Japan’s rate shift will hit zombie firms hardest 14 Mar 2024 The central bank could end an era of negative borrowing costs as early as next week. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists argue that large companies are ready for the tightening, but many struggling small businesses could hit the wall even if policymakers go slow.
Lower rates, office return will ease property pain 7 Mar 2024 The post-pandemic boom in hybrid work is causing trouble for banks that have lent heavily to office developers. But in this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists explain how losses may be limited if central banks bring borrowing costs down and bosses call employees back.
How to solve Europe’s defence riddle 5 Mar 2024 At 360 bln euros, the bloc’s military expenses are three times Russia’s. Yet fragmented defence systems are a problem, Bruegel senior fellow Guntram Wolff tells The Exchange podcast. To improve scale and boost aid for Ukraine, Europe should consider more joint debt.
Post-crisis Adani is cranking up his IPO factory 29 Feb 2024 Indian tycoon Gautam Adani is on a comeback from a short-seller attack that stress-tested his $200 bln empire. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists explain how the spotlight impacted his group and look at the next crop of listed companies it is set to produce.
Mining pain may be just getting started 22 Feb 2024 Falling prices for nickel, lithium and copper have hit earnings at Glencore and Anglo American. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists explain why competition and dwindling demand for electric vehicles will keep key battery commodities under pressure.
Deal famine is driving private equity evolution 15 Feb 2024 M&A activity fell 30% in 2023 and this year is off to a relatively slow start. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss how a dearth of deals is spotlighting a shift of focus among traditional buyout houses like KKR and Carlyle into areas like private credit.
The obesity drug craze is entering its next phase 8 Feb 2024 Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk can’t keep up with demand for their weight loss medications. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss the hype among celebrities, the different approaches to prescribing them in the US and Europe, and how they can reshape the world.
JPMorgan succession is a high-stakes soap opera 1 Feb 2024 The US’s largest bank shuffled its business leaders, sparking speculation as to who might eventually take over from boss Jamie Dimon. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists explain why it matters, even if Dimon’s eventual successor is unlikely to fill his shoes.
Shein’s China and ESG risk puts IPO on iffy ground 25 Jan 2024 The fast-fashion giant is preparing a New York stock market listing. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists explain how US investors might be wary of links to Beijing, and how its hard-to-recycle $5 tops and sweaters could be vulnerable to future regulation.
Global risk pile-up penetrates Davos bubble 18 Jan 2024 Nearly 3,000 movers and shakers have converged on the Swiss resort amid crises in the Red Sea, Gaza and Ukraine. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss how Davos-goers unable to ignore these perils are nervously anticipating another Trump presidency.
Prolonged Red Sea attacks can hurt global economy 11 Jan 2024 Freight costs are soaring as militants target ships on a crucial trade route. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists debate how inflation could rise and which companies could suffer if the tensions aren’t resolved soon.
The world’s paradigm shift will create a busy 2024 2 Jan 2024 Surprise IPOs, a wave of M&A activity and changing recruitment patterns are just a flavour of predictions from Breakingviews. In this Viewsroom podcast, columnists explain how a better understanding of the rates environment and inflation will make it easier to get things done.
Policymakers take divergent paths toward rate exit 14 Dec 2023 Central banks in Europe and the US left borrowing costs untouched this week. But the latter went a step further and unexpectedly promised cuts. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists explain how ratesetters, who were slow to tackle inflation, could be laggards again.
COP28 wrestles with the nuances of binning oil 7 Dec 2023 The global climate conference in Dubai has seen its fossil fuel-rich UAE host criticised for appearing to contest the need to phase out crude. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss how the picture is a bit more complex.
Biden and Xi’s warmer ties look flimsy 16 Nov 2023 The leaders of the largest economies resumed high-level communication following years of tension. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists explain how Taiwan as well as anti-China rhetoric in the lead-up to next year’s US election could undo any goodwill.
Wind woe opens door for alternative green ideas 9 Nov 2023 Shares of Orsted and Siemens Energy are being battered by their inability to boost profits. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists explain how trouble in offshore wind may encourage investors to back other clean energy segments like battery storage, cables and solar.
Japan’s rates tweak is careful and crafty 2 Nov 2023 The central bank changed its policy to allow higher 10-year bond yields. Unlike the US, it can afford to raise borrowing costs slowly as inflation is low. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists explain why monetary tightening as others loosen may give Tokyo an edge.
Real big energy: Exxon and Chevron swim upstream 26 Oct 2023 The two US oil titans unveiled acquisitions worth more than $100 bln combined within weeks of each other. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss what’s powering the renewed consolidation push, as well as the threats posed to the industry by a greener market.
Gaza turmoil’s repercussions extend far and wide 19 Oct 2023 Among other consequences, Israel’s new war complicates the path to friendlier relations between itself and Saudi Arabia. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss the possible scenarios for the region, but also its implications for the US government.
Smaller banks pose big problems for regulators 12 Oct 2023 Britain’s Metro Bank came close to the brink, while several US regional players failed earlier in 2023. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists debate whether watchdogs have the right tools to deal with such situations, and whether they’re brave enough to use them.