Viewsroom

Breakingviews columnists talk about the big numbers, crunchy deals and nasty spats in global business and economics, offering a weekly dose of financial insight that goes beyond the concise and provocative views readers get from our columns every day.

News
1
Europe’s IPO window opens slowly for buyout barons
CVC floated beauty retailer Douglas, whose shares fell, while EQT received a warmer welcome for skincare group Galderma. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists explain how to interpret the mixed message for private equity groups sitting on $3 trln of unsold assets.
14 min
2
Bank crises proved a mixed blessing for rivals
It’s 12 months since Silicon Valley Bank failed and Credit Suisse collapsed into the arms of UBS. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists explain how bigger banks gorged on these lenders’ carcasses – and how the system’s underlying weaknesses have not gone away.
20 min
3
Japan’s rate shift will hit zombie firms hardest
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.
18 min
4
Lower rates, office return will ease property pain
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.
14 min
5
Post-crisis Adani is cranking up his IPO factory
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.
17 min
6
Mining pain may be just getting started
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.
16 min
7
Deal famine is driving private equity evolution
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.
15 min
8
The obesity drug craze is entering its next phase
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.
22 min
9
JPMorgan succession is a high-stakes soap opera
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.
17 min
10
Shein’s China and ESG risk puts IPO on iffy ground
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.
16 min
11
Global risk pile-up penetrates Davos bubble
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.
16 min
12
Prolonged Red Sea attacks can hurt global economy
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.
15 min
13
The world’s paradigm shift will create a busy 2024
The world’s paradigm shift will create a busy 2024
17 min
14
Policymakers take divergent paths toward rate exit
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.
11 min
15
COP28 wrestles with the nuances of binning oil
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.
21 min
16
Saudi’s Indian cricket play works for both sides
The kingdom is looking to invest as much as $5 bln in the Indian Premier League. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss what it means for the sport and how it sizes up against Riyadh’s growing global sporting ambitions.
15 min
17
OpenAI’s boardroom drama is far from over
Sam Altman will return to the helm of the artificial intelligence firm after a torrid week of resignations. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists explain how the saga has raised concerns about governance, the future of AI and an alarming cult of the CEO.
14 min
18
Biden and Xi’s warmer ties look flimsy
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.
14 min
19
Wind woe opens door for alternative green ideas
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.
20 min
20
Japan’s rates tweak is careful and crafty
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.
13 min
21
Real big energy: Exxon and Chevron swim upstream
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.
14 min
22
Gaza turmoil’s repercussions extend far and wide
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.
20 min
23
Smaller banks pose big problems for regulators
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.
18 min
24
Big Four scandals will derail breakup plans
EY and PwC are dealing with issues in their tax and consulting units. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists explain how falling valuations of rivals like Accenture as well as questions about the stability of consulting fees will mean these firms may stick together.
19 min
25
European listing exodus is just beginning
Building materials firm CRH and packaging giant Smurfit Kappa are among a growing list of companies seeking to decamp from Europe to US exchanges. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss what is prompting groups to leave and why the rot is unlikely to ease.
21 min