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 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  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 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  On Twitter, follow Martin Arnold (@MAmdorsky) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07) Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  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.