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.
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
US voters issued a rebuke of President Donald Trump, US stocks dropped on Tuesday as jitters over highly elevated valuations for many artificial intelligence companies intensified, and some investors are worried there’s an AI bubble in Asian stocks as well. Plus, UniCredit’s ambition to become a European banking powerhouse has hit a series of roadblocks. Mentioned in this podcast: US election results live Listen to the Swamp Notes podcast US stocks slide as investors fret over high valuations fo...
This episode covers Palantir's continued success in AI, boosting its sales guidance for 2025. It details Pfizer's aggressive legal strategy against Novo Nordisk's acquisition of Metsera, an American biotech developing next-generation weight-loss treatments, highlighting the fierce competition in the pharma sector. Also discussed is OpenAI's significant $38 billion computing deal with Amazon Web Services, and the Trump administration's preliminary discussions to promote wider global dollar adoption amidst China's efforts to reduce its use in emerging markets.
The US Supreme Court begins hearing arguments this week for President Trump’s tariff policy. Plus, voters will head to the polls for state races seen as a referendum on the first year of Trump’s second term, and private equity may be full of zombie firms in the next decade. Then, a look at how China is filling a gap in the solar-energy space. Mentioned in this podcast: Businesses press Supreme Court to strike down Trump’s emergency tariff power Trump and plastic bags: New Jersey is bellwether of...
The FT News Briefing discusses tech giants Amazon and Apple's impressive earnings, driven by cloud computing, AI demand, and strong iPhone sales. It then analyzes the lasting impact of President Trump's recent trade agreements in Asia, including a truce with China, exploring geopolitical dynamics like China's rare earth leverage. The episode also covers the Federal Reserve's rate cut, the Bank of Japan and European Central Bank's decision to hold rates, and the eurozone economy's unexpected growth. Finally, it delves into India's remarkable IPO boom, described as a "Goldilocks" moment, thriving despite challenging domestic and international market conditions.
Meta and Microsoft had mixed earnings reports, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates and said it would halt quantitative tightening and South Korea has agreed to invest $350bn in the US in return for lower tariffs on car exports. Plus, John Malone is stepping down as chair of his media and telecoms empire, marking the end of an era in which the “cable cowboy” reshaped both industries. Mentioned in this podcast: Meta hit by huge AI spending Federal Reserve trims US interest rates by quarter poin...
OpenAI has finalized its restructuring, balancing its non-profit mission with commercial ambitions, including Microsoft's significant stake and future AI development. Meanwhile, Tesla's chair is pushing shareholders to approve Elon Musk's substantial pay package, warning of his potential departure if rejected. Additionally, South Korea's stock market, the KOSPI, has become the top performer this year, fueled by the global AI theme, semiconductor demand, and government efforts to improve corporate governance.
This FT News Briefing covers significant market movements, including a surge in US M&A deals driven by a favorable regulatory environment and interest rates. Argentina's currency and bonds soared following President Javier Milei's election victory, bolstering his pro-market reforms. JPMorgan Chase initiated a strategic $75 million investment in a critical mineral mining company as part of a national security fund. Lastly, Apple's services division is set to reach a record $100 billion in revenue despite growing legal and regulatory scrutiny over its App Store.
This episode covers President Trump's diplomatic tour in Asia leading up to high-stakes trade talks with China's Xi Jinping, discussing potential tariff de-escalations and broader regional agreements. It also examines the UK Chancellor's efforts to secure new trade deals in the Gulf. Finally, the podcast looks at the US Federal Reserve's upcoming rate decision amidst conflicting inflation data and a weakening labor market compounded by a government shutdown.
This episode uncovers a severe lead poisoning epidemic in the UK, starting with a family's tragic experience in West Wales where animals died and children fell ill due to lead from disused mines. Reporter Laura Hughes' investigation, aided by ecotoxicologist Dr. Andrea Sartorius and Professor Mark Macklin, reveals widespread, often unmapped contamination affecting soil, water, and even the food supply through toxic eggs. Despite the pervasive danger, the UK government is criticized for its lack of widespread regulations, official testing, and public information, leaving citizens vulnerable to an invisible, permanent threat.
US President Donald Trump imposed significant sanctions on Russian oil giants, causing a surge in oil prices and raising questions about global energy markets and secondary sanctions on countries like India and China. Additionally, Trump pardoned Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao and other crypto executives, signaling a shift in policy towards the crypto industry. The episode also delves into Argentina's crucial midterm elections, which will determine the future of President Javier Milei's austerity measures and could impact a vital US rescue package.
Tesla said its quarterly profit fell by more than a quarter, Sequoia Capital’s chief operating officer resigned over comments made by partner Shaun Maguire that she regarded as Islamophobic, and UK inflation unexpectedly held steady at 3.8 per cent in September. Plus, the Trump administration has been quietly suppressing climate change data. Mentioned in this podcast: Tesla profits drop more than a quarter despite record sales Sequoia COO quit over Shaun Maguire’s comments about Mamdani UK infla...
Netflix shares fell as a dispute with Brazilian tax authorities cut into its profits, Unilever said it has delayed the spin-off of its €15bn ice cream division because of the US government shutdown and gold had its worst day in more than a decade yesterday. Plus, critics are questioning whether South Africa’s Black empowerment policies are really paying off. Mentioned in this podcast: Netflix shares drop as Brazil tax dispute hits profits Unilever’s €15bn ice cream spin-off delayed by US governm...
European governments are working to secure a deal on using Russia's frozen assets to provide a 140 billion euro loan to Ukraine, following a tense US-Ukraine meeting. In Japan, Sanae Takaichi is set to become the country's first female prime minister after her Liberal Democratic Party formed a new coalition, leading to market optimism. The episode also reports on a significant Amazon Web Services outage impacting numerous apps and websites. Finally, Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan discusses how Europe's fragmented financial regulation stifles growth and competitiveness compared to the U.S.
US President Donald Trump urged his Ukrainian counterpart to accept Russia’s war terms during Friday’s volatile White House meeting, and five-year plans still have a place in Chinese politics despite massive changes to its economic system. Plus, global hedge funds are listing in Hong Kong again after an extended slowdown, and the battle for control of rare earth metals is turbocharging stock prices in this sector. Mentioned in this podcast: Trump urged Zelenskyy to accept Putin’s terms or be ‘de...
Shares in US regional banks fell on Thursday after two lenders disclosed that they were exposed to alleged fraud by borrowers, and the UK economy grew 0.1 per cent in August. Plus, Japan is having a hard time keeping up with demand for matcha. Mentioned in this podcast: US regional bank shares sink on credit worries after fraud disclosures UK economy grew 0.1% in August Japan buckles under matcha mania Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Michela Tindera, Josh Gabert-Doyon, Sonja Hutson, and...
This episode of the FT News Briefing delves into major global economic shifts. Investors are reducing exposure to risky corporate bonds due to market optimism, while the IMF advises the US to tackle its rising deficit and the UK to maintain transparency in economic forecasts. The briefing also examines China's persistent deflationary pressures from low demand and Turkey's anti-corruption drive, which raises questions about its true motives and impact on the business community.
The leaders of Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and Citi warned that investor exuberance risked driving financial markets into bubble territory, and US investors are hunting for private data as the federal government shutdown is blocking the release of crucial reports. Plus, silver hit a record on Tuesday, and investors are facing a growing concern that European defence start-ups are oversaturating the market. Mentioned in this podcast: Banks caution over bubble as they report bumper profits US gov...
The FT News Briefing discusses US stock market rebounds after Trump softened his stance on China tariffs. It delves into the Dutch government's takeover of Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia for national security, exploring the broader geopolitical implications for the semiconductor industry. Additionally, the episode covers President Trump's Middle East peace efforts and highlights a nascent revival in Europe's quiet initial public offering market.
US President Donald Trump has threatened new “large scale” export controls on China, and Wall Street’s investment banks just wrapped up a record-breaking quarter. Plus, dozens of European lawmakers are earning income from side hustles connected to their legislative responsibilities, and OpenAI’s ownership structure is making it harder for the company to raise money. Mentioned in this podcast: China blames Trump and US for escalating trade war Wall Street investment banking revenues poised to top...
The Israeli government approved the US-brokered deal for a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza, the US Treasury has intervened in Argentina’s currency market , and Danish offshore wind developer Ørsted plans to cut about a quarter of its workforce. Plus, the FT’s Katie Martin explains why the good vibes in the markets are really just investors running on fumes. Mentioned in this podcast: Israeli government approves Gaza ceasefire deal and hostage release Ørsted to cut quarter of workforce afte...
Donald Trump announced the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire, involving hostage release and troop withdrawal, while the US demands the EU modify its corporate sustainability and digital regulations, threatening trade relations. Separately, China is intensifying a customs crackdown on US semiconductor technology, aiming to significantly boost its domestic chip production. The episode also delves into the history, implementation, and increasing criticism of quantitative easing and tightening, with experts debating its effectiveness and future role in monetary policy.
A UBS fund has 30 per cent of its portfolio tied to the failed First Brands Group, and carmakers across much of the world are scaling back on electric vehicle plans. Plus, international investors are returning to China’s start-up scene, in addition to assets across emerging markets. Mentioned in this podcast: UBS fund holds 30% exposure linked to First Brands Why carmakers are falling back in love with petrol Global investors stage cautious return to Chinese start-ups Emerging markets roar back ...
EU governments have agreed to limit the travel of Russian diplomats, analysts are worried about a flurry of circular AI deals, and France lost another prime minister after less than a month in office. Plus, why the weaker dollar is helping big US exporters, while domestic-focused companies lose out. Mentioned in this podcast: EU to curb Russian diplomats’ travel as suspected spy attacks mount OpenAI targets 10% AMD stake via multibillion-dollar chip deal France in fresh political and market turm...
Israel and Hamas head into crunch-time negotiations in Cairo, and Japan’s prospective new prime minister will have work to do to bring her party back together. Plus, Europe is facing a flood of cheap Chinese textile imports, and investors are piling into an unproven technology to power the US artificial intelligence boom. Mentioned in this podcast: Israel and Hamas prepare for crunch ceasefire talks Japan gears up for ‘Takaichi trade’ as first female leader prepares for power China reroutes clot...
Description: The US will provide Ukraine with new intelligence, the American company behind Fico homebuyer credit scores is shaking up the mortgage industry, and Tesla’s global deliveries hit a new record in the third quarter. Plus, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman has sidelined hardliners and sought to remake Islam in a country long seen as exporting radicalism. Mentioned in this podcast: US to provide intel to guide Ukrainian long-range missile attacks on Russia Credit bureaus snubbed...
Sales of Chinese electric-car maker BYD fell for the first time in 19 months in September, the US government shutdown is not likely to affect interest rates, and a fresh bout of jitters is shaking Argentina’s financial markets. Plus, a nascent solar revolution is taking hold in Africa’s largest oil-producing nation, Nigeria. Mentioned in this podcast: BYD monthly sales fall for first time since early 2024 US government shutdown unlikely to prompt deeper Fed cuts Argentine assets hit by fresh sel...
The US government has shut down after Democrats and Republicans failed to agree on a spending deal before the October 1 deadline, and Sir Keir Starmer has tried to revive his floundering premiership by urging his Labour party to launch a “patriotic” fight against Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. Plus, US President Donald Trump is launching a direct-to-consumer drug sales programme, and Spotify is appointing co-CEOs to replace Daniel Ek. Mentioned in this podcast: Donald Trump announces direct-to-consum...
Elon Musk’s business empire has been hit by a wave of senior departures over the past year, video games maker Electronic Arts is being taken private by a Saudi Arabia-backed consortium, and Downing Street has opened the door for Labour to break its election promises and raise taxes in the Budget. Plus, the euro’s biggest rally since 2017 has further to run, Wall Street banks are predicting. Mentioned in this podcast: Elon Musk hit by exodus of senior staff over burnout and politics Video games m...
This FT News Briefing explores the impending US government shutdown, detailing the political stalemate and potential economic impacts. It also examines the Trump administration's controversial proposal to reduce mandatory corporate earnings reports from quarterly to semi-annually. Other segments include Denmark's week-long ban on civil drones following military airspace incursions and the booming drive-thru coffee market in the US, driven by consumer demand for speed and convenience. Finally, the episode touches on Japan's efforts to combat labor shortages by upgrading office spaces to attract talent.
In this special message, the FT News Briefing seeks listener support for its Signal Listener's Choice Award nomination for Best Daily Podcast. Listeners are encouraged to vote for the FT News Briefing, as well as other Financial Times podcasts, Behind the Money (Best Money and Finance) and Tech Tonic (Best Technology Show). The hosts emphasize the honor of the nomination and the need for votes to secure a win, assuring the process is quick and easy.
