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
76
Elon Musk’s second run at his $44 bln Twitter deal
A judge in Delaware has given the Tesla CEO until the end of the month to make good on his vow to buy the social media giant. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists delve into the many twists of this M&A saga, Musk’s options, and what’s likely to happen next.
13 min
77
What to expect from China’s Party Congress
This month’s quinquennial meeting will shed some light on President Xi Jinping’s policy priorities amid a slowing economy and Covid lockdowns. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists offer pointers on what to watch for from this staged but critical political event.
21 min
78
Behind Britain’s self-inflicted financial crisis
Sterling fell to a record low and gilt yields soared after finance minister Kwasi Kwarteng unveiled a raft of unfunded tax cuts. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists explain the long-term damage to the UK’s credibility and what will rebuild investors’ confidence.
18 min
79
Italy’s first female leader, Amazon’s monopoly
Far-right leader Giorgia Meloni is favourite to become prime minister after Sunday’s election. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists debate how she will handle Rome’s debt, which is expected to reach 148% of GDP. And: the online retail giant’s antitrust battle.
21 min
80
Disney’s big ESPN choice, Rio Tinto Mongolia drama
Activist Dan Loeb backed away from his demand that the $203 bln media firm sell its sports network. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists debate whether it’s the right move. And the $94 bln mining giant’s attempt to secure copper supply may need heavier machinery.
17 min
81
The consequences of Europe’s energy crisis
As Russian President Vladimir Putin cuts off gas through a key pipeline, Breakingviews columnists discuss the response from UK and European governments, how the shutdown could have some longer-term benefits, and when Russia will feel the squeeze of lost revenue.
19 min
82
Chinese audits, Vaccine wars, UK tax cuts
Beijing will let companies submit to U.S. audit requirements. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists argue only weak firms will comply. Also, Pfizer and Moderna’s legal battle is unlikely to create a winner, and Britain’s prime ministerial hopefuls debate handouts.
25 min
83
Do hybrid vehicles help or hurt the environment?
Automakers like Toyota still favour cars that run on both batteries and fossil fuels. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists debate whether this is smart given shoddy power grids and rising cell costs, or a dangerous distraction in the battle against climate change.
22 min
84
Walmart inflation alarm, Unilever’s pricey remedy
America’s largest private employer’s market value fell $35 bln amid a profit warning. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss how customers shifting to low-margin food is a harbinger for rivals. Also, the Dove maker is pushing quality versus quantity sales.
18 min
85
China’s multi-layered property crisis explained
Homeowners in the world’s second-largest economy are refusing to pay mortgages on unbuilt homes. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists describe how government deleveraging policy destabilised the sector – and President Xi Jinping’s unpalatable options for fixing it.
19 min
86
Japan’s post-Abe future, Europe’s currency problem
The assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is an end of an economic era. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists debate how his party’s success could bring about big spending. Also, the euro’s decline is a problem for central bank chief Christine Lagarde.
17 min
87
Kraft Heinz grocer war, China’s creaking economy
Tesco has pulled products made by the $47 bln baked bean producer over price rises. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists debate how this loss of variety could open the door for rivals to expand. Also, the People’s Republic’s means of hitting economic goals.
14 min
88
Robinhood’s reversal, Russian oil cap
The digital brokerage is worth less than a quarter of its $32 bln IPO value. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists argue that its $7 bln cash pile and ample user base make it an attractive target. Also, Western leaders’ plan to restrict funds to Moscow may backfire.
19 min
89
Gulf pot of gold, China’s unemployment problem
Investment banks like HSBC and Citigroup are beefing up teams in the Middle East to rake in juicy IPO and M&A fees. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss why early investment is paying off. Also, the People’s Republic’s jobs crisis is likely to worsen.
16 min
90
Indian cricket, Brexit breakdown, BlackRock voting
Disney took half the viewing rights to the country’s top sport league which fetched $6.2 bln. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists debate who won. They also discuss Boris Johnson's plan to rip up his EU exit deal and BlackRock’s efforts to distribute voting rights.
28 min
91
New York hybrid working woe, Toshiba’s options
The work from home revolution looks here to stay with nearly 80% of surveyed employers accepting it as the new norm. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss how this will be painful for office landlords. Plus, the $22 bln Japanese company’s mysterious future.
18 min
92
Big four breakup plan, America’s big spenders
EY is considering splitting its audit unit from its fast-growing consulting practice. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists debate a possible $60 bln valuation and why the plan may create few winners. Also, inflation is creating a murky economic picture stateside.
14 min
93
HSBC’s jarring ESG message, Davos in spring
The bank’s head of responsible investing believes policymakers are exaggerating the financial risks of climate change. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss the ramifications of those remarks. Plus: The World Economic Forum is back, but the mood is dour.
20 min
94
Crypto’s day of reckoning, Goldman holiday perks
Terra unravelled while $75 bln Tether wobbled. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss why reforming stablecoins which are supposedly linked to the dollar could dent their allure. Also, the Wall Street firm’s vacation offering is unlikely to benefit staff.
24 min
95
Chelsea’s generous buyer, U.S. inflation pain
Roman Abramovich is selling the soccer team to a group led by LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly for $3 bln. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss the chunky valuation and the owner’s spending plans. Also, high prices are hitting the rich as well as the poor.
16 min
96
HSBC breakup, Big Oil’s surprise restraint
The $129 bln bank is under pressure from its largest shareholder to spin off its Asian unit. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss why the plan deserves short shrift. Also, the decision by oil giants to limit production will win few friends.
14 min
97
Elon Musk’s Twitter funds, Netflix with ads
Tesla’s boss is close to clinching control of the social network, having secured financing from Wall Street. Breakingviews columnists discuss why the bet makes sense for banks in this Viewsroom podcast. Also, the streaming service’s subscriber pain may lead to bountiful change.
19 min
98
Twitter’s scarce suitors, Didi’s New York exit
As Elon Musk dangles a $41 billion offer, Breakingviews columnists discuss whether anybody will end up buying the social network in this Viewsroom podcast. Plus, the Chinese ride-hailing firm cancels its U.S. listing less than a year after arriving, leaving shareholders stranded.
20 min
99
Covid shuts down China, Baltic lessons for Germany
As Shanghai grapples with a coronavirus outbreak and almost one-third of the country’s population is under lockdown, Breakingviews columnists discuss the impact on China’s economy in this Viewsroom podcast. Plus, tiny Lithuania shows European countries how to give up Russian gas.
20 min
100
Culture wars: Musk’s Twitter punt, French election
Outspoken political and business leaders are making big moves. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss why Twitter may have reaped the benefits from Elon Musk’s investment and how French president Emmanuel Macron needs to work hard to win over voters.
16 min