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 dec...
Sep 12, 2024•11 min
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 glo...
Sep 11, 2024•12 min
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 debat...
Sep 10, 2024•12 min
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 ne...
Sep 09, 2024•10 min
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 ...
Sep 07, 2024•13 min
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 energ...
Sep 06, 2024•12 min
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 Gren...
Sep 05, 2024•12 min
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 ...
Sep 04, 2024•11 min
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 again...
Sep 03, 2024•11 min
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 Br...
Sep 02, 2024•14 min
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 S...
Aug 31, 2024•14 min
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...
Aug 30, 2024•12 min
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 Be...
Aug 29, 2024•10 min
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 th...
Aug 28, 2024•12 min
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 payment...
Aug 27, 2024•12 min
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 rec...
Aug 26, 2024•12 min
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 ...
Aug 24, 2024•18 min
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...
Aug 23, 2024•12 min
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, K...
Aug 22, 2024•12 min
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 Broussal...
Aug 21, 2024•11 min
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 prod...
Aug 20, 2024•11 min
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...
Aug 19, 2024•12 min
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 Fedo...
Aug 17, 2024•16 min
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 marke...
Aug 16, 2024•11 min
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 o...
Aug 15, 2024•11 min
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...
Aug 14, 2024•11 min
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 con...
Aug 13, 2024•11 min
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 accounti...
Aug 12, 2024•11 min
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 H...
Aug 10, 2024•15 min
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...
Aug 09, 2024•11 min
