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
26
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
27
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
28
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
29
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
30
The world’s paradigm shift will create a busy 2024
The world’s paradigm shift will create a busy 2024
17 min
31
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
32
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
33
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
34
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
35
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
36
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
37
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
38
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
39
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
40
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
41
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
42
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
43
Listing duo offers followers a cautious playbook
Chip designer Arm and grocery delivery company Instacart have secured relatively successful stock launches, offering hope of a wider reopening of the IPO market. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists explain how cornerstone investors and lowly valuations helped.
12 min
44
BP CEO exit raises strategy and board questions
Bernard Looney resigned after he failed to disclose past relationships with staff. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists debate what that means for the oil giant’s commitment to net zero, and whether BP’s board did all it could have done.
18 min
45
Arm’s IPO valuation rests on big dose of hope
The SoftBank-owned chip designer is getting ready to list. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists argue that even the company’s reduced price tag of $50 bln is still far too high, and debate what investors would have to believe to buy the shares.
15 min
46
African coups will ramp up scramble for minerals
Gabon’s government was overthrown by a military revolt, following similar unrest in Niger. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss how instability in producers of key resources like manganese and uranium will lead global powers to hunt for more stable sources.
14 min
47
China’s sliding currency is vote of no confidence
The People’s Republic is scrambling to stop the yuan’s weakening against the US dollar. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss capital flight pressures and tepid investor interest in the world’s second largest economy, and what that means for the wider world.
14 min
48
Arm float may deepen cracks in IPO market
The chip designer is preparing a stock market listing in the US. Orders are already being lined up from customers like Amazon.com but in this Viewroom podcast Breakingviews columnists explain why it may not get a lofty valuation and how that could put off possible followers.
14 min
49
Big Tech is mostly leaping a low bar
The stock market’s mood increasingly hinges on the vagaries of tech giants like Meta, Amazon and Apple. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss how most of their recent earnings held up – even if only compared to muted expectations for their core businesses.
12 min
50
Cracking the IPO window is a tall task
Sandal-maker Birkenstock is among those angling to defy a downturn in stock-market debuts. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss how corporate hopefuls on both sides of the Atlantic are trying to thaw the deepest freeze on public listings since the pandemic.
20 min