid from Xerox. The discussion also highlights Income Share Agreements as an innovative solution to student debt, drawing interest from yield-starved investors looking for alternatives in today's low-yield environment.

The US and China are entangled in a messy trade war, struggling to finalize a crucial deal. Lloyd Blankfein criticizes Elizabeth Warren's approach to wealth taxes, stirring up political controversy. Meanwhile, Jeff Bezos is contesting a massive military contract awarded to Microsoft, alleging bias. Google is stepping up efforts to safeguard user privacy by limiting advertiser access to personal data, raising concerns about health data security in the tech world. Trust in health technology remains vital as major players like Google navigate this complex landscape.

Peter Spiegel, FT's correspondent, dives into the whirlwind of the first public impeachment hearings regarding Trump's Ukraine dealings. He analyzes key testimonies, including insights from the acting U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, and discusses the implications for U.S. policy in Eastern Europe. Spiegel also reflects on the political strategies emerging from the inquiry while touching on WeWork's financial troubles and the evolving landscape of Brexit. His keen observations provide a vivid snapshot of a critical moment in U.S. political history.