FT News Briefing

US president Donald Trump’s tariffs on Mexico and Canada are paused for now, commercial property investment is starting to recover from a two-year slump, and Eurozone inflation unexpectedly ticked up in January. Plus, the French AI company Mistral was supposed to be Europe’s answer to US Big Tech dominance, but it’s struggling to gain traction. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

US to pause tariffs on Canada for 30 days after Trudeau and Trump agree deal

Investors choose flats and hotels over offices as property deals return

Eurozone inflation rises to 2.5% in January

Has Europe’s great hope for AI missed its moment?

The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Ethan Plotkin, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Katie McMurran, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Donald Trump hit Canada, Mexico and China with steep tariffs on Saturday, and oil and gas groups are relying more heavily on carbon offsets to reach climate targets. Plus, EU governments are exploring ways to include the UK and Norway in a “coalition of the willing” dedicated to ramping up the continent’s defence.

Mentioned in this podcast:

‘A trade war on steroids’: Trump ushers in new age of US protectionism

Trump tariffs spark panic and anger in Canada and Mexico

EU opens door to UK and Norway for defence ‘coalition of willing’

Shell dominates carbon credit market as clean energy spending scaled back

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Ethan Plotkin, Katie McMurran, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

American foreign aid supports everything from arms sales to HIV treatment. But this week, with the stroke of a pen, Donald Trump suspended nearly all of that aid for 90 days. The FT’s Africa editor David Pilling and US defence and security correspondent Felicia Schwartz join this week’s Swamp Notes to discuss how Trump is rapidly redefining America’s role on the world stage. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Donald Trump’s foreign aid freeze sparks global funding crisis

US officials push to exempt Ukraine from Rubio’s foreign aid freeze 

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson and Katya Kumkova. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Apple revealed quarterly results that slightly exceeded Wall Street expectations, SoftBank is in talks to invest as much as $25bn into OpenAI, and the European Central Bank cut interest rates as it warned about headwinds to the bloc’s economy. Plus, there are concerns that China’s hukou system creates second-class citizens and holds back consumption in urban areas. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Apple results top estimates even as iPhone sales stall

SoftBank in talks to invest up to $25bn in OpenAI 

ECB warns of ‘headwinds’ to Eurozone economy as it cuts rate to 2.75%

How a Mao-era system creates second-class citizens in modern China 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Big Tech earnings season is in full swing, the US Federal Reserve held interest rates steady despite pressure from President Donald Trump, and Syria’s new government pressed Moscow about reparations. Plus, activist short-selling is on the decline. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Meta’s bumper results tempered by revenue outlook 

Federal Reserve keeps US interest rates on hold 

Syria asks Russia for reparations

Last men standing: the short sellers who remain after Hindenburg’s exit

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Advances in artificial intelligence by Chinese start-up DeepSeek caused a frantic sell-off of energy and infrastructure shares, and Donald Trump’s Treasury secretary is pushing for new universal tariffs to start at 2.5 per cent. A study finds that ETFs make the market more efficient, and Boeing reports its second-biggest annual loss. 

Mentioned in this podcast: 

DeepSeek-driven sell-off puts power demands of AI in doubt, says IEA

Scott Bessent pushes gradual 2.5% universal tariffs plan 

ETFs increase efficiency of the market, new study shows 

Boeing reports second-biggest annual loss after tough 2024 

ft.com/briefingsale 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

US tech stocks tumbled after advances by Chinese start-up DeepSeek ignited worries over whether America could sustain its lead in artificial intelligence. Latin American leaders will hold an emergency summit to respond to President Donald Trump’s mass deportations of migrants, and Starbucks is cracking down on non-customer access to its stores. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Advances by China’s DeepSeek sow doubts about AI spending 

Tech stocks slump as China’s DeepSeek stokes fears over AI spending 

‘Back to 1897’: Latin America scrambles to respond to Donald Trump’s aggression 

Starbucks cracks down on freeloaders to reverse sales decline 

Tech Tonic 

ft.com/briefingsale 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Pressure is piling on the European Union to cut back its sustainability agenda, Wall Street may thwart President Donald Trump’s call for a new oil boom, and the US president unleashes retaliatory tariffs against Colombia. Plus, Microsoft’s stake in OpenAI is complicating the start-up’s path to become a for-profit company.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Trump agenda piles pressure on EU to cut red tape 

Wall Street will stymie Donald Trump’s US oil surge plan, say shale bosses 

Trump imposes tariffs and sanctions on Colombia in spat over migrants

OpenAI struggles to price Microsoft stake in deal to become for-profit company 

ft.com/briefingsale 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Donald Trump has made a lot of enemies over the years. He spent his first week back in the White House going after them — and is reshaping the federal government in the process. The FT’s Washington bureau chief James Politi and US legal and enforcement correspondent Stefania Palma join this week’s Swamp Notes to explain what the president’s first week signals about his plans for the next four years.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Donald Trump vs the ‘deep state’: president’s vendetta agenda takes shape

Trump’s pick for justice department to face scrutiny on vow to prosecute his opponents

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson and Katya Kumkova. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

A federal judge has blocked US President Donald Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship, and shares in the leading makers of anti-obesity drugs have dipped. Trump has ordered officials to draw up retaliatory measures against “extraterritorial” taxes, and Emilia Pérez has emerged as frontrunner after the 2025 Academy Award nominations.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Judge halts Donald Trump’s effort to end US citizenship at birth 

Donald Trump threatens to double tax rates for foreign nationals and companies 

Investors lose their appetite for the obesity trade 

Oscar nominations 2025: cartel musical Emilia Pérez on song with 13 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Michela Tindera, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

European bank dividends are at their highest levels since 2007, US President Donald Trump froze billions of dollars in federal funding to green infrastructure projects, and Trump said yesterday that the US would impose more sanctions on Moscow if its war in Ukraine doesn’t end soon. Plus, military regimes in Africa's Sahel region are cracking down on international mining companies. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

European banks to reward investors with bumper €123bn in payouts

Donald Trump halts more than $300bn in US green infrastructure funding 

Trump tells Putin to reach Ukraine ‘deal’ soon or US will increase sanctions

AI-developed drug will be in trials by year-end, says Google’s Hassabis

The ‘terrifying’ crackdown on mining companies in Africa’s coup belt

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Michela Tindera, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Netflix added a record 19mn subscribers in the fourth quarter, fuelled by live sports. US stocks rallied while currencies swung the day after Donald Trump’s inauguration, and TikTok-owner ByteDance plans to spend $12bn on AI chips in 2025. Plus, Chinese citizens’ doubts grow over the government’s economic growth claims.  

Mentioned in this podcast:

Netflix shares jump as it adds record number of subscribers 

Wall Street stocks climb as investors parse Donald Trump’s executive orders 

TikTok-owner ByteDance plans to spend $12bn on AI chips in 2025 

Chinese citizens’ doubts grow over official economic growth claims

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Belgium has launched a criminal probe into the DRC’s allegation. Donald Trump is sworn in as US president. Davos leaders reject climate banking group. And Toyota struggles to jumpstart hydrogen car sales.

Mentioned in this podcast: 

Trump and the contest between two visions of democracy

Apple hit by Belgian probe over ‘blood minerals’ in Congo

Toyota rethinks its bet on hydrogen 

Dollar tumbles as Trump shies away from trade tariffs 

This episode of the FT News Briefing was produced by Josh Gabert-Doyon, Mischa Frankl-Duval, Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Donald Trump will become US president for the second time on Monday. Investors pile into a fund that spreads its assets equally across the S&P 500, as concerns about a tech bubble grow. A hostage and prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas is underway. Plus, how El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele became a model for the global far right.  

Mentioned in this podcast:

Donald Trump plans blitz of executive orders for first days in White House 

Investors pour billions into S&P equal weight fund as tech fears rise 

Hamas hands over three Israeli hostages as ceasefire begins 

How El Salvador became a model for the global far right 

Trump-backed memecoin value tops $12bn as crypto industry hopes rise 

Credit: CSPAN

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Not long ago, American corporations were promoting racial justice initiatives and promising to combat climate change. That’s all changed in the months since Donald Trump’s election. The FT’s US financial editor Brooke Masters and tech correspondent Hannah Murphy join this week’s Swamp Notes to explain what’s behind this cultural shift. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Is corporate America going Maga?

The cravenness of Mark Zuckerberg

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson and Katya Kumkova. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. 

CREDIT: Joe Rogan Experience 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Donald Trump’s Treasury pick Scott Bessent wants to increase sanctions on Russian oil producers, and the FT’s Stephen Gandel unpacks a bumper earnings season from Wall Street’s banks. British companies are buying back their shares at a faster rate than even US groups, and the LA fires are worsening the challenges facing Hollywood. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Donald Trump’s Treasury pick stresses need for tougher sanctions on Russian oil 

Donald Trump’s policy pledges unleashing ‘animal spirits’, Wall Street bankers say 

UK companies outpace US businesses in share buybacks 

Fires prompt soul-searching at Hollywood’s dream factories 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Israel and Hamas have agreed a deal to halt the war in Gaza and free the remaining hostages. Wall Street banks notched up profits at the end of last year amid a trading boom, and the FT’s economics editor Sam Fleming explains where things stand with inflation around the world. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Gaza ceasefire announced after 15 months of war 

US earnings latest: Wall Street profits surge on trading boom

Wall Street stocks post biggest rally since Donald Trump’s election victory 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Saudi Aramco is to expand its investments in lithium production, officials in Beijing are discussing using Elon Musk as a broker in a potential sale of TikTok’s US operations, and KPMG could soon begin offering legal services in the US. Plus, Syria has been flooded with imports in the aftermath of Bashar al-Assad’s ousting.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Saudi Aramco to expand investments in lithium as it diversifies from oil

China discussing using Elon Musk as broker in TikTok deal

KPMG readies challenge to US law firms

Syria flooded with Pepsi and Pringles as rulers open economy

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Goldman Sachs is building a new private credit unit, and Nawaf Salam is named as Lebanon’s new prime minister. China’s trade surplus with the rest of the world reached a record of almost $1tn in 2024, and Amazon races to transplant Alexa’s ‘brain’ with generative AI. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Goldman Sachs to deepen exposure to booming private credit industry 

Nawaf Salam is Lebanon’s new prime minister

China’s trade surplus hits annual record of almost $1tn

Amazon races to transplant Alexa’s ‘brain’ with generative AI

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

The US is on the cusp of a gas boom and the west hits Venezuelan officials with fresh sanctions. A £1.5bn class action lawsuit against Apple goes to trial in the UK, and US private equity firms may soon have access to people’s retirement savings. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Gas construction expected to boom this year in the US

Venezuelan officials hit with fresh sanctions as Nicolás Maduro begins third term 

Apple £1.5bn class action case kicks off in UK courts 

Mom and pop pension savers could benefit from private markets, at the right price 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Lulu Smyth, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Donald Trump has an aggressive negotiating method: he makes big threats in order to extract concessions. But now that he’s floated the idea of invading Danish and Panamanian territories this week, America’s allies are especially nervous. The FT’s Nordic and Baltic bureau chief Richard Milne and US national editor and columnist Ed Luce join Swamp Notes to discuss Trump’s imperial ambitions. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Why Donald Trump wants Greenland

Trump, Greenland and the rebirth of the Monroe Doctrine

Donald Trump’s careless talk

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Kasia Broussalian, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

The EU is preparing for president-elect Donald Trump to roll back his predecessor’s executive orders, bond markets have entered a new era of antagonism with governments, and insurers are bracing for losses of as much as $20bn from wildfires in Los Angeles. Plus, Elon Musk has privately discussed with allies how Sir Keir Starmer could be removed as UK prime minister before the next general election.

Mentioned in this podcast:

EU fears Trump rolling back Biden-era measures 

Bond market ‘police’ are back as investors patrol spending plans 

Insurers brace for losses of up to $20bn from California wildfires 

Musk examines how to oust Starmer as UK prime minister before next election 

Resold tickets prices set to be capped under UK tout crackdown

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

EU leaders warn Donald Trump not to meddle with the continent’s territories, and Wall Street analysts are betting Citigroup will miss a critical long-term target next week. Indonesia is maintaining its ban on iPhone 16 sales despite Apple's $1bn investment proposal, and China is signing growing numbers of Taiwanese people up for local IDs in a drive to incorporate them into its society.

Mentioned in this podcast:

EU leaders warn Donald Trump not to meddle with Europe’s borders 

Indonesia says $1bn offer from Apple not enough to lift iPhone 16 ban 

Wall Street doubts Citi chief Jane Fraser can hit crucial target 

China’s drive to give Taiwanese visitors local IDs alarms Taipei 

Mexico’s president calls for parts of US to be renamed ‘Mexican America’ 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

China’s airlines are rapidly expanding into Europe, and we take a look at what’s next for Canada’s Liberal party following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation. Plus, Meta ends third-party fact-checking and Wall Street bankers gear up for an IPO revival.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Chinese airlines rush into Europe as western carriers retreat 

Praised abroad, troubled at home: Canada’s political ‘prince’ bows out 

Meta ends third-party fact-checking scheme as it prepares for Trump return 

US set for IPO comeback as private equity firms seek to offload holdings 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Justin Trudeau is resigning as Canadian Prime Minister, and Germany’s solar power industry is in trouble. US bankruptcy filings hit their highest rate in 14 years, and the People’s Bank of China has announced a major policy overhaul as pressures on the economy mount. 

Mentioned in this podcast: 

US Corporate bankruptcies hit 14 year high 

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces resignation

German solar sector in distress as glut of panels heaps pressure on industry 

China’s central bank plans policy overhaul as pressure mounts on economy 

Credit: BBC News 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Eurozone economists warn the European Central Bank has been too slow to cut interest rates, and US Steel faces a bleak outlook after President Biden’s decision to block its sale. UK businesses plan price increases as the Budget drives up costs, and CrowdStrike has more than recovered the $30bn in market value it shed last year. Plus, China’s movie theatres are in crisis. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

ECB has been too slow to cut rates, Eurozone economists warn 

Joe Biden blocks Nippon Steel’s $15bn takeover of US Steel 

UK businesses plan price increases as Budget drives up costs  

CrowdStrike bounces back after triggering largest IT outage in history

China’s box office takings drop by a quarter as viewers turn to streaming 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Elon Musk’s first big foray into politics was a success — he used his world-leading fortune and mass media platform to help Donald Trump regain the White House. But now, just weeks before Trump’s inauguration, some Republicans are pushing back against Musk’s influence. The FT’s Washington correspondent Joe Miller and US business and politics correspondent Alex Rogers join this week’s Swamp Notes to discuss how Musk is navigating a future in Washington. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Top Democrats warm to Elon Musk’s US government cost-cutting mission

Elon Musk’s fight with Maga reveals split on immigration within Trump’s circle

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Swamp Notes is mixed by Samantha Giovinco and produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. 

CREDIT: Bannons_WarRoom/X

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Tesla’s annual vehicle deliveries declined for the first time in more than a decade, and China’s BYD hit a milestone. Crypto chief Do Kwon makes his first US court appearance to face criminal charges. The rerouting of global trade from China to ports elsewhere in Asia is shrinking the size of vessels, and climate change is redrawing Europe’s wine map.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Ex-crypto chief Do Kwon brought to New York to face fraud charges 

China’s electric-vehicle leader BYD posts record sales in 2024

Tesla’s annual deliveries drop for first time since 2011 

Shipowners switch to smaller vessels as world trade reroutes from China 

How climate change is redrawing Europe’s wine map

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

The UK’s financial watchdog has failed to remove illegal crypto adverts, and in Japan, shareholder activists are waking companies up from decades of slumber. Plus, the number of active US venture capital firms has dropped by more than a quarter since 2021, and the FT’s Martin Wolf interviews European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde on the bloc’s economic recovery from Covid-19.

Mentioned in this podcast:

FCA fails to hit firms after half of banned crypto adverts remain online  

Activists push Japan Inc to its ‘great tipping point’, says Suntory head

Number of US venture capital firms falls as cash flows to tech’s top investors 

Martin Wolf interviews Christine Lagarde: Whither Europe? 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

US stocks dropped for the second straight trading session, the Biden administration said it will unleash almost $6bn in additional aid to Ukraine, and South Korea plans to inspect all B737-800 Boeing aircraft operated by domestic airlines after a passenger jet crashed. Plus, US asset managers are gobbling up business from their European rivals and the nightclub business is in decline. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

US stocks slip in broad pullback as investors cash in on 2024 gains

US to send Ukraine $6bn in fresh military and budget assistance

South Korea to inspect all Boeing B737-800 aircraft after crash

The relentless advance of American asset managers in Europe

Who killed the rave? Late-night dancing falls into global decline

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Defaults on US credit card loans have hit the highest level since the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, and as payment fraud rises, banks and tech companies disagree on who should cover consumer losses. Syria’s caretaker government has said it could take up to four years for the country to hold elections. Plus, how Hitachi’s plan to monetize industrial data has revived its fortunes. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

US credit card defaults jump to highest level since 2010 

Who should foot the bill for cyber scams?

Syrian elections may not be held for 4 years, says de facto leader 

‘Monetising data’: how Hitachi has soared with bets on AI future

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Persis Love, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Are the Democrats doomed? Which world leaders are happiest to see Trump back in the White House? And why are investors flooding into American stocks? The FT’s US managing editor Peter Spiegel and global business columnist Rana Foroohar answer all of your questions after a wild year in US politics. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Trump team aims to bankrupt Iran with new ‘maximum pressure’ plan

How ‘the mother of all bubbles’ will pop

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

A number of cryptocurrency-focused hedge funds are outpacing their rivals, the Bank of England holds interest rates at 4.75 per cent, and Microsoft has partnered with a utility company to restart a controversial reactor at Three Mile Island.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Hedge funds cash in on Trump-fuelled crypto boom 

Bank of England holds interest rates at 4.75%

Behind the Money: How the AI boom is reviving Three Mile Island

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

The Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by a quarter-point but signals a slower pace of easing, and we look back at what central banks learned in 2024. The US Supreme Court says it will hear TikTok’s appeal against a divest-or-ban law, and Honda-Nissan talks aim to rescue Japan’s fragmented automotive industry.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Fed cuts rates by a quarter-point but signals slower pace of easing 

Five central banking lessons for 2024

US Supreme Court to hear arguments challenging law that could ban TikTok 

Honda-Nissan merger talks mark Japan Inc’s new consolidate-to-survive mood

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Marine Saint, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Argentina emerged from a severe recession in the third quarter, Microsoft buys twice as many of Nvidia’s chips as any of its largest rivals, KPMG narrows the gap with the other Big Four firms, and Huawei sets sights on becoming a big supplier to the electric car industry. Plus, pub chains express frustration over shortages of Guinness in the run-up to Christmas.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Microsoft acquires twice as many Nvidia AI chips as tech rivals 

Argentina’s economy exits recession in milestone for Javier Milei

KPMG outpaces Big Four rivals as audit and tax units shine 

‘A different animal’: inside Huawei’s nascent EV business 

Diageo ‘better get brewing’, says Wetherspoons head amid Guinness shortage  

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Japan’s SoftBank unveils $100bn US investment plans, fervour around Nvidia cools as investors look to AI’s next winners, and Europe launches its most ambitious space programme in a decade. Plus, in Syria, Kurdish groups fear they may be worse off under a rebel-led government.

Mentioned in this podcast: 

Japan’s SoftBank pledges $100bn investment in US 

After Nvidia’s boom, what’s next for AI-related stocks?  

Europe signs €10.6bn Iris² satellite deal in bid to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink 

Syria’s Kurds fear US betrayal under Donald Trump 

Credit: AP

Send us your questions for Swamp Notes! Write to [email protected].

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Marine Saint, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Germany’s Olaf Scholz is expected to lose a confidence vote in parliament on Monday, and Arm and Qualcomm’s bitter legal feud over chip design licensing is heading to trial. The London Stock Exchange is on course for its worst year for departures since the financial crisis. Plus, investors’ appetite for juicy returns has triggered a big boom on Wall Street in complex financial products. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Olaf Scholz faces confidence vote — and hopes to lose it

Wall Street’s complex debt bonanza hits fastest pace since 2007

London Stock Exchange suffers biggest exodus since financial crisis

Chip groups Arm and Qualcomm square off in high-stakes US trial 

‘No political authority’: South Korea’s interim leader faces daunting task

Send us your questions for Swamp Notes! Write to [email protected].

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Europe has been able to predictably lean on the US for decades. But Donald Trump used tariffs and other economic threats to test those assumptions in his first term, and he looks set to do so again. The FT’s EU correspondent Andy Bounds and US climate correspondent Aime Williams join to discuss how the EU is preparing (again) for a more confrontational America. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

EU strikes blockbuster trade deal with Mercosur

EU commissioner pitches ‘Europe first’ in response to Donald Trump

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Questions about US politics for next week’s Swamp Notes? Email them to [email protected]. 

Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

HSBC is reviewing its retail banking operations outside the UK and Hong Kong, and the European Central Bank cut interest rates by a quarter-point to 3 per cent. The FT’s markets columnist Katie Martin provides a few insights for investing in 2025. Plus, human referees are set to be increasingly phased out as machines become more efficient at making critical decisions in sport.  

Mentioned in this podcast:

HSBC reviews retail banking outside UK and Hong Kong

Donald Trump election win sparks trading surge for banks and brokers

​​ECB lowers rates to 3% and paves way for more cuts

In sport, the race is on to let technology decide who wins

Send us your questions for Swamp Notes! Write to [email protected].

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

European Nato members are holding talks about increasing the alliance’s target for defence spending, Microsoft’s artificial intelligence head Mustafa Suleyman is building a team focused on consumer health, and US inflation ticked up to 2.7 per cent last month. Plus, new regulations on human rights are forcing global companies to address concerns about modern slavery and tackle problems in their supply chains.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Nato’s European members discuss 3% target for defence spending 

Microsoft’s Suleyman hires ex-DeepMind staff for AI health unit

US inflation rose to 2.7% in November

New rules sharpen investment focus on modern slavery 

Fifa set to confirm Saudi Arabia as host of 2034 World Cup    

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund prepares for a petrodollar windfall, while oil majors scale back their $18bn power generation push. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu begins testifying in a corruption trial, and public pension schemes and sovereign wealth funds plan to pour more money into private markets over the coming year. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Qatar’s $500bn wealth fund targets bigger deals as LNG windfall looms 

BP and Shell rein in electricity ambitions to escape ‘valley of death’ 

Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in court to testify in corruption trial

Public pension plans and wealth funds to invest more in private markets   

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Hiring has fallen more sharply in the UK than in other big economies over the past year, Vanguard will break its advisory business into a separate unit, and Israel has taken more Syrian territory. Plus, we take a look inside Japan’s audacious bid to become a semiconductor superpower. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Hiring falling more sharply in UK than in other major economies 

Israel draws furious reaction from Egypt after taking more Syrian territory 

Vanguard to accelerate wealth management drive in restructuring 

Japan’s audacious bid to become a semiconductor superpower 

Christie’s has brought the dinosaur auction show to London 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Josh Gabert-Doyon, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has resigned and fled the country and South Korean prosecutors have opened an investigation into the country’s president, Yoon Suk Yeol, on charges of treason and abuse of power. The EU and four South American countries have struck a blockbuster trade deal, and a US appeals court upheld a law requiring TikTok’s owner ByteDance to sell the platform or face a ban next year. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Assad flees Syria as rebels seize Damascus 

Syrian rebels seize Damascus and topple Assad dynasty

South Korean president to be investigated for treason after failed coup

EU strikes blockbuster trade deal with Mercosur   

TikTok fails to halt law that could lead to US ban 

Credit: AP, Reuters

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

The next superpower will be a tech superpower, and to be that superpower you need to have some control over the semiconductor industry which is driving the AI revolution. But almost all advanced semiconductors are made in Taiwan — and it is under constant threat of a Chinese invasion. President Joe Biden’s Chips Act promises lavish subsidies to companies working to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to US soil. Will those subsidies survive once Donald Trump, the president-elect, is in the White House? In a new season of Tech Tonic the FT’s James Kynge, is in Phoenix, Arizona, the former heartland of American chip manufacturing. He speaks to those trying to revive the US chipmaking industry.

Presented by James Kynge. Edwin Lane is the senior producer. The producer is Josh Gabert-Doyon. Executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Sound design by Breen Turner and Samantha Giovinco, with original music from Metaphor Music. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Tim Bradshaw.

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

Donald Trump once called cryptocurrencies a “scam”. He’s long since changed his tune, and now, crypto enthusiasts are hoping he’ll catapult the industry into the financial mainstream. The FT’s digital markets correspondent Nikou Asgari and US legal and enforcement correspondent Stefania Palma join this week’s Swamp Notes to discuss what the industry could look like under a second Trump administration. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Crypto advocate Paul Atkins picked as SEC chair by Donald Trump

Bitcoin hits $100,000 as Trump era hopes grow

Trump picks Musk ally David Sacks as crypto and AI tsar

The grim ghost of crypto future

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. 

CREDIT: Washington Post, Bitcoin Magazine

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Large companies rushed to assess whether top employees have sufficient protection after the murder of a US insurance executive, investors have pumped almost $140bn into US equity funds since last month’s election, and oil producer group Opec+ significantly scaled back its plans for production in 2025. In Mexico, new president Claudia Sheinbaum is doubling down on a radical agenda in the face of tough US tariffs. Plus, Notre-Dame reopens this weekend.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Shooting of United Health executive a ‘wake up call’ on corporate security

Michel Barnier resigns as French prime minister 

Investors pour $140bn into US stock funds after Trump election victory 

Opec+ extends oil production cuts in bid to support prices 

Mexico’s new president digs in with radical ideas as Trump threat looms 

How Notre-Dame rose from the ashes 

Credit: Organ Media Foundation

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Donald Trump has nominated cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins to chair the US Securities and Exchange Commission, and a dramatic attempt to impose martial law in South Korea by its president has backfired. The French parliament voted to oust Prime Minister Michel Barnier and a UK-led operation has uncovered a multibillion-dollar money laundering scheme. Plus, Google DeepMind has unveiled an artificial intelligence weather prediction model that outperforms traditional methods. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Donald Trump picks crypto enthusiast Paul Atkins for SEC chair

‘Revenge cycle’: South Korean crisis highlights deep political divide

UK uncovers vast crypto laundering scheme for gangsters and Russian spies

French parliament votes to oust Michel Barnier’s government

Google DeepMind hits new milestone in AI weather forecasting

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

The French government will face a no-confidence vote on Wednesday, South Korea’s president said he will lift his martial law order, and cryptocurrency ‘memecoins’ are having a moment. Plus, deaths in Africa’s Sahel region have risen since military juntas took over pledging to bring security in face of jihadi violence.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Michel Barnier ‘method’ at risk in raucous French parliament 

South Korea’s Yoon says he will lift martial law order 

Military juntas in Africa’s ‘coup belt’ fail to contain extremist violence 

Squirrels, dogs and pygmy hippos: crypto’s multibillion-dollar ‘memecoin’ boom 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Chief executives at Intel and Stellantis stepped down, OpenAI is considering including advertising in its artificial intelligence products and the US unveiled new export controls in an effort to curtail China’s semiconductor industry. Plus, how Shanghai’s ambition to be the ‘future of finance’ fell apart.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Intel chief Pat Gelsinger quits with US chipmaker in crisis

Why Stellantis’ chief executive Carlos Tavares was axed

OpenAI explores advertising as it steps up revenue drive

US hits China’s chip industry with new export controls 

How Shanghai’s ambition to be the ‘future of finance’ fell apart

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

US government lawyers are clamouring for jobs at corporate law firms ahead of Donald Trump taking office, and Hizbollah declares victory against Israel despite undergoing the most devastating battering in its history. Russian and Syrian warplanes intensify attacks on rebels, and Airbus struggles to capitalise on rival Boeing’s difficulties. Plus, in Ireland, the incumbent Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael appear on track to form a fresh coalition.  

Mentioned in this podcast:

Government lawyers flock to corporate jobs as Trump threatens mass layoffs 

What's next for Hezbollah? 

Lebanon’s displaced return to find ‘scorched earth’ after Israeli offensive 

Russian and Syrian warplanes seek to blunt rebel advance from Aleppo 

Airbus struggles to capitalise on rival Boeing’s difficulties 

Early election tallies suggest Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael set for fresh Irish coalition 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Josh Gabert-Doyon, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Trump is returning to office with many of the same policies that characterised his last term. And for economists, none looms larger than the prospect of significant new tariffs. But are tariffs really as destructive as feared? After all, the Biden administration maintained most of them and the economy has remained strong. Today on the show, we put the question to Kimberly Clausing, a professor at UCLA, and formerly lead economist in the Biden administration's Office for Tax Policy.

Soumaya Keynes writes a column each week for the Financial Times. You can find it here

Subscribe to Soumaya's show on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

French bond markets take a tumble, Russia threatens a hypersonic missile attack on Kyiv, and Ireland goes to the polls. Plus, Hong Kong’s crypto play.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Crime boss takes on Sinn Féin leader and Brussels veteran in Dublin election

Hong Kong plans crypto tax break for hedge funds and billionaire families

Vladimir Putin threatens to turn Kyiv targets ‘to dust’

French bond yields surpass Greece’s for first time as budget worries swirl

The FT News Briefing is produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval, Josh Gabert-Doyon, Lulu Smyth, Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Ethan Plotkin, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Vivendi prepares to spin off Canal+ for a London listing. Christine Lagarde says trade wars threaten global GDP. Sir Alex Younger, former head of UK’s MI6, discusses Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump’s proposed director of national intelligence. Plus, Adani Group’s infrastructure projects in Kenya hit a roadblock.

Mentioned in this podcast: 

London’s snaring of France’s Canal+ to revive moribund listing market

‘Adios Adani!’ Bribery charges threaten group’s Africa ambitions

The FT News Briefing is produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval, Josh Gabert-Doyon, Lulu Smyth, Ethan Plotkin, Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Israeli and Lebanese leaders agree to a ceasefire, and Mexico hits back at US president-elect Donald Trump’s tariff plans. Plus, President Joe Biden is rushing to cement his legacy during his final weeks in office, and Russia’s rouble has plummeted to its lowest rate against the dollar since the first weeks of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Ceasefire deal reached in Israel-Lebanon war 

Mexico hits back as Trump’s tariff threat shakes markets 

Biden aims to Trump-proof his legacy with policy blitz in final days

Rouble slides as new Russian sanctions stifle foreign trade

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

The US Department of Justice is seeking to drop two federal criminal cases against Donald Trump, and Robert F Kennedy Jr’s nomination for top health role is concerning the pharmaceutical industry. Plus, Italy’s UniCredit has launched a €10bn takeover bid for domestic rival Banco BPM, Brussels is planning to force Chinese companies to transfer intellectual property in return for EU subsidies and TikTok is creating an unlikely frontrunner in Romania’s presidential race. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

US special counsel Jack Smith moves to drop criminal cases against Donald Trump

Biotechs test IPO market despite concerns over Robert Kennedy’s health role

UniCredit makes €10bn offer for Italian rival Banco BPM 

EU to demand technology transfers from Chinese companies

How a pro-Putin TikTok star topped Romania’s presidential poll 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Huawei is poised to launch its first flagship phone that can run its own apps, and Donald Trump’s nominee to run the Treasury is seen across Wall Street and Washington as a pragmatic pick. COP29 has produced a new global finance deal against considerable odds, and the FT’s Michael Stott warns that the US is being eclipsed by China in Latin America. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Huawei to launch flagship smartphone with breakthrough software 

‘Sigh of relief’: Wall Street welcomes Donald Trump’s pick of Scott Bessent for Treasury secretary

Climate multilateralism clings on, just 

Joe Biden loses to Xi Jinping in battle for Latin America

Credit: BBC, AP

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Michael Clemens of George Mason University is an expert on the economics of migration, and a scholar of its history. With the newly elected President Trump promising to deport millions of immigrants, we thought it was the perfect time to talk about what illegal immigrants mean to the present economy and, more pressingly, what an economy without them might look like.

If you want to learn more about The Economics Show with Soumaya Keynes, click here. New episodes available on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen.

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Donald Trump mostly nominated mainstream conservatives to his first cabinet after the 2016 election. Some high-level appointees back then barely knew Trump, but this time around, he’s selected close allies and loyalists. The FT’s deputy Washington bureau chief Lauren Fedor, and Trump’s short-tenured former communications director Anthony Scaramucci join this week’s Swamp Notes to discuss what Trump’s picks say about how his new White House will operate.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Lutnick and Bessent’s battle for Treasury secretary turns bitter as Trump expands field

Donald Trump’s alarming picks for government

The life and tastes of Anthony Scaramucci

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Check out the latest episode of Anthony Scaramucci’s podcast, “The Rest is Politics - US”

Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his name from consideration for US attorney-general, and billionaire Gautam Adani faces charges over an alleged scheme to bribe Indian officials. The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and FT economics columnist Chris Giles unpacks just how much tariffs will increase prices in the US.  

Mentioned in this podcast:

Matt Gaetz withdraws as Trump’s nominee for attorney-general 

Indian billionaire Gautam Adani charged in US over alleged $250mn bribery scheme

ICC issues arrest warrant for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu 

Tariffs and taxes are not very inflationary

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Nvidia’s third-quarter revenue almost doubled from a year ago, and UK inflation accelerated in October as energy prices rose. Disgraced Archegos founder Bill Hwang is sentenced to 18 years in prison for fraud, and China has prepared powerful countermeasures to retaliate against US companies if president-elect Donald Trump reignites a trade war.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Nvidia revenue nearly doubles as AI chip demand remains strong 

UK inflation accelerates sharply to 2.3% in October 

More growth, inflation and uncertainty: the BoE’s Budget verdict

Archegos’s Bill Hwang sentenced to 18 years in prison 

China arms itself for potential trade war with Donald Trump

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Bridgewater is joining forces with State Street’s asset management arm to offer an ETF, Ukraine has struck a military target inside Russia using US-made long-range missiles for the first time, and Walmart’s third-quarter revenue beat forecasts. Plus, Asia’s arms makers and naval shipbuilders are leading a global surge in defence stocks. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Bridgewater opens strategy to retail investors through State Street ETF

Ukraine strikes Russia with US-made long-range missiles for first time 

Walmart raises guidance as it beats third-quarter forecasts 

Asian arms makers lead defence stock rally in bet on global rearmament 

Thames Water dumps 104bn litres of sewage ahead of new tunnel opening  

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Israel says it struck a “specific component” of Iran’s nuclear programme last month, and US business leaders are warning Donald Trump’s deportation plan could create mass labour shortages. Vanguard’s retail shareholders can now vote for profit over ESG issues, and Chinese tech companies are building AI teams in Silicon Valley, despite Washington’s sanctions.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Netanyahu says Israel hit ‘specific component’ in Iran’s nuclear programme last month 

Business owners warn Donald Trump’s deportation plan could shut them down

Vanguard says shareholders can vote for profits over ESG issues

Chinese tech groups build AI teams in Silicon Valley

Huel profits surge as meal replacement maker broadens fan base 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

President Joe Biden has authorised Ukraine to launch limited strikes into Russia using US-made long-range missiles, and the world’s largest economies are gathering in Brazil for a G20 summit overshadowed by Donald Trump. The US dollar is rallying, as markets expect that the next administration will reignite inflation. Meanwhile, the president-elect’s tariff proposals have sent European markets tumbling. Plus, offshore oil is back.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Biden allows Ukraine to strike Russia with US-made long-range missiles 

Bitcoin, dollar and Tesla jump as investors pile into ‘Trump trades’

European stocks lag US by record margin as ‘Trump trade’ bites 

Donald Trump victory threatens to throw G20 initiatives into disarray 

Offshore oil is back. At what cost?

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Who will corporate America's winners and losers be under four more years of Donald Trump? This week, the FT’s Brooke Masters, Stephen Morris and Jamie Smyth explain what changes a second Trump administration will bring to three crucial sectors: Wall Street, tech and energy.

This is an episode of the Financial Times podcast Behind the Money. If you like what you hear, click here to listen to more episodes.

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For further reading:

Can the renewables boom withstand Trump?

A Wall Street giddy over Trump should remember history

Who’s who in the Musk ‘A-team’ vying to shape Trump 2.0

Trump 2.0: winners, losers and Elon

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On X, follow Brooke Masters (@brookeamasters), Stephen Morris (@sjhmorris), Jamie Smyth (@JamieSmythF) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07), or follow Michela on LinkedIn for updates about the show and more. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

The Democratic party is hardly monolithic. But if there’s one thing that’s kept it together over the past decade, it’s been a shared opposition to Donald Trump. Now that Trump is returning to the White House, how will the party try to win voters back? The FT’s deputy Washington bureau chief Lauren Fedor and US national editor and columnist Ed Luce join this week’s Swamp Notes podcast to discuss how the Democrats are thinking about the future. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

‘They don’t understand my life’: what the Democrats misread about America

How the Democrats can win in 2028

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

The Federal Trade Commission is preparing to launch an investigation into anti-competitive practices at Microsoft’s cloud computing business, and the FT’s Katie Martin explains why the post-election excitement around crypto comes down to vibes and vision. Plus, Disney’s earnings jumped 39 per cent, and Berkshire Hathaway has investors asking questions after filling its coffers by unwinding its most profitable trade.

Mentioned in this podcast:

FTC to investigate Microsoft over cloud dominance

Bitcoin’s big bang moment is impossible to ignore 

‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ drives earnings revival at Disney 

Warren Buffett’s Apple share sales and cash pile spark intrigue over motives  

The Onion to acquire Infowars out of bankruptcy

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Mischa Frankl-Duval, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Republican John Thune will be the next leader of the Senate, and the president-elect gets to work filling out his cabinet. Plus, US inflation rose to 2.6 per cent in October, as the Federal Reserve debates whether to cut interest rates next month. Plus, activist investor Effissimo Capital Management has taken a stake in struggling carmaker Nissan.  

Mentioned in this podcast:

John Thune elected to Senate leadership in rebuke to Trump allies 

Donald Trump picks Matt Gaetz as attorney-general

Donald Trump taps Fox News host Pete Hegseth for defence secretary  

US inflation rises to 2.6% 

Nissan shares jump after activist investor takes stake 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Donald Trump’s ‘hush money’ case has been paused, Ukraine has been building on its ‘victory plan’ for his incoming administration and SoftBank reported that it is profitable again. Plus, Wall Street has loaned billions of dollars to a niche group of tech companies based on their possession of Nvidia’s artificial intelligence chips.

Mentioned in this podcast:

New York judge delays decision on Donald Trump’s ‘hush money’ sentencing

Ukraine seeks to win over Trump with natural resources and troop proposals

SoftBank returns to profit as Indian IPOs boost Vision Fund gains

Wall Street frenzy creates $11bn debt market for AI groups buying Nvidia chips

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Calendar year inflows in to exchange traded funds surpassed their previous full-year record at the end of October, and we look at how Donald Trump’s win ushers in a new era for Elon Musk. Plus, rival groups of bondholders are vying to extend loans to the troubled UK utility Thames Water. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Elon Musk’s gamble on Donald Trump pays off

How Thames Water became a battleground for hedge funds

ETF flows smash full year record

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Mischa Frankl-Duval, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Donald Trump’s election victory has sent shockwaves across the renewable energy industry, and China has announced fiscal stimulus to bail out local governments. Bitcoin hit $80,000 for the first time as cryptocurrency investors anticipate looser regulations under Trump, and Argentina’s legal battles could complicate President Javier Milei’s attempts to fix the country’s struggling economy.  

Mentioned in this podcast:

Trump election victory deals blow to US clean energy industry  

China unveils $1.4tn package to shore up economy 

Bitcoin hits high as Trump records clean sweep of seven swing states 

Litigation ‘tsunami’ breaks over Argentina’s President Javier Milei 

Credit: MARA

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

The Republicans swept to power in Tuesday’s election, winning the White House, the Senate, and probably the House of Representatives. Voter dissatisfaction with the economy played a big part in their success. The FT’s Washington bureau chief James Politi and global business columnist Rana Foroohar join this election week episode of Swamp Notes to explain why Democrats failed to deliver a convincing economic message, and what Donald Trump’s disruptive agenda could mean for the US economy. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Wall Street rejoices as the bell tolls for Biden-era regulation

Economists warn Trump’s policies will trigger inflation

Bitcoin hits record above $75,000 as crypto industry celebrates Trump win

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

US stocks rallied after Donald Trump’s election victory, but the euphoria could be short-lived if his policies drive up inflation. Plus, German opposition leader Friedrich Merz has called for snap elections as early as January following the collapse of Olaf Scholz’s government, and Trump’s victory is set to cast a pall over the UN COP29 summit next week.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Risk assets rally but bond market views Donald Trump’s victory with caution

Federal Reserve cuts interest rates for second consecutive meeting 

German opposition leader Friedrich Merz calls for snap elections 

Trump victory seen as blow to climate action ahead of COP summit 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Wall Street stocks hit a record high but investors dumped bonds after Donald Trump’s historic US election victory, and the FT’s Lauren Fedor explains what to expect from his agenda. In Europe, leaders have vowed to preserve a united front and work with Trump, and export-reliant economies across the world brace for his promised tariff increases. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

US stocks hit record high after Donald Trump clinches victory 

Donald Trump elected US president in historic comeback 

Donald Trump unleashed: what a second term will bring 

European leaders vow to work with Donald Trump despite fears

Global economy prepares for the Trump ‘macro shock’   

Trump’s tariff obsession is worse than before 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

A divided US electorate made their choice at the polls yesterday, after candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump spent a combined $3.5bn in their race for the White House. Plus, Germany’s government is in talks on next year’s budget amid fears the coalition could collapse.  

Mentioned in this podcast:

US election 2024 live results: US voters make their choice in historically tight election

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris spend $3.5bn in most expensive presidential election

German vice-chancellor extends olive branch to avert coalition collapse

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

The dollar weakened on Monday as global markets reined in their bets on a victory for Donald Trump in the US presidential election, and the Financial Times’ James Politi explains what to look out for as results trickle in. Plus, Spain’s prime minister is facing political backlash over the country’s historic flooding and the Nigeria-based fintech Moniepoint has gained “unicorn” status.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Dollar weakens as investors rein in bets on Trump victory 

Spain’s political leaders turn on each other over flood catastrophe 

US election 2024: a comprehensive guide to the presidential race  

Nigeria-based fintech Moniepoint gains ‘unicorn’ status

Credit: AFP

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Chinese authorities are demanding wealthy individuals and companies double-check their taxes for unpaid liabilities, and the largest US companies are facing two starkly different financial futures after the election. The UK Conservative party elects right-wing Kemi Badenoch as leader, and share prices of clean hydrogen companies have collapsed due to delayed projects and dwindling demand. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

China piles pressure on rich people and companies to cough up taxes 

What’s at stake in US election? $250bn in taxes for corporate America

Kemi Badenoch wins Conservative party leadership race 

US and European hydrogen stock prices collapse as prospects deflate 

The FT Alphaville pub quiz returns to New York City this November 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Mischa Frankl-Duval, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

In a campaign full of twists and turns, one thing has stayed surprisingly steady: the polls. On this final pre-election episode of Swamp Notes, the FT’s senior data journalist Oliver Roeder and deputy Washington bureau chief Lauren Fedor explain why the polls have barely budged this cycle, and how Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are motivating their voters in the race’s final days. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

One week to go: what is the state of the US presidential race?

What the polls can’t tell us about America’s election

Trump rally’s Puerto Rico slur lands with a thud in Pennsylvania

‘Behind the Money’: US election betting is on a roll

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Apple reported solid revenue growth in the past quarter, and investors are worried about the additional borrowing set out in UK chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget. The US warned that North Korean troops are expected to enter combat alongside Russia’s army in the coming days, and Spain is set to become the world’s fastest-growing major advanced economy this year. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Apple’s revenue beats Wall Street expectations on higher iPhone sales 

UK borrowing costs hit highest level this year after Budget

Ukraine and US warn Kyiv’s troops could face North Korean forces ‘in days’ 

Spanish growth soars as Eurozone stumbles

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Microsoft’s quarterly revenue rose 16% on strong cloud computing demand, the UK’s Labour party reveals bold tax increases and borrowing, and the US economy grew at an annualised rate of 2.8% in the third quarter. Plus, critics cry foul over a proof of citizenship law in Arizona. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Microsoft’s revenue beats estimates on strong cloud demand from AI boom 

Rachel Reeves announces £40bn tax increase in UK Budget 

Arizona’s proof of citizenship complicates voting in US swing state 

US GDP rose at a 2.8% rate in third quarter on strong consumer spending 

Play the FT’s Budget game: https://ig.ft.com/chancellor-game/ 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Michela Tindera, Katya Kumkova, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Alphabet’s profit jumped 34 per cent in the third quarter, and Israel’s parliament approved legislation on Monday that will ban a UN agency for Palestinian refugees from operating within Israeli territory. The US and Taiwan are preparing to negotiate a new tax agreement, and mobile chip designer Arm may try to rival Nvidia. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Google’s profits beat expectations on strong cloud computing growth

Israeli parliament passes law banning UN Palestinian refugee agency 

US and Taiwan set for talks to end double taxation for companies 

The rise and rise of Arm 

Giant African rats join crackdown against illegal wildlife trade

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

PwC’s business in Asia contracted sharply in the past year, Boeing announced a $19bn share sale to help avoid a credit rating downgrade, and Volkswagen plans a massive restructuring that includes shutting at least three German plants. Plus, fears of violence have left some US election boards struggling to hire poll workers. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

PwC loses market share in Asia 

Boeing launches $19bn share sale to bolster finances and avoid downgrade 

Volkswagen plans to close at least 3 German plants and cut thousands of jobs 

US polling places struggle to find workers after surge in threats 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Iran has signalled that it will pursue a measured response to Israel’s latest strikes, and Georgia’s opposition has called for protests after the ruling Georgian Dream party claims victory. Plus, the possibility of Donald Trump’s trade war has hit the shares of export-sensitive European companies, and large investment funds are being forced to offload their shares in tech companies, or risk breaking US tax rules. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Iran’s supreme leader signals measured response to Israel’s attack 

Vladimir Putin’s battle to keep Georgia in Russia’s orbit

Georgia’s opposition calls for protests as election outcome is disputed 

European stocks hit by ‘Trump effect’ as odds tilt towards Republican win 

Tech boom forces US funds to dump shares to avoid breach of tax rules 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

With the election just over a week away, Swamp Notes visited the University of Michigan to recap the final FT-Michigan Ross poll. Swamp Notes host Sonja Hutson is joined by the FT’s US managing editor Peter Spiegel, and Erik Gordon and Francine Lafontaine of the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business to examine the poll results and explain why the economy remains top-of-mind for voters. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Donald Trump takes lead over Kamala Harris on US economy in final FT poll

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Tesla shares leapt 22% after Elon Musk predicted an electric vehicle sales rebound, and Russia’s pitch for a US dollar alternative failed to excite Brics leaders. Plus, a major change to the open source technology model could be coming. 

Mentioned in this podcast: 

Tesla shares leap 22% after Elon Musk predicts sales rebound 

Vladimir Putin’s alternative to ‘weaponised’ dollar fails to excite Brics partners 

The bill is coming for tech’s open source free lunch 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Boeing’s machinists voted on Wednesday to reject the company’s latest offer and the US has finalised long-awaited ‘open banking’ rules, hoping it will inject more competition into the market. Plus, Deutsche Bank reported a record third-quarter profit and artificial intelligence start-up Anthropic has built a virtual agent that can perform tasks on a computer.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Striking Boeing machinists reject offer as stand-off nears 6 weeks

US rolls out ‘open banking’ rules to make sharing financial data easier 

Open banking challenges America’s cozy lenders’ club 

Deutsche Bank warns of rising bad loan provisions 

Anthropic says latest AI model can control users’ computers 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Deloitte has cut about 250 UK employees and HSBC’s chief executive has announced an overhaul of the bank. The IMF has warned global protectionism will endanger the world’s growth outlook, as a possible Donald Trump victory in the US election raises the prospect of tariff increases. Plus, South Korea has called on Russia to stop the deployment of North Korean troops to fight in Ukraine.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Deloitte axes 250 UK employees in performance-related cull 

HSBC chief Georges Elhedery unveils sweeping overhaul of lender

Tariff surge would damage global growth, IMF warns

South Korea asks Russia to stop apparent North Korean troop deployment 

Go to ft.com/briefingsale for 50% off a digital standard subscription

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Share buybacks on mainland China’s biggest exchanges have soared to a record high this year, and Israel has attacked an Hizbollah-affiliated financial institution in Lebanon. Plus, Disney has appointed former Morgan Stanley boss James Gorman as its new chair, and a trip to America’s third-biggest shopping mall offers answers to what’s really going on in the US election. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Israel strikes Hizbollah-linked lender in Lebanon

Disney sets new timetable to replace Bob Iger as chief

Four economic truths that explain the US’s bizarre election

Chinese share buybacks hit record high as Beijing steps up support

Chanel dips oar into sport with Oxford-Cambridge boat race tie-up

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Trading in the world’s second-largest IPO of 2024 begins on Tuesday, but retail investors have given a lukewarm reception to Hyundai Motor India’s listing. A coalition of oil-producing African countries is seeking $5bn to fund projects on the continent, and Boeing’s largest labour union will vote on Wednesday whether to end a costly strike. Uber has explored a possible bid for Expedia, in what would be the company’s largest acquisition. Plus, Elon Musk pledges to pay $1mn per day to random registered voters who sign his petition. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Boeing workers to vote on ending strike in critical week for plane maker 

Uber explored takeover bid for Expedia 

African countries seek $5bn for new fossil fuel project lender

Indian investors give short shrift to Asia’s biggest IPO of 2024

Elon Musk criticised for offering $1mn prizes to voters who sign petition

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

The 2020 US election was one of the most contested in American history, and it culminated in an unprecedented attack on the US Capitol building by supporters of Donald Trump. FT data journalist Eva Xiao and US legal correspondent Joe Miller join this week’s Swamp Notes podcast to explain how Trump and his allies are preparing to challenge the 2024 vote, and what election officials around the country are doing to prepare.

Mentioned in this podcast:

How Trump allies are sowing election doubts

‘There are bad actors’: Trump’s nemesis fights to protect Georgia’s vote

America’s dead-heat Trump-Harris election

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Israel says it has killed Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’s leader and the architect behind the October 7 2023 attacks. Mixed quarterly earnings from chipmakers send tech stocks yo-yoing, and the European Central Bank has cut interest rates by a quarter-point, amid signs that growth and inflation are weakening. Plus, South Africa’s Government of National Unity works to resolve tensions as it passes its 100-day milestone. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar killed in Gaza, Israel says 

ASML shares drop sharply after warning on semiconductor recovery

Nvidia shares hit record as US ‘soft landing’ hopes drive tech rebound 

TSMC profits jump 54% on back of AI chip boom  

ECB lowers rates to 3.25%

Optimism builds on South Africa’s ‘second miracle’ coalition

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Rights groups say Israel appears to be implementing a controversial plan to force Hamas into submission by laying siege to the north of Gaza. BHP’s chief executive met government officials in South Africa last week, fuelling speculation that the miner will resurrect its failed bid for rival Anglo American. Plus, the downfall of once-hyped genetic testing company 23andMe, and Prada launches in to spacesuit design. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

More than 100 killed in Nigeria fuel tanker explosion 

Israel ‘starting to implement’ north Gaza starvation plan, say rights groups 

BHP chief sparks fresh Anglo bid speculation after South Africa trip  

Founder Anne Wojcicki races to rescue 23andMe

Prada launches into spacesuit design  

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Shares in ASML led a tech rout on Nasdaq on Tuesday after the chipmaker warned of a slower recovery in the semiconductor market, and Goldman Sachs’ quarterly profits jumped 45 per cent to $3bn, boosted by its equity trading business. Asian battery makers are racing to develop new generations of superfast charging for electric vehicles, and a growing list of cash-strapped companies are deferring loan repayments to private credit funds.

Mentioned in this podcast:

ASML shares drop sharply after warning on semiconductor recovery 

Corporate debts mount as credit funds let borrowers defer payments 

Battery makers aim to ease EV anxieties with 5-minute charge

Goldman Sachs profits jump 45% to $3bn after trading boost

Citigroup and BofA join other big US banks in beating gloomy forecasts

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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OpenAI is considering a largely untested company model to protect chief executive Sam Altman from outside interference, and virtually all global insurers now include at least one low-carbon transition goal within their investment plans. Millions of dollars in bets are being placed on the US presidential election following the lifting of a domestic betting ban last week. Plus, China’s deflationary pressures picked up in September with weaker than expected consumer and factory prices, and the 2024 Nobel Prize for economics has been awarded to a trio of academics for their work on global inequality. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

OpenAI pursues public benefit structure to fend off hostile takeovers 

China deflation pressure mounts as investors seek more stimulus for economy

US election bets surge after court lifts ban 

Trio of economists wins Nobel Prize for work on wealth of nations  

Rethinking the AI boom, with Daron Acemoğlu 

Insurers embrace climate change investments as catastrophe costs mount

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Russia has expanded the capacity of its shadow fleet of oil tankers despite western sanctions, and US bank stocks hit their highest level since before the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank on Friday, following better than expected quarterly earnings. Plus, the Eurozone’s weak economic growth and sluggish consumer prices have raised concerns about low inflation, and Argentina’s president Javier Milei is not ready to lift the country’s currency controls.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Russia’s shadow fleet grows despite western crackdown 

US bank stocks pass pre-SVB high on hopes for economic ‘soft landing’ 

Spectre of low inflation returns to haunt Eurozone policymakers 

Argentina’s Javier Milei says his ‘regime of freedom’ not ready to drop currency controls

Musk’s SpaceX catches returning booster rocket in technical milestone 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Both chambers of the US Congress are like the country they represent: narrowly divided. But while Democrats currently hold a one-seat Senate majority, Republicans are increasingly confident that they’ll take back control of the chamber after the election next month. The FT’s Washington bureau chief, James Politi, and the Cook Political Report’s Senate and Governors editor, Jessica Taylor, join this week’s Swamp Notes to explain why this year’s Congressional map looks so good for Republicans. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Joe Manchin will not seek US Senate re-election in blow to Democrats

Donald Trump-backed US Senate candidate clinches Republican nomination in Ohio

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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The French government has proposed a budget for next year with some €60bn worth of spending cuts and tax increases, and Hurricane Milton ploughed across Florida on Wednesday. US inflation fell to 2.4 per cent in September. Plus, we look ahead to Japan’s early elections later this month. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

French PM unveils shock therapy in 2025 budget

US inflation fell to 2.4% in September

Hurricane Milton leaves millions without power after lashing Florida

Japan’s new prime minister pledges to tackle deflation in first policy speech

Spanish star Rafael Nadal calls time on glittering tennis career

CREDIT: BBC

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

HSBC’s top-paid bankers to bear the brunt of cost-cutting restructuring, and the UK Conservative party leadership race has been whittled down to two rightwingers. Plus, Germany’s economy is expected to shrink, and the US government is considering seeking the break-up of Google to end its monopoly in search. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

US weighs Google break-up in landmark antitrust case

Jenrick vs Badenoch: Meet the next Conservative leader 

Germany expects economy to shrink in 2024 after cutting forecast 

Expensive senior bankers to bear brunt of HSBC restructuring  

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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The head of KPMG US says the industry urgently needs to make it easier to become an accountant, and the EU is suing Hungary’s government over a new security law it says is in breach of citizens’ fundamental rights. Plus, India races to extract as much oil as possible while there remains a market for crude. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

KPMG US head says the industry urgently needs to make it easier to become an accountant  

India in rush to boost oil production before energy transition 

EU sues Hungary over new security law  

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Michela Tindera, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Big bank bosses join a growing list of prominent financiers expected to skip COP29 next month, and Spain proposes a new mechanism to help harmonise the EU’s capital and credit markets. Plus, activist investor Starboard Value has built a $1bn position in struggling drugmaker Pfizer, and tens of thousands of striking machinists are threatening Boeing’s recovery. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

“You only go to the party if everyone is going”: finance bosses shun COP29 

Spain to propose mini-coalitions to break EU capital markets stalemate

Activist investor Starboard builds $1bn stake in drugmaker Pfizer   

‘They’re just mad’: Boeing strikers prepare for long haul

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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A new report forecasts that Donald Trump would raise the US debt by twice as much as Kamala Harris, and Elon Musk’s SpaceX is quietly opening up a new front in a global battle over a scarce and precious resource: radio spectrum. Plus, US partners at accounting firm EY have been told their pay for 2024 will be deferred, and a year after the October 7 attacks, international criticism of the Gaza war has led many Israelis to retreat inwards. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Donald Trump would raise the US debt by twice as much as Kamala Harris, report finds 

EY to hold back some pay from US partners after tough year 

The year that changed Israel   

The satellite spectrum battle that could shape the new space economy

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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The Biden administration has tried and failed to contain fighting in the Middle East over the past year - and now, the conflict is close to spiralling into all-out war. The FT’s US foreign affairs and defence correspondent Felicia Schwartz and US political news editor Derek Brower join this week’s Swamp Notes to explain what Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are telling voters they’ll do to end the conflict. Credit: USA Today  

Mentioned in this podcast:

Israel and Iran have just delivered the US election’s ‘October surprise’

Benjamin Netanyahu’s ‘rope-a-dope’ war strategy with White House

Oil surges after Joe Biden’s comments on Israeli retaliation

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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A strike that closed US east and Gulf coast ports will be suspended, and market reaction to escalations in the Middle East remains minimal. Plus, Italy’s government will raise more taxes from companies earning windfall profits, and luxury group LVMH will become a top sponsor of car-racing franchise Formula One.

Mentioned in this podcast:

US dockworkers suspend strike that threatened to cripple ports

Italy seeks to raise more windfall taxes from companies 

The market reaction to global tensions might not follow the old script

LVMH strikes sponsorship deal with Formula 1 

Go to ft.com/briefingsale for 50% off a digital standard subscription

Credit: CNBC, LVMH

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

UK house sales rise at the fastest rate in three years, mass displacement in Lebanon risks overwhelming a country battered by economic crises, and Brussels intends to postpone a controversial EU anti-deforestation law for a year following a backlash. Plus, two-thirds of all new solar and wind power projects are based in China. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

UK house sales rise at fastest pace in three years, data shows 

China’s accelerating green transition

EU moves to delay anti-deforestation rules 

Lebanon’s broken state struggles with 1mn displaced  

50% off an FT standard annual digital subscription: ft.com/briefingsale

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Iran fires missiles at Israel, hours after the IDF launches a ground offensive in Lebanon. France’s new Prime Minister Michel Barnier announced tax rises on large companies and the wealthy, and US business groups warned of economic ‘paralysis’ after tens of thousands of dockworkers went on strike. Plus, investors are seeking to profit from the uncertainty over the outcome of the US presidential race. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Iran launches missile attack against Israel 

French premier Michel Barnier announces tax rises and spending cuts 

US economy faces ‘paralysis’ before election as dockworkers go on strike 

Investors turn to volatility trades to profit from tight US election 

Until 24th October, save up to 50% on a standard annual digital subscription at ft.com/briefingsale

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

SoftBank will invest $500mn into OpenAI as part of a fundraising round that will give the start-up a $150bn valuation, and Chinese equities post their best day since the 2008 global financial crisis. Plus, new data suggests artificial intelligence start-ups are bringing in revenues at an unprecedented rate, and South Korean exporters are struggling to compete with a glut of goods from Chinese rivals. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

SoftBank to invest $500mn in OpenAI 

AI start-ups generate money faster than past hyped tech companies

Chinese stocks surge 8.5% in best day since 2008 

From steel to kimchi, South Korean exporters face flood of Chinese rivals

Go to ft.com/briefingsale for 50% off a digital standard subscription

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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In the wake of Hassan Nasrallah’s death, Hizbollah looks for a way forward, and French far-right leader Marine Le Pen goes on trial for allegedly embezzling EU funds. Peter Thiel’s venture capital firm is backing a nuclear start-up aimed at fueling artificial intelligence, and a handful of high frequency trading firms have seized market share from traditional investment banks. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

What's next for Hizbollah?  

Marine Le Pen goes on trial over EU expenses scandal 

Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund backs nuclear fuel start-up 

New titans of Wall Street: How trading firms stole a march on big banks 

Go to ft.com/briefingsale for 50% off a digital standard subscription

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Voters consistently tell pollsters that economic issues are their top electoral concern. Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have spent the past few weeks honing their economic messages — and they couldn’t be more different. The FT’s US managing editor, Peter Spiegel, and Washington bureau chief, James Politi, join to explore how each candidates’ plan would impact the country.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Trumponomics: the radical plan that would reshape America’s economy

Kamala Harris sets out pro-business economic philosophy in swing-state speech

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Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. 

CREDIT: MSNBC, Fox News

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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UK chancellor Rachel Reeves may backtrack on a key tax plan, Saudi Arabia is ready to abandon its unofficial price target of $100 a barrel for crude, and Citigroup announced a $25bn deal with Apollo to lend to private equity groups and low-rated US companies. Plus, Palestinian villagers in the West Bank are experiencing heightened violence after Hamas’s devastating October 7 assault on Israel.

Mentioned in this podcast:

UK chancellor ready to water down planned tax raid on wealthy foreigners

Saudi Arabia ready to abandon $100 crude target to take back market share

Citi turns to Apollo for $25bn private credit push

How extremist settlers in the West Bank became the law

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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OpenAI’s chief technology officer is leaving the company, major banks pledge to increase their support for nuclear energy, and hopes of an M&A comeback rise as global companies pursue blockbuster takeovers. Plus, a surge in female labour force participation emerges as a bright spot for Saudi Arabia. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

OpenAI’s chief technology officer Mira Murati to leave  

Big corporate predators bolster global M&A market  

The Saudi factories powered by women 

World’s biggest banks pledge support for nuclear power

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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The US Department of Justice has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Visa, China has unleashed a swath of stimulus measures to jump-start growth and the incoming CEO at Trafigura signals a new era for the trading house. Plus, Sri Lanka has a new leftwing president who has promised a fresh start for the country.

Mentioned in this podcast:

US antitrust lawsuit accuses Visa of using dominance to shut down rivals 

China unleashes stimulus blitz to lift growth

Trafigura set to name Richard Holtum as chief executive 

Sri Lanka swears in leftist election winner as president amid concerns over IMF deal

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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The US proposed effectively banning Chinese cars, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz came out against a UniCredit takeover of Commerzbank and Israel carried out hundreds of airstrikes in Lebanon. Plus, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will try to turn around the Labour party’s mood during a speech at the party conference. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

US proposes banning Chinese software and components in vehicles 

Israeli strikes kill more than 490 in Lebanon, says health ministry 

Olaf Scholz says Germany opposes a Commerzbank takeover 

Keir Starmer faces 2 challenges in Liverpool 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Olaf Scholz’s SPD narrowly fends off the AfD in Brandenburg’s state election, and chipmaker Qualcomm approaches Intel about a potential takeover. AI search engine Perplexity mounts an ambitious effort to break Google’s stranglehold over the $300bn digital ads industry. Plus, a strike at three dozen US ports could upend supply chains and raise prices just weeks before Election Day.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Germany’s SPD leads far right in Brandenburg election 

Perplexity in talks with top brands on ads model as it challenges Google 

Qualcomm approached Intel about takeover bid in recent days 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his running mate senator JD Vance have spent the past few weeks pushing a false claim that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio are eating residents’ pets. The FT’s US national editor, Ed Luce, and New York correspondent, Joshua Chaffin, join this week’s Swamp Notes to discuss why misinformation is a powerful electoral strategy and whether the truth matters to voters. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

‘It’s ugly’: Donald Trump’s Haitian pet-eating claim fractures Ohio city

Trump, Vance and American blood and soil

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. 

CREDIT: ABC News, CNN

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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The S&P 500 hit a record high, Europe’s biggest hope for dominance in EV batteries is struggling to hang on and the Bank of England held interest rates steady. Plus, the FT’s Brooke Masters explains why customers are getting fed up with airline loyalty programmes. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

S&P 500 hits new record after Fed makes jumbo cut to US interest rates 

Europe’s great battery hope Northvolt fights for survival

Bank of England holds rates at 5% 

The fury of the frequent flyer  

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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The Federal Reserve’s interest rate easing began with a half-point cut, and the UK’s financial watchdog has stepped up pressure on banks to offer more attractive interest rates on deposits. The FT’s Mehul Srivastava unravels the supply chain behind the pagers that exploded in Lebanon this week. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Federal Reserve cuts rates by half a point and signals era of easing has begun 

UK regulator pushes banks to give savers better value even as rates fall

From Taipei to Budapest: the mysterious trail of exploding pagers 

London and New York cocoa prices in rare divergence as shortages bite 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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BlackRock and Microsoft are launching a $30bn data centre fund to meet the growing demands of artificial intelligence, and BP puts its onshore US wind business up for sale. Meta is making teenagers’ Instagram accounts private by default and EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager speaks to the FT about her efforts to regulate in Big Tech. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

BlackRock and Microsoft plan $30bn fund to invest in AI infrastructure 

BP puts $2bn US onshore wind business up for sale 

Instagram to make teenagers’ profiles private by default

Vestager warns EU against weakening merger rules  

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Mischa Frankl-Duval, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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The EU is preparing to provide up to €40bn in new loans for Ukraine by the end of the year, and Boeing is considering temporary furloughs as its machinists continue to strike. The company behind ChatGPT is launching a new product it claims can solve complex mathematical and scientific problems. Plus, former European Central Bank president Mario Draghi launches a master plan to boost EU competitiveness.

Mentioned in this podcast:

EU plans to raise up to €40bn in loans for Ukraine without US 

Boeing considers furloughs amid machinist strike 

OpenAI launches AI models it says are capable of reasoning 

Will Mario Draghi’s masterplan get the momentum it needs?

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Mischa Frankl-Duval, Persis Love, Michela Tindera, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Both the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England are set to announce interest rate decisions this week. In China, venture capital finance has dried up amid political and economic pressures. Plus, Indonesian palm oil producers warn of global supply chain disruption if the EU bans imported commodities linked to deforestation.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Jay Powell’s big week

How China has ‘throttled’ its private sector

Indonesia warns of ‘chaos’ from EU deforestation law 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Persis Love, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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On this week’s special episode of Swamp Notes, four FT journalists discuss the historic first debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, and answer all your most-pressing questions about the US presidential race. The FT’s US managing editor, Peter Spiegel, moderates the discussion alongside deputy Washington bureau chief, Lauren Fedor, global business columnist, Rana Foroohar, and chief foreign affairs columnist, Gideon Rachman. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Kamala Harris has passed a big test

Kamala Harris needles Donald Trump in fiery presidential debate

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson and the FT Live team.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Investors snapped up consumer staples such as Coca-Cola and Colgate-Palmolive amid concerns over a potential slowdown in the US economy. Abu Dhabi’s oil company Adnoc could offer €14.4bn for German chemical group Covestro, and the European Central Bank cut interest rates to 3.5 per cent. Plus, people in Los Angeles are encouraged to park their car obsession ahead of the 2028 Olympics, and amateur astronauts completed the first private spacewalk. 

Investors pile into Coca-Cola and Colgate as recession fears grow 

Abu Dhabi closes in on German group that helped ‘invent chemistry’ 

ECB cuts interest rates to 3.5% 

Can LA end its love affair with cars? 

Astronauts complete first private spacewalk  

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Peter Wells, Persis Love, Michela Tindera, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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The Italian lender UniCredit has amassed a 9 per cent stake in Commerzbank, and US inflation fell to 2.5 per cent in August. Plus, Argentines are declaring hundreds of millions of dollars of previously hidden savings in a tax amnesty and Mexico’s Senate approved a radical plan to have voters elect all its judges. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

US inflation falls to 2.5% in August

UniCredit’s push for European bank consolidation looks on target

Javier Milei’s tax amnesty lures Argentines to declare hidden millions

Mexico’s Senate approves radical plan to elect all judges

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Mischa Frankl-Duval, Michela Tindera, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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The EU’s top court orders Apple to pay €13bn in back taxes, and the Federal Reserve halves its proposed capital requirement increase for the largest US banks. Plus, we talk to the FT’s Benjamin Parkin about the Taliban’s warming relations with a growing number of regional powers. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Top EU court rules Apple must pay €13bn in back taxes

Federal Reserve halves proposed capital requirement rise for largest US banks  

Taliban’s closer ties with UAE signal global divide over Afghan regime

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Mischa Frankl-Duval, Michela Tindera, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Apple launches the iPhone 16 with generative AI features, and France’s new PM needs more time to submit the country’s debt plans. Kamala Harris is under pressure to perform in tonight’s debate against Donald Trump. Plus, Intel’s plunging share price and manufacturing troubles shatter its hopes for a turnaround.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Apple launches iPhone 16 with AI features to roll out in coming months 

France asks EU for more time to submit debt plan

Kamala Harris faces crucial debate as polls hint at slipping momentum

Intel in crisis: chipmaker considers drastic change to catch AI rivals   

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Josh Gabert-Doyon, Michela Tindera, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Enthusiasm about artificial intelligence masks a recession in the technology sector, and a new exchange traded fund looks specifically for ‘reject’ stocks. Plus, Google heads back to court over fresh antitrust allegations, and Chinese car buyers ditch Tesla for local alternatives.

Mentioned in this podcast:

AI exuberance masks broad weakness in tech sector, say investors 

Star manager Rob Arnott launches ETF to buy up index ‘rejects’ 

Google’s $20bn ad tech business to play for at next antitrust showdown 

Elon Musk’s China dream stalls as hybrids rush past Tesla 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Josh Gabert-Doyon, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Democrats and Republicans have taken a protectionist turn on trade policy over the past few years. They say it’s to protect national security, but that argument doesn’t always hold up. Just look at this week’s announcement from vice-president Kamala Harris that she doesn’t support the purchase of US Steel by Japan’s Nippon Steel. The FT’s economics editor, Sam Fleming, and Washington bureau chief, James Politi, join this week’s Swamp Notes to explain why both parties are leaning into “Made in America”.

Mentioned in this podcast:

How national security has transformed economic policy

Joe Biden set to block Nippon Steel’s takeover of US Steel

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Register for our live subscriber webinar now at ft.com/uswebinar

Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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President Emmanuel Macron has named the EU’s former Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier as France’s next prime minister. Plus, Europe’s sustainable investment funds double down on defence stocks, and Ukraine ​President Volodymyr Zelenskyy carries out his biggest wartime cabinet reshuffle yet.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Europe’s ESG funds more than double defence holdings amid Ukraine war 

Michel Barnier promises respect for ‘all political forces’ as French PM 

Zelenskyy seeks ‘new energy’ with Ukraine’s biggest wartime cabinet reshuffle

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Saffeya Ahmed, Michela Tindera, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Volkswagen calls for drastic measures to bolster profits, and President Joe Biden wants to block a Japanese company’s acquisition of US Steel. Plus, damning findings about the Grenfell Tower fire surface, and Egypt’s journey from gas bonanza to power blackouts 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Joe Biden set to block Nippon Steel’s takeover of US Steel 

Volkswagen warns staff it has ‘a year, maybe two’ to adapt to lower demand 

‘Incompetence, dishonesty and greed’: Key findings of Grenfell report 

Egypt’s journey from gas bonanza to power blackouts 

CREDIT: AP

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Michela Tindera, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Big tech groups including Nvidia led a broad US stock market sell-off on Tuesday, and Huawei’s AI chips are dealing with some bugs. Plus, US homebuilders are facing their biggest credit crunch in more than a decade, and foreign investors are backing out of Indian equities. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

US homebuilders face credit crunch as banks cut lending 

Huawei’s bug-ridden software hampers China’s efforts to replace Nvidia in AI 

Global stocks slide as investors fret over US slowdown 

Foreign investors pull out of frothy Indian equity market 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Michela Tindera, Peter Wells, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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The UK blocks some arms shipments to Israel, audit firms are fighting against new oversight rules in the US, and the same technology that brought us Covid-19 vaccines could also be used to fight cancer. Plus, the Oasis revival tour is so popular it triggered a UK investigation into Ticketmaster. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

UK to halt exports of some arms to Israel citing possible law breaches External Link

The Covid-era tech that could reinvent cancer care

Accountancy firms fight back against audit reforms

UK government to probe ‘dynamic’ pricing behind Oasis ticket price surge

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Michela Tindera, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Germany's far-right makes significant inroads in state elections, and Israel’s largest union calls for a general strike. Plus, so-called ‘greedlation’ becomes a campaign issue for the Democrats, and Hong Kong wants workers to smile more.

Mentioned in this podcast: 

Alternative for Germany wins its first regional election

Hostage deaths build pressure on Netanyahu for Hamas deal

Greedflation and groceries

Hong Kong service workers told to smile more to attract tourists 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have different approaches to the media: Trump talks a lot, and Harris talks a little. But the candidates share one thing in common: they’re both sceptical of mainstream outlets. The FT’s US managing editor, Peter Spiegel, and Los Angeles bureau chief, Christopher Grimes, join this week’s Swamp Notes to explain why. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Kamala Harris versus the media

‘Way too much news’: US conservatives face a fragmented media map

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Register for our live subscriber webinar now at ft.com/uswebinar

Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. 

Read a transcript of the original episode on FT.com

CREDIT: NBC News

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Turkey’s stock rally hits reverse as juicy interest rates lure savers out of the market, and the FT’s Polina Ivanova explains how Telegram is a lifeline for both Russian and Ukrainian troops and civilians. Plus, Cornell University’s Eswar Prasad says Thailand could open a window into how central bank digital currencies might be used in future.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Turkey’s blazing stock rally falters with high rates luring savers away

War unfiltered: how Telegram straddles the Ukraine fron tline

Thailand may tell us a great deal about the future of money

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Michela Tindera, Prakriti Panwar, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Nvidia’s record-breaking earnings still somehow disappointed investors, China’s use of the renminbi in cross-border trading is at a record high, and Berkshire Hathaway becomes the first publicly traded US company outside of tech to be valued at $1tn. Plus, Ford’s big plans to boost profits continue to fall short.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Nvidia revenue more than doubles as demand for AI chips remains strong

China’s international use of renminbi surges to record highs 

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway surges past $1tn market value 

Ford shares have stalled: can CEO Jim Farley steer out of its rut? 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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The Japanese operator of 7-Eleven is discussing ways to defend itself against a takeover bid by Canada’s Alimentation Couche-Tard, Chinese export controls on crucial semiconductor materials are starting to hit supply chains, and the fintech company Klarna plans to axe almost half of its staff in favour of artificial intelligence. Plus, Nasa is turning to Elon Musk’s SpaceX after Boeing’s Starliner, which was meant to bring two US astronauts home, suffered technical problems.

Mentioned in this podcast:

7-Eleven’s Japanese owner explores protected status to thwart foreign bid

China’s export curbs on semiconductor materials stoke chip output fears

Klarna aims to halve workforce with AI-driven gains

How will Nasa return two US astronauts stranded in space?

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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French authorities detain Telegram’s chief executive as part of a content moderation investigation, which has reignited the debate about free speech online. Plus, oil prices reached a two-week high as Libya says it is shutting down oil production, and Grenada triggers a first-of-its-kind ‘hurricane clause’ to pause its debt repayments.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Oil hits 2-week high after Libya says it will shut down crude exports 

Grenada triggers ‘hurricane clause’ to suspend bond payments

Telegram says detained founder Pavel Durov has ‘nothing to hide’

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Israel’s military launched a wave of air strikes in southern Lebanon on Sunday, small-dollar donations surged to Kamala Harris’s campaign after she replaced Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket, and the world’s largest aerospace and defence companies are set to rake in record levels of cash over the next three years. Plus, computer programming might be the first job function to be transformed by the latest wave of AI technology.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Top defence contractors set to rake in record cash

Israel launches strikes in Lebanon

Kamala Harris spends 10 times as much as Trump on digital ad blitz

Kamala Harris raised four times as much cash as Donald Trump in July

AI-powered coding pulls in almost $1bn of funding to claim ‘killer app’ status

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Molly Nugent, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Democrats from across the US gathered in Chicago for their presidential convention this week, promising to move past the Donald Trump-era of American politics. But if their newly-minted nominee, vice-president Kamala Harris, wins November’s election, she’ll have her work cut out to keep her party together. The FT’s deputy Washington bureau chief, Lauren Fedor, and US political news editor, Derek Brower, join this week’s Swamp Notes from Chicago to explain what the future of the party might look like.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Five key points from Kamala Harris’s acceptance speech

Kamala Harris vows to ‘strengthen, not abdicate’ US global leadership

Kamala Harris’s underwhelming economic agenda

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. 

CREDIT: PBS NewsHour

Register now for the FT Weekend Festival, and claim £24 off your pass using promo code FTPodcast at: ft.com/festival

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Kamala Harris made a bid for national unity at a rapturous Democratic National Convention. Plus, all eyes are on Jackson Hole today, where the Fed will reveal how it will lower US interest rates without triggering a recession. Meanwhile, investors are hedging their bets on these cuts coming soon, sending gold soaring. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Kamala Harris pitches unity message as she makes her case to American voters 

Gold goes for it 

Gold hits record highs as investors bet on rate cuts 

Cooling US jobs market looms over central bankers at Jackson Hole

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Ethan Plotkin, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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PwC faces a six-month business ban in China, and Mexico’s Supreme Court judges go on strike. Plus, a potential takeover of 7-Eleven may set the tone for a new era of Japanese acquisitions. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

PwC expects six-month ban in China over Evergrande audit 

Mexico’s judges to strike over López Obrador’s plan to fire them

After 7-Eleven, Japan’s M&A scene may never be the same again 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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China’s flagship fund to buy up unsold housing is off to a limp start, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is to prioritise domestic spending. Plus, a growing number of Americans are suffering from tip fatigue. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

China’s landmark property rescue plan limps off the starting line 

The US tipping system is teetering

Saudi wealth fund brings era of easy money to an end

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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The US dollar sinks to its lowest level since the start of the year and Democrats are rushing to defend vice-president Kamala Harris’s economic road map. Plus, rising US-China tensions could threaten a decades-old science and technology pact.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Dollar hits 8-month low as US stocks start week higher 

Democrats on defensive after Kamala Harris’s economic plans poorly received 

China-US tensions erode co-operation on science and tech

The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Marc Filippino, and Niamh Rowe. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Start-ups, legacy groups and policymakers are working out how to operate in areas of rising weather risks, and start-up failures shot up 60% in the past year. Plus, top international fashion brands are shifting orders away from Bangladesh because of recent political turmoil. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

FT series: the Uninsurable World

Global fashion brands cut Bangladesh orders after turmoil

Start-up failures jump by 60% as founders face hangover from boom years

The Democratic National Convention hits Chicago

The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Molly Nugent, Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Latino voters were once considered a reliable bet for Democrats. But with each passing election, Republicans are making more inroads with them. The FT’s Houston correspondent, Myles McCormick, and Republican political strategist, Mike Madrid, join this week’s Swamp Notes to unpack this shift. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

The Latino swing voters who could decide the US election

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. 

CREDIT: Harris for President

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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A huge US-based oilfield services company is expanding its Russian business, investors are piling into US treasuries, and US retail sales saw their biggest jump in a year and a half in July. Plus, a decade-long dispute between Coca-Cola and federal tax authorities has escalated to the point that the company could owe $16bn in back payments.

Mentioned in this podcast:

US oil services group SLB expands in Russia as competitors withdraw 

Investors return to bonds as recession fears stalk markets

Strong US retail sales raise hopes of ‘soft landing’

How a $16bn tax stand-off stays unseen in Coca-Cola’s earnings

The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Peace talks aimed at ending the war in Gaza start up again today, US inflation fell to 2.9 per cent in July, and Ukrainian forces are looking to hold on to newly-seized Russian territory. Plus, Germany’s chief prosecutor has issued an arrest warrant for a Ukrainian man suspected of blowing up the Nord Stream gas pipelines. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

US inflation falls to 2.9% in July

Ukrainian forces seek to hold Russian positions after capturing hundreds of troops

The competing theories of the Nord Stream explosions

Germany issues arrest warrant for Ukrainian over Nord Stream gas pipeline attacks

US-Israel talks take on fresh urgency as Middle East on edge

Stonehenge rock was shifted 400 miles from Scotland, scientists find`AQ

The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

US stocks and Treasuries rallied as traders assessed lower than expected wholesale inflation data, and investors hope that abundant electricity in northern Sweden can power a new wave of industrialisation. Meanwhile, the world’s biggest publicly listed coal producer is dropping plans to ditch the commodity. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

US stocks climb as soft inflation data spurs Treasury rally

Can Sweden deliver its much hyped green energy boom?

‘Cash is king’: Why Glencore kept faith with coal

The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Katie McMurran,

Molly Nugent, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Russia has trained its navy to hit European targets with nuclear-capable missiles, and 40 per cent of the biggest US manufacturing investments announced in the first year of Joe Biden’s flagship industrial and climate policies have been delayed or paused. Plus, we ask the FT’s Tom Hale if there could be a light at the end of the tunnel for China’s economy.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Russian navy trained to target sites inside Europe with nuclear-capable missiles

China deflation fears ease as consumer prices rise

Delays hit 40% of Biden’s major IRA manufacturing projects 

Life and Art podcast: Why museums should keep their mummies and shrunken heads

The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

More Americans trust Kamala Harris to handle the US economy than Donald Trump, European traders this summer are using only a fraction of Ukraine’s vast natural gas storage, and boycotts of western food and drinks brands in Muslim countries are hitting the revenues of multinationals. Plus, we look into why mid-tier US accounting firms are under increasing pressure to overhaul their networks. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Widespread boycotts in Muslim countries hammer western brands

US accounting firms rethink global networks

Bosses cut flying day trips as travel settles into permanent ‘new normal’

Kamala Harris is more trusted than Donald Trump on the US economy

European gas traders shun Ukraine storage after Russian attacks

The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Molly Nugent, Siona Jenkins, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Kamala Harris has supercharged Democratic party voters’ enthusiasm in the weeks since President Joe Biden stepped down as the nominee. Can Tim Walz, a little-known Midwestern governor with an everyman appeal and a progressive agenda, help maintain that excitement as her vice-presidential pick? The FT’s global business columnist, Rana Foroohar, and Washington bureau chief, James Politi, join this week’s Swamp Notes to discuss what Walz adds to the ticket. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Kamala Harris champions personal freedoms at first rally with Tim Walz

Why Tim Walz was Kamala Harris’s choice for vice-president

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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The stock market sell-off earlier this week may have been a bit of an overreaction, and overall consumer spending has been struggling recently. Plus, the FT’s Christopher Miller explains what Ukraine’s surprise counteroffensive in Russia means. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Everyone calm down  

US consumer spending slowdown weighs on travel and leisure groups 

Battles rage in Russia as Kyiv advances in war’s largest counter-incursion 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Jess Smith, Denise Guerra, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Our intern is Prakriti Panwar. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Google and Meta struck a secret ads deal to target teenagers, and the FT reports that the UK’s biggest private pension fund dumped £80mn of Israeli assets. Plus, the FT’s Benjamin Parkin updates us on the situation in Bangladesh.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Google and Meta struck secret ads deal to target teenagers 

UK’s biggest private pension fund dumps £80mn of Israeli assets 

How the world’s longest-serving female leader was toppled  

The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Our intern is Prakriti Panwar. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Wall Street stocks rebounded yesterday as the markets stabilised from a global rout, Disney is raising its streaming prices and Chinese bonds are causing a lot of anxiety for the country’s lawmakers. Plus, the FT’s Sara Germano talks about the effort to make track and field more popular outside the Olympics. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Wall Street stages partial rebound after Japanese stocks surge 

Chinese yields hit record lows as investors defy central bank warnings 

Kamala Harris chooses Tim Walz as running mate in US presidential election 

Disney to lift streaming prices by as much as 25% in October 

Can athletics win a big audience outside the Olympics? 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Jess Smith, Denise Guerra, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Our intern is Prakriti Panwar. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Major stock indices were significantly down around the world yesterday. Plus, the FT’s Lucy Fisher explains why the far right is rioting in England and what the government is doing about it. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

US stocks finish sharply lower to close out global market rout 

Why global investors find it so easy to sell Japan 

Why are the far right rioting in England? 

The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Our intern is Prakriti Panwar. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

UK chancellor Rachel Reeves begins a three-day visit to New York and Toronto on Monday in an attempt to sell Britain as “a stable place to do business,” asset managers fret as high-yield savings and caution over market volatility have left up to $1.5tn out of the market, commodity bulls’ dash for the exit sends prices tumbling.

Mentioned in this podcast:

UK chancellor to court investors in visit to New York

EU capitals set to back tariffs on Chinese electric cars, trade chief says

Commodity bulls’ dash for the exit sends prices tumbling

The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Jess Smith, Denise Guerra, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Our intern is Prakriti Panwar. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Only two political parties — the Republicans and the Democrats — have controlled the White House since 1853. However, candidates from other parties still run in presidential elections. The FT’s Washington reporter, Steff Chávez, and US business and politics correspondent, Alex Rogers, join this week’s Swamp Notes to explain how third-party candidates could impact the 2024 US presidential race. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Robert Kennedy Jr launches independent bid for US president

Robert Kennedy Jr taps nostalgia in bid to upset Donald Trump and Joe Biden

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Election Countdown newsletter

Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson and Manuela Saragosa.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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