A rundown of the most important global business stories you need to know for the coming day, from the newsroom of the Financial Times. Available every weekday morning.
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The race to succeed JPMorgan Chase chief executive Jamie Dimon just got tighter, and the investment chief at insurance group Allianz is warning that the SpaceX bond sale signals markets are in ‘bubble territory’. Plus, the US Supreme Court shielded German pharmaceuticals group Bayer from thousands of lawsuits over its Roundup weedkiller. Mentioned in this podcast: Jamie Dimon promotes two potential successors at JPMorgan SpaceX bond sale signals markets are in ‘bubble territory’, warns Allianz C...
Anthropic accuses Alibaba of obtaining ‘illicit’ access to Claude, and concern is brewing over KNDS’s upcoming initial public offering after Germany scraps warship plans. Plus, Meta is turning to AI content moderators, and the FT’s John Plender breaks down Donald Trump’s contributions to the US national debt. Mentioned in this podcast: Anthropic accuses Alibaba of obtaining ‘illicit’ access to Claude Meta races to replace human moderation with AI Berlin warship U-turn hits defence sector as KNDS...
Venezuela is set to take on the largest sovereign debt restructuring in history. Plus, chip stocks led a sell-off on Wall Street, and Nvidia’s AI chips have more than doubled in price on China’s black market. Mentioned in this podcast: Venezuela to reveal $240bn debt pile in world’s largest restructuring US chipmakers lead Wall Street slide on rising rate rise worries Nvidia’s banned AI chips double in price on China’s black market Tell us your thoughts to enter a prize draw for a chance to win ...
Keir Starmer has resigned as British prime minister, private equity executives are borrowing against their future share of profits, and former US Federal Reserve chair Alan Greenspan died at the age of 100. Plus, the FT’s Andean correspondent Joe Daniels traveled to a rural part of Colombia to find out what’s driving the country’s new cocaine boom. Mentioned in this podcast: Political Fix: Exit Starmer, enter Burnham Buyout bosses turn to carried interest loans as payouts stall What lies behind ...
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer could be on his way out of Westminster, and the US and Iran held high-stakes talks in Switzerland to officially end the war. Venture capital funds are rushing into defense tech startups on the back of the world’s wars, and the FT’s Claire Jones explains why Wall Street sees more volatility ahead from changes to Federal Reserve communications. Mentioned in this podcast: Keir Starmer on brink of quitting as UK prime minister What Andy Burnham’s Westminster past revea...
Labour’s Andy Burnham has won the crucial Makerfield by-election in the UK , a resurgence in the dollar is reversing bets on the currencies of big emerging markets and major commodity producers, insurers are trying to define “war” as a type of risk, and the Bank of England held interest rates at 3.75 per cent yesterday. Plus, the FT’s Saffeya Ahmed explains how this World Cup is a complicated one for Iran’s diaspora as its national team competes on American soil. Mentioned in this podcast: Maker...
The Federal Reserve has dropped its bias towards lowering rates in the central bank’s first meeting chaired by Kevin Warsh, President Donald Trump said the US would release frozen Iranian funds, and UK inflation held unexpectedly steady last month. Plus, Chinese tech giant Huawei is making a huge comeback after being written off seven years ago. Mentioned in this podcast: Federal Reserve drops bias for rate cuts as Kevin Warsh era begins Donald Trump to release Iran’s frozen funds and ease sanct...
US Senator Elizabeth Warren discusses SpaceX’s initial public offering and what she sees as its potential risk to investors. Plus, traders are betting on AI to underpin the strength of the US dollar, and the FT’s Alice Hancock explains why ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz may take weeks to reach pre-conflict levels. Mentioned in this podcast: SpaceX leapfrogs Amazon to become world’s fifth-most valuable company Shipping groups hit by Middle East conflict-induced fuel shortages Investors pile...
In our extended interview, US Senator Elizabeth Warren discusses SpaceX’s initial public offering and what she sees as its potential risk to investors. Mentioned in this podcast: SpaceX leapfrogs Amazon to become world’s fifth-most valuable company https://www.banking.senate.gov/newsroom/minority/warren-calls-on-sec-to-delay-spacex-ipo Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Victoria Craig...
Global equities rallied and oil prices fell after an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and hedge funds are betting against the debt and equity of some of Europe’s largest carmakers. Plus, a Russian online sabotage network was behind a series of arson attacks on Sir Keir Starmer’s family home and other targets linked to the UK prime minister. Mentioned in this podcast: Stocks surge as US-Iran deal ignites global rally Hedge funds bet against European carmakers on Chinese competition fears...
The leaders of the US and Iran will sign an agreement on Friday to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and the annual G7 summit kicks off today. SpaceX’s blockbuster IPO tells us a lot about Wall Street’s appetite for tech listings, and the New York Knicks won the NBA championship for the first time since 1973. Mentioned in this podcast: Trump says Iran and US agree deal to open Strait of Hormuz and extend ceasefire Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump test their bruised bromance at G7 summit Wall Street d...
With a week to go until Makerfield heads to the polls in what may turn out to be the most consequential by-election in British history, host Lucy Fisher, northern England correspondent Jen Williams and deputy political editor Jim Pickard are on the ground hearing from voters in the seat. Polls and bookmakers confidently predict an Andy Burnham victory but they discuss whether that narrative is too neat and what issues are really shaping voters’ choices. The result could determine not just who re...
This episode details SpaceX's massive $75 billion IPO and its future investments. It also covers the European Central Bank's first interest rate hike since 2023, explaining the reasons behind it and comparing it to other G7 central banks. Additionally, the podcast explores the controversy surrounding the World Cup's record-high ticket prices, the impact on fans, resale market issues, and the ensuing political scrutiny of FIFA.
This episode of the FT News Briefing explores significant global developments. It delves into France and Germany's proposals for a radical overhaul of the EU's 15-year-old diplomatic service, aiming to give more control to the Commission and member states. The discussion then shifts to escalating US-Iran tensions, pressured by rising US inflation, and the complexities of achieving a ceasefire. Finally, the podcast examines Australia's unorthodox strategy to fix its housing crisis by reversing decades of tax incentives, analyzing its potential impact and political risks.
The US has launched new strikes on Iran, Ireland’s burning through its corporate tax bonanza, and the European Central Bank is trying to rein in fintech Revolut’s “self-guided missiles” in the region. Plus, the FT’s George Hammond breaks down whether public market investors believe Elon Musk’s SpaceX can reach its ambitious goals ahead of its initial public offering. Mentioned in this podcast: Ireland told to rein in spending of corporate tax windfall ECB moved to rein in Revolut’s ‘self-guided ...
This episode covers major financial and geopolitical news, starting with OpenAI's confidential IPO filing and the broader US equities market volatility driven by AI stocks and potential rate hikes. It also examines BP's post-chair-ouster strategy and shareholder demands for clarity. Geopolitically, the podcast delves into Israel's strikes on Lebanon, the US's difficult position with Israel's war strategy, and the strained relationship between Trump and Netanyahu. Finally, it touches on Sam Bankman-Fried's request for a Trump pardon.
Iran and Israel trade fire testing a two-month ceasefire, and Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Pyongyang for his first trip to North Korea in seven years. Plus, software buyout deals have collapsed to the lowest levels since the Covid-19 pandemic, and the head of the OECD has warned governments around the world not to go it alone in taxing large multinationals. Mentioned in this podcast: Israel launches retaliatory air strikes on Iran Trump says Netanyahu will have ‘no choice’ but to acce...
The FT News Briefing discusses Elon Musk's plan for a retail-investor-focused SpaceX IPO. It also explores India's satirical "Cockroach Janta Party" and its challenge to Prime Minister Modi over education and unemployment issues. Additionally, the episode addresses safety concerns for World Cup host city Guadalajara, despite its cartel presence, and delves into the intensifying battle between traditional bookmakers and prediction markets over World Cup wagers.
Saudi Arabia’s wealth fund is swapping foreign CEOs for local ones and Reed Hastings officially steps down from the board of Netflix. Plus, FT-Nikkei names Boston as the best US city for foreign investment. Mentioned in this podcast: Saudi wealth fund replaces foreign CEOs with locals Netflix’s Reed Hastings: an icon of good leadership and bad governance Boston tops FT-Nikkei ranking as global companies seek skilled workers Americans lead AI data centre backlash, global poll finds Want to get ...
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that creates a “voluntary framework” for the US to gain early access to cutting-edge AI models, and the conviction of short seller Andrew Left may change how investors take positions. Plus, gold has overtaken US Treasuries as the world’s top reserve asset, and we’ll look at how Deutsche Bank moved past its reputation as the sick bank of Europe. Mentioned in this podcast: Donald Trump signs watered-down AI vetting order after Maga infighting Sh...
This episode delves into significant global developments, including the US exploring expanded nuclear weapons deployment in Europe amid security concerns, and Anthropic's decision to offer its potent AI cybersecurity tool, Mythos, to the EU, highlighting discussions around tech sovereignty and cyber risks. Additionally, Iran has suspended back-channel peace negotiations with Washington. The podcast also examines Berkshire Hathaway's strategic acquisition of homebuilder Taylor Morrison, marking CEO Greg Abel's first major deal post-Buffett and signaling a renewed focus on the US property sector and aggressive deal-making.
Intel wants to challenge rivals with a new AI chip, young people are sceptical of artificial intelligence, the inflation shock from the US-Israeli war on Iran is set to fall short of the 2022 price surge, and the EU is worried as China builds an industrial base in Morocco. Plus, Colombians went to the polls yesterday to vote for their next president. Mentioned in this podcast: Intel targets Nvidia with new AI chip by year end ‘More harmful than helpful’: young people sour on AI Iran war inflatio...
Washington is close to extending a ceasefire with Iran for 60 days, while investors are creating a "speculative frenzy" for SpaceX's upcoming IPO. Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered Israeli forces to control 70% of Gaza, and Robinhood is launching a new feature allowing investors to use AI chatbots for share trading, raising questions about its impact on market behavior and returns.
The FT News Briefing discusses significant global shifts, starting with oil prices falling after reports of a US-Iran peace proposal, despite official denials. It then highlights how Ukraine's surge in domestic drone production is fundamentally altering the war, impacting Russia's economy and potentially driving future negotiations. The episode also features the ECB's warning about US President Trump's policies potentially triggering a global financial crisis, alongside an examination of how AI is disrupting the dominance of Big Four consulting firms by empowering smaller challengers.
The episode delves into global economic and geopolitical shifts, starting with Iran's accusation of US ceasefire violations and ongoing back-channel talks. It then covers BP's turbulent leadership, detailing the controversial removal of its chair, Albert Manifold, and the company's struggle for stability. Additionally, the podcast explores the European Central Bank's preparations for a likely interest rate hike in June amidst rising inflation, and a notable revival in dealmaking within the UK's mid-cap market, analyzing its implications for market health and valuations.
The podcast delves into the global phenomenon of declining birth rates, highlighting the alarm raised by politicians and business leaders about its long-term impact. It analyzes various contributing factors, from economic challenges like housing and employment to changing societal roles. A key focus is placed on the unexpected role of mobile phones, which by reducing in-person social interaction, are significantly affecting relationship formation and family planning. The episode concludes by discussing the profound economic consequences of these trends, using Japan as a case study, and evaluating potential policy interventions, including both economic support and strategies to reduce screen time.
The FT News Briefing presents a special episode from Slate's "What Next" podcast. As wealth disparity continues to grow, politicians in New York and California have suggested raising revenue through taxes aimed at their wealthiest residents. But the proposals have set off an upper-class uproar – and now, it’s a stand-off between the country’s billionaires and its most progressive politicos. Guest: Stephanie Ruhle , anchor of MS NOW’s The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle . Want more What Next? Subs...
Wall Street prepares for a trading frenzy with the anticipated IPOs of SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic, valued in the trillions and expected to drive huge investor demand. The podcast also delves into Turkey's political landscape, where a court ruling removed the leadership of the main opposition party, and explores the US's intensified pressure on Cuba, including sanctions causing an energy crisis and the indictment of Raul Castro, drawing parallels to past US interventions.
Nvidia reports astounding revenue growth and plans over $80bn in shareholder returns, fueled by the AI boom. Meanwhile, Donald Trump's new $1.8bn "anti-weaponisation fund" sparks controversy, with critics calling it a potential slush fund for allies. The episode also touches on OpenAI's preparations for a public listing and concerns over a deadly Ebola outbreak in Africa, highlighting issues with global pandemic preparedness.
European leaders are exploring appointing a special envoy to negotiate with Vladimir Putin amidst stalled US-led peace talks, considering figures like Angela Merkel or Mario Draghi. Separately, a global fuel crisis is causing deadly protests across Africa due to surging prices. The episode also reviews Jay Powell's impactful term as Federal Reserve Chair, highlighting his navigation of a strong economy, the Covid-19 pandemic, and his defense of the Fed's independence against political pressure.
