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 became a ‘col...
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 weigh on Labou...
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: http://www.ft.com/globalsu...
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 for women’s tennis Ama...
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 to launch €200mn fund...
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 the Swoosh: h...
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 out fo...
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 construction at one o...
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 notorious Darié...
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’s inter...
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 bonus...
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 as B...
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 two Neither po...
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 sanctions could get $...
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 EU ch...
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 the new AI ...
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 loophole to b...
Jun 24, 2024•11 min
Across the world, billions of citizens are being asked to cast their vote in elections taking place in more than 50 countries, and in many places, populist, illiberal and far-right parties are either growing in support or consolidating gains they have already made. Fiona Hill, who served as senior director for European and Russian affairs on the National Security Council in the Trump White House from 2017 to 2019, tells Martin Wolf about the parallels she sees between Donald Trump and Vladimir P...
Jun 23, 2024•33 min
Americans have inflation and foreign policy on their minds this election. That means that President Joe Biden’s ambitious climate achievements aren’t resonating with voters – especially young voters – the way his administration expected. The FT’s US climate reporter, Aime Williams, and Washington bureau chief, James Politi, join this week’s Swamp Notes podcast to explain why. Credit: ESPN Mentioned in this podcast: How Joe Biden’s climate push fell flat with Gen Z voters Why Americans are not bu...
Jun 22, 2024•15 min
Credit agencies have misrated more than $100bn of commercial real estate debt, new election polls suggest the UK could be in for a seismic political shift, and the Philippines has been secretly reinforcing a dilapidated warship marooned on a South China Sea reef. Plus, drilling for naturally occurring hydrogen gas was deemed unfeasible, but prospectors now think differently. Mentioned in this podcast: Poll predicts Rishi Sunak to lose seat in Tory wipeout Why we can’t be sure of the size of the ...
Jun 21, 2024•12 min
Hamas-backed militants orchestrate bank heists, the ECB raises alarm over Eurozone debt, Malaysia courts Chinese investment, and Softbank debuts “EmotionCancelling” AI. Mentioned in this podcast: Premier Li Qiang’s visit has Malaysia wanting more from China pivot Armed gangs stage bank heists in Gaza This episode of FT News Briefing was produced by Josh Gabert-Doyon, Fiona Symon, Persis Love, Mischa Frankl-Duval. Additional help from Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Breen Turn...
Jun 20, 2024•11 min
Nvidia capitalises on investor excitement over artificial intelligence, Japan’s TDK is claiming a breakthrough in materials used in its small solid-state batteries, and Silicon Valley companies are screening their staff for Chinese spying. Plus, the FT’s Saffeya Ahmed unpacks Shein’s tumultuous journey to go public. Mentioned in this podcast: Nvidia vaults past Apple and Microsoft to become world’s most valuable company Apple supplier TDK claims solid-state battery breakthrough Behind the Money:...
Jun 19, 2024•12 min
French business leaders are warming up to France’s far-right and Dubai is trying to optimise a cluster of unique, abandoned islands. Plus, the FT’s Cristina Criddle explains why OpenAI is expanding its global affairs unit. Mentioned in this podcast: French businesses court Marine Le Pen after taking fright at left’s policies OpenAI expands lobbying team to influence regulation Bill Gross seeks to set record by selling stamp collection for up to $20mn The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Sym...
Jun 18, 2024•11 min
Major defence companies are recruiting workers at the fastest rate since the end of the cold war, global leaders were able to reach a consensus on major issues during the G7 summit, and big Chinese companies are turning to the convertible bond market. Plus, investors are flocking to the local currency bonds of one-time emerging market pariahs. Mentioned in this podcast: Chinese companies rush to tap US convertible bond market Frontier emerging markets lure investors back with high yields G7 thre...
Jun 17, 2024•11 min
Across the world, billions of citizens are being asked to cast their vote in elections taking place in more than 50 countries and in many places, populist, illiberal and far-right parties are either growing in support or consolidating gains they have already made. But India, the world’s biggest democracy, bucked the trend with Narendra Modi’s relatively weak election victory in June. In the third of this five-part series, the FT’s renowned economics commentator, Martin Wolf, and Raghuram Rajan, ...
Jun 16, 2024•43 min
Margaret Thatcher’s election in 1979 foreshadowed Ronald Reagan’s a year later, and the Brexit vote in 2016 took place just months before Donald Trump’s stunning presidential victory. The FT’s Whitehall editor, Lucy Fisher, and US politics news editor, Derek Brower, join this week’s Swamp Notes to explain why British and American politics often rhyme, and what the phenomenon could mean for upcoming elections in both countries. Mentioned in this podcast: Parallel US and UK elections could bring d...
Jun 15, 2024•14 min
Chinese electric vehicle makers look like they will survive the latest tariffs the EU announced this week, and UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer laid out his party’s manifesto. Plus, Toyota is caught up in a scandal. Will it matter during next week’s shareholder meeting? Mentioned in this podcast: Japan’s top carmakers caught in widening testing scandal What the EU’s tariffs on electric vehicles mean for China Keir Starmer sets out plans to raise £8.6bn in tax at Labour manifesto launch The FT N...
Jun 14, 2024•11 min
