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
101
Hope and optimism are surprise guests at Davos
Business leaders like Bank of America’s Brian Moynihan and Microsoft’s Satya Nadella are attending this week’s World Economic Forum. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists give a view from the ground, debate the upbeat tone and explain why politicians stayed home.
14 min
102
Global energy prices face a turbulent 2023
The cost of natural gas has halved from a peak last year thanks to warmer weather and bulky European stores. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss why it’s too early for companies and households to rule out further supply shocks and price volatility.
17 min
103
The challenges of being prepared for 2023
The global pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine exposed the difficulty of making predictions. Forecasting the coming year is even more fraught than usual. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss some scenarios that may play out in the next 12 months.
14 min
104
Qatar has got what it wanted from the World Cup
The Gulf state has taken more flak than it would have done had it not staged the soccer tournament, which ends on Sunday. Yet in this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss how Qatar’s largely successful event also aids a strategy to make itself globally visible.
18 min
105
The implications of Blackstone’s property wobble
The giant alternative asset manager’s market value dropped by $8 bln after it said investors were exiting its flagship real estate fund. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss the causes of the jitters and how rivals are vulnerable to similar moves.
11 min
106
China’s messy options for ending zero-Covid
Protests broke out across the People’s Republic this week as authorities tightened lockdowns to contain the virus. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss the difficulties of walking back a policy that leader Xi Jinping has convinced the country is necessary.
15 min
107
FTX collapse consigns crypto to fringes of finance
Sam Bankman-Fried’s failed crypto exchange is a huge blow to the ailing sector. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss how firewalls helped protect banks, how the saga will embolden regulators, and what the future looks like for digital currencies.
19 min
108
COP28 may make up for COP27’s shortcomings
The global climate meeting has mostly failed to lure the same corporate big hitters as Glasgow did last year. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss how even if the gathering in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh yields little progress, 2023 in the UAE could be better.
16 min
109
How Credit Suisse’s turnaround could work
CEO Ulrich Körner is raising $4 bln of fresh equity and shrinking the Zurich-based group’s trading business to put it on a steadier footing. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists debate the merits of the plan and what’s at stake if it fails.
20 min
110
Elon Musk’s $44 bln Twitter challenge begins
The Tesla boss is now the proud owner of the social media platform. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss the billionaire’s plans to boost revenue, the implications for the electric carmaker’s shareholders, and what the saga tells us about mega-deals.
16 min
111
Adidas’s Kanye West bet is still in credit
The 18 bln euro sportswear maker severed ties with the musician over offensive comments. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss how the financial benefits to Adidas nevertheless outweighed the costs. That may spur other brands to pursue outspoken stars.
13 min
112
Britain’s bond crisis reverses over the government
New finance minister Jeremy Hunt has scrapped most of his predecessor’s unfunded tax cuts, scuppering Prime Minister Liz Truss’s growth plan. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists debate what the U-turn means for markets – and whether Truss can survive.
13 min
113
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
114
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
115
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
116
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
117
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
118
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
119
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
120
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
121
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
122
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
123
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
124
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
125
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