If Kamala Harris wins the Democratic nomination next month, she would be only the second woman or person of colour that either major US party has ever nominated for president. On this week’s Swamp Notes, the FT’s US national columnist and editor, Edward Luce, and deputy Washington bureau chief, Lauren Fedor, explain why Harris probably won’t lean into her race or gender on the campaign trail. Mentioned in this podcast: Kamala Harris memes resonate with Gen Z voters Harris vs. Trump: Americ...
Jul 27, 2024•15 min
Elon Musk is looking to inject $5bn into an AI start-up, and Venezuela’s election on Sunday will decide whether Nicolás Maduro will stay in office for more than a decade. Plus, the FT’s Simon Kuper explains how big infrastructure updates in Paris might shake up the cultural and political boundaries of the city. Mentioned in this podcast: Elon Musk to seek Tesla board approval for $5bn injection into xAI start-up Venezuela’s opposition bets Maduro has miscalculated this time Paris, ...
Jul 26, 2024•12 min
Biden says it’s time to ‘pass on the torch’, China and the Philippines struck a deal to reduce tensions in the South China Sea, and the Nasdaq composite fell 3.6 per cent yesterday. Plus, the FT’s Chris Kay explains how young investors are gambling on Indian stocks. Mentioned in this podcast: The flashpoints that threaten a détente between China and the Philippines Beijing and Manila strike deal to reduce tensions in South China Sea US stocks sink after Big Tech earnings disappoint...
Jul 25, 2024•13 min
Tesla’s net income fell by 45 per cent, investors think Donald Trump will be back in the White House, and the director of the US Secret Service resigned after an operational failure. Plus, the FT’s Jennifer Hughes talks about investors betting on politics in prediction markets. Mentioned in this podcast: Tesla misses profit estimates as electric vehicle deliveries slow Prediction markets tipped for new growth as US trader interest mounts US Secret Service head resigns over Donald Tr...
Jul 24, 2024•11 min
The US Congress interrogated its Secret Service chief yesterday, and Kamala Harris is gearing up her prospective presidential campaign. Plus, the FT’s Christian Davies explains how Samsung’s labour crisis is complicating its efforts to capitalise on a booming market for semiconductors. Mentioned in this podcast: US Secret Service chief says Donald Trump shooting worst ‘failure’ in decades What do we know about Kamala Harris’s chances against Donald Trump? Samsung’s ‘chi...
Jul 23, 2024•11 min
US President Joe Biden has abandoned his re-election bid following overwhelming pressure from fellow Democrats, and India’s prime minister Narendra Modi faces an early test to his third term in office. Plus, the UK’s new chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will present a fiscal statement to parliament later this month. Mentioned in this podcast: Joe Biden drops out of 2024 US presidential election race and endorses Kamala Harris Labour’s moment to blame, borrow and tax India’s Narendra Modi faces b...
Jul 22, 2024•11 min
Republicans gathered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for their convention this week, just days after their party leader was nearly assassinated. The presidential nominee, Donald Trump, started off with a message of unity. However, it’s unclear if that message will stick. The FT’s deputy Washington bureau chief Lauren Fedor and US political news editor Derek Brower discuss this new layer for the Republican party. Credit: Associated Press, ABC News Mentioned in this podcast: Donald Trump pled...
Jul 20, 2024•17 min
Donald Trump formally accepted the Republican party nomination for president. HSBC’s new chief executive, Georges Elhedery, will face a unique set of challenges while transitioning into the role, and the European Central Bank decided to keep interest rates unchanged yesterday. Plus, the FT’s Clive Cookson talks about the revival of the space race. Credit: NASA, BBC, NDTV, Global News Mentioned in this podcast: Donald Trump recounts near death by gunman in speech to Republican convention Can HSBC...
Jul 19, 2024•11 min
Chip stocks dipped yesterday after Trump’s comments rattled investors, the EU spoke up against Viktor Orbán’s recent travels, and a bid to force Amazon to recognise a union failed in the UK. Plus, the FT’s Madhumita Murgia explains what Yandex’s move into Europe signifies. Mentioned in this podcast: Chip stocks tumble as Trump comments rattle investors Donald Trump has ‘well-founded plans’ for Russia-Ukraine peace talks, Viktor Orbán claims Amazon beats back union bid for UK ...
Jul 18, 2024•12 min
The UK Labour government will present its plans for the upcoming year in the King’s Speech, and Morgan Stanley experienced a slowdown in growth despite a 40 per cent profit increase. Plus, the FT’s Aanu Adeoye explains the Nigerian president’s plans to revive the country’s economy. Mentioned in this podcast: Starmer plans to introduce AI bill in King’s Speech Will shock therapy revive Nigeria’s economy — or sink it further? Morgan Stanley’s wealth business stumbles even as prof...
Jul 17, 2024•11 min
Donald Trump announced Ohio senator JD Vance as his vice-presidential nominee yesterday, and a US judge dismissed a criminal case over the former president’s handling of classified documents. Plus, the FT’s Mehul Srivastava explains why the Gaza pier built by the US hasn’t been as effective as intended. Mentioned in this podcast: Donald Trump picks Ohio senator JD Vance as 2024 running mate Judge dismisses classified documents case against Donald Trump How the US’s $230mn Gaza pier ...
Jul 16, 2024•10 min
The US Congress launches a probe into ‘inexcusable’ security failings following the Pennsylvania rally shooting, and workers at an Amazon warehouse in the UK await results from a union ballot. Plus, the UK’s home building ambitions might be a bit of a slog. Credit: AP Mentioned in this podcast: Trump calls for unity in face of ‘evil’ after surviving assassination attempt Donald Trump injured in attempted assassination at Pennsylvania rally Housebuilders warn construction lag could w...
Jul 15, 2024•13 min
As president, Donald Trump appointed three conservative justices to the Supreme Court and hundreds of conservative judges to benches across the judicial branch. These justices and judges have handed down several controversial decisions that have reshaped important aspects of American life. The FT’s US legal and enforcement correspondent, Stefania Palma, and professor of presidential studies at the University of Virginia, Barbara Perry, join this week’s Swamp Notes to discuss where the conservati...
Jul 13, 2024•15 min
US inflation fell to 3 per cent, and China’s Communist party leaders will meet next week to discuss the country’s economy. Plus, the FT’s Brooke Masters talks about the risks that come with deregulation. Mentioned in this podcast: US inflation falls to 3% in June China plays down hopes for ‘strong medicine’ at top economic policy meeting US businesses may soon find that deregulation comes with risks Survey link: http://ft.com/FTsurvey2024 Survey terms & conditions:...
Jul 12, 2024•12 min
Archegos founder Bill Hwang found guilty of fraud, investors are selling off risky US junk bonds, and women’s tennis is getting big investments from Saudi Arabia and private equity firms. Plus, the FT’s Ryan McMorrow explains how Amazon is fighting back against rivals like Temu and Shein. Mentioned in this podcast: Archegos founder Bill Hwang found guilty over fund’s collapse Investors shun riskier junk bonds as bankruptcy filings jump Saudi wealth bolsters WTA’s ambitions fo...
Jul 11, 2024•11 min
A Russian missile that destroyed a children’s hospital in Kyiv used western technology, investment banking is picking back up, and Shein is injecting €200mn in cash to tackle fashion waste. Plus, the FT’s Najmeh Bozorgmehr explains if Iran’s new pro-reform president can make a difference. Mentioned in this podcast: Type of Russian missile that struck Kyiv children’s hospital uses western components Masoud Pezeshkian: the heart surgeon who became Iran’s president-elect Shein t...
Jul 10, 2024•11 min
Nato leaders are meeting for its 75th anniversary summit amid tensions within their countries, and Europe’s battery industry is feeling the impact of the global slowdown in electric car sales. Plus, the FT’s Sara Germano explains the reasons behind Nike’s worst single-day performance on the stock market since 1980. Mentioned in this podcast: Nato allies to pledge €40bn for Ukraine amid domestic turmoil Europe’s battery industry hit by EV slowdown and Chinese competition Downturn of...
Jul 09, 2024•12 min
France’s anti far-right alliance is on track to halt the rise of Marine Le Pen’s Rassemblement National, Labour’s landslide win is set to enhance the attractiveness of UK markets, and scientists said that this year was on track to become the warmest on record. Plus, the Chinese province closest to Taiwan seeks greater ties, but businesses aren’t biting. Credit: Washington Post, CNN, AFP Mentioned in this podcast: Leftwing surge thwarts far right in French election, polls suggest UK stands ...
Jul 08, 2024•12 min
Rightwing populist party Reform UK makes inroads. Viktor Orbán set to hold meeting with Vladimir Putin to discuss Ukraine peace. Mentioned in this podcast: UK general election live Viktor Orbán to meet Vladimir Putin after Kyiv trip 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 ...
Jul 05, 2024•13 min
SoftBank is looking to invest in AI despite pressure to offer a share buyback , Shell is pausing construction on one of its biggest energy transition projects, and the Labour party is expected to win the UK election by a landslide. Plus, the FT’s Anna Nicolaou explains how YouTube is trying to negotiate a deal with record labels over music created by AI. Mentioned in this podcast: SoftBank to prioritise AI deals over share buybacks despite pressure from Elliott Shell pauses construc...
Jul 04, 2024•11 min
The EU is planning to impose duties on substandard Chinese goods, Panama’s president wants to close the Darién gap, and Joe Biden is under pressure to explain his fitness to run for office. Plus, the FT’s Attracta Mooney explains how Denmark is implementing the world’s first carbon tax on agriculture. Mentioned in this podcast: EU takes aim at China’s Temu and Shein with proposed import duty Denmark to charge farmers €100 a cow in first carbon tax on agriculture Panama will close n...
Jul 03, 2024•11 min
Western banks have cut their workforces in China , the US Supreme Court ruled that former president Donald Trump cannot be prosecuted for his ‘official’ actions, and Amazon has turned its first international profit in four years. Plus, the FT’s Leo Lewis explains how online competitors are affecting Japan’s regional banks. Mentioned in this podcast: Global investment banks’ China expansion goes into retreat US Supreme Court says Donald Trump immune for ‘official acts’ as president Amazon’...
Jul 02, 2024•10 min
Marine Le Pen’s far-right party has battered President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance in the first round of snap parliamentary elections, US stock markets performing better than expected at the midyear point, and Morgan Stanley will join Goldman and JPMorgan in scrapping UK bonus caps. Mentioned in this podcast: French voters turn out in record numbers Wall Street’s last remaining bears struggle to convince optimistic clients Morgan Stanley to join Goldman and JPMorgan in scrapping UK...
Jul 01, 2024•9 min
Martin Wolf is worried about the threat autocrats pose to liberal democracies. Across the world, billions of citizens are being asked to cast their vote in elections taking place in more than 50 countries, but in many places, populist, illiberal and far-right parties are either growing in support or consolidating gains they have already made. In this episode, Martin spells out his concerns to the FT’s executive opinion editor, Jonathan Derbyshire, and they discuss what Martin has gleaned from hi...
Jun 30, 2024•36 min
Joe Biden went into Thursday night’s CNN presidential debate hoping to assuage concerns over his mental acuity and fitness for office. But his performance only heightened those concerns — and may even force Democrats to reconsider their standard-bearer. The FT’s deputy Washington bureau chief, Lauren Fedor, and Washington reporter, Steff Chavez, join this week’s Swamp Notes podcast to explain why. Credit: CNN Presidential Debate, NBC News, ABC News Mentioned in this podcast: Democrats panic...
Jun 29, 2024•12 min
The US is inviting foreign ministers from Israel and Arab countries to the Nato summit next month, EY’s new global chief executive confirmed that the firm will not split in two, and Thames Water is on the brink of a financial collapse. Plus, the FT’s Lucy Fisher explains why immigration is an important issue in the UK elections. Mentioned in this podcast: US invites Arab and Israeli ministers to Nato anniversary summit New EY chief rules out reviving plan to split Big Four firm in t...
Jun 28, 2024•11 min
JPMorgan is adding India's sovereign debt to its emerging markets index, and violent protests in Kenya stopped its president from signing a bill that would raise taxes. Plus, the FT’s Harry Dempsey explains why the US wants to lift sanctions on a billionaire to gain access to minerals in Africa. Mentioned in this podcast: India braced for billions of dollars of inflows as bonds added to JPMorgan index Kenya’s president drops tax rises after deadly protests Billionaire under s...
Jun 27, 2024•12 min
Shares of electric vehicle start-up Rivian surged in extended trading after Volkswagen announced a plan to invest up to $5bn, global investment in clean energy is set to hit $2tn and the EU charged Microsoft for violating antitrust laws yesterday. Plus, the FT’s Emma Agyemang explains why a deadlock in the US Senate is threatening to upend a global tax treaty. Mentioned in this podcast: Rivian shares soar on Volkswagen plan to invest up to $5bn Clean tech investment set to hit $2tn in 2024  ...
Jun 26, 2024•12 min
Chinese executives are trying to avoid US tariffs by relocating manufacturing, a growing number of wealthy foreigners in the UK are planning on leaving the country, and Brazilian financial markets have been performing poorly. Plus, the FT’s Tim Bradshaw explains whether Nvidia is on a crash course similar to some of the dotcom darlings from the 2000s tech bubble. Mentioned in this podcast: Chinese companies seek assurances from Malaysia over US tariffs Can Nvidia stay at the heart of...
Jun 25, 2024•11 min
The EU has devised a legal workaround to sidestep Hungary’s veto on buying weapons for Ukraine, investment vehicles that scoop up risky loans are being launched at a record rate in Europe this year, and agencies representing TikTok’s biggest advertisers are drawing up contingency plans as the US prepares to ban the popular video app. Plus, Amazon and Microsoft are scaling up infrastructure investments for artificial intelligence in India. Mentioned in this podcast: EU devises legal loophol...
Jun 24, 2024•11 min
