Behind the Money Financial Times

This week, we’re revisiting an episode from last year. Johnson & Johnson, one of the world’s largest healthcare companies, is facing thousands of lawsuits from people alleging they got cancer from using one of their oldest products: talc-based baby powder. To manage the growing liability, J&J deployed a controversial bankruptcy manoeuvre known as the Texas two-step. The FT’s US pharmaceutical correspondent Jamie Smyth helps us explore whether J&J’s use of this manoeuvre is setting a precedent for corporations to evade accountability in America. Plus, stick around for an update on what’s happened to the Texas two-step since this episode first aired. 
Clip from NBC 
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For further reading:
Johnson & Johnson’s ‘Texas-two-step’ sparks outcry over US bankruptcy regime
Talc ruling a blow to J&J and the ‘Texas two-step’ bankruptcy jig
Talcum powder cancer claims target J&J’s new consumer carve-out
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On Twitter, follow Jamie Smyth (@JamieSmythF) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com


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As cryptocurrencies have grown in popularity and people use cash less and less, central banks have been put on the defensive. Their solution to stay relevant and maintain control? A central bank digital currency. Institutions such as the European Central Bank see it as their way to leap into the digital age. But as the ECB is pushing forward with its agenda, it’s facing criticism from the very people and banks who would help keep it alive. The FT’s Martin Arnold takes a closer look at the digital euro — its promises, pitfalls and why people took to the streets to protest against it earlier this year.   
Clips from CNBC, Council on Foreign Relations, Meta, NBC
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For further reading:
The digital euro: a solution seeking a problem?
Central banks’ digital currency plans face public backlash
Facebook Libra: the inside story of how the company’s cryptocurrency dream died
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On Twitter, follow Martin Arnold (@MAmdorsky) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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The London Stock Exchange once held the top spot in global financial markets. In recent years, that’s changed drastically. The FT’s Harriet Agnew and Katie Martin explain how a yacht floating off the Canary Islands 30 years ago played a critical role in changing the stock market. 
Clips from CBS, Thames News 
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For further reading:
Britain’s ‘capitalism without capital’: the pension funds that shun risk 
‘There are no domestic equity investors’: why companies are fleeing London’s stock market
Why Europe’s stock markets are failing to challenge the US
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On Twitter, follow Harriet Agnew (@HarrietAgnew), Katie Martin (@katie_martin_fx) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com


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On the final episode of BTM Night School, we're talking markets: from stocks to bonds to commodities. We're joined by the FT's Markets editor Katie Martin and Ethan Wu, a member of the FT’s Wall Street team. Katie and Ethan unpack why last year was terrible for stocks, what bonds can tell you about inflation, and which market gives us the clearest picture into the “real” economy. This series is made in collaboration with Blinkist. To hear more conversations like this, check out the Blinkist app. 
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Interested in pursuing a Master of Business Administration? Sign up for our newsletter course MBA 101 for your guide to applying and getting into business school.
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Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Silicon Valley legend Intel was the semiconductor chip industry’s global leader for decades. Lately it’s fallen behind, just as the US is recognising the importance of chips to economic and national security. Now, Intel is trying to turn itself round. The FT’s Richard Waters explains its plans and the many challenges it will face in order to reclaim that stature. 
Clip from CNN 
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For further reading:
Can Intel become the chip champion the US needs?
Can Intel come back? 
Intel: Chips Act subsidies may impede a return to former glory
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On Twitter, follow Richard Waters (@RichardWaters) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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ESG has become a buzzword within public companies and among asset managers. Central banks and big asset managers such as BlackRock have been championing these standards, asking companies to consider climate change and corporate governance. But ESG is also seeing a backlash. Gillian Tett, founding editor of the Financial Times’ Moral Money newsletter, explains how it is changing the corporate boardroom and how much of an effect the pushback against ESG is having. This series is made in collaboration with Blinkist. To hear more conversations like this, check out the Blinkist app.
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Interested in pursuing a Master of Business Administration? Sign up for our newsletter course MBA 101 for your guide to applying and getting into business school.
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.