Google and Meta struck a secret ads deal to target teenagers, and the FT reports that the UK’s biggest private pension fund dumped £80mn of Israeli assets. Plus, the FT’s Benjamin Parkin updates us on the situation in Bangladesh. Mentioned in this podcast: Google and Meta struck secret ads deal to target teenagers UK’s biggest private pension fund dumps £80mn of Israeli assets How the world’s longest-serving female leader was toppled The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona...
Aug 08, 2024•11 min
Wall Street stocks rebounded yesterday as the markets stabilised from a global rout, Disney is raising its streaming prices and Chinese bonds are causing a lot of anxiety for the country’s lawmakers. Plus, the FT’s Sara Germano talks about the effort to make track and field more popular outside the Olympics. Mentioned in this podcast: Wall Street stages partial rebound after Japanese stocks surge Chinese yields hit record lows as investors defy central bank warnings Kamala Ha...
Aug 07, 2024•12 min
Major stock indices were significantly down around the world yesterday. Plus, the FT’s Lucy Fisher explains why the far right is rioting in England and what the government is doing about it. Mentioned in this podcast: US stocks finish sharply lower to close out global market rout Why global investors find it so easy to sell Japan Why are the far right rioting in England? The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino...
Aug 06, 2024•10 min
UK chancellor Rachel Reeves begins a three-day visit to New York and Toronto on Monday in an attempt to sell Britain as “a stable place to do business,” asset managers fret as high-yield savings and caution over market volatility have left up to $1.5tn out of the market, commodity bulls’ dash for the exit sends prices tumbling. Mentioned in this podcast: UK chancellor to court investors in visit to New York EU capitals set to back tariffs on Chinese electric cars, trade chief says Commodity bull...
Aug 05, 2024•10 min
Only two political parties — the Republicans and the Democrats — have controlled the White House since 1853. However, candidates from other parties still run in presidential elections. The FT’s Washington reporter, Steff Chávez, and US business and politics correspondent, Alex Rogers, join this week’s Swamp Notes to explain how third-party candidates could impact the 2024 US presidential race. Mentioned in this podcast: Robert Kennedy Jr launches independent bid for US president Robert Ken...
Aug 03, 2024•13 min
Investors were not happy with Amazon’s earnings report and Russia agreed to a historic prisoner swap with western countries. Plus, the FT’s Tommy Stubbington discusses how markets might react to a week of important central bank interest rate decisions. Mentioned in this podcast: Amazon earnings jump on cloud computing strength but margins narrow A momentous week for central banks US journalist Evan Gershkovich released in Russia prisoner swap The FT News Briefing is pro...
Aug 02, 2024•11 min
An interest rate cut could be on the table for the Federal Reserve’s next meeting, conflict in the Middle East is intensifying, and the Nasdaq composite jumped 2.7% on Wednesday. Plus, the FT’s Barney Jopson explains the recent wave of backlash against tourists. Mentioned in this podcast: Powell says September rate cut ‘on the table’ after Fed notes ‘some further progress’ on inflation Assassinated: the arch-enemies of Israel killed in twin strikes The cost of Europe’s backla...
Aug 01, 2024•11 min
Microsoft’s AI-fuelled cloud growth fell slightly short of investors’ expectations, the cost of a luxury office space in Miami smashed records, and London’s stock market has fallen behind in mining company listings. Plus, the FT’s Humza Jilani explains how Pakistan’s banks are benefitting from mounting government debt. Mentioned in this podcast: Microsoft shares fall as cloud growth fails to impress Wall Street Cost of Miami office space hits record high Pakistan’s banks enjoy soaring pro...
Jul 31, 2024•11 min
Britain’s new finance minister blamed the previous Conservative government for a £22bn fiscal hole, and Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro is facing international pressure to back up his claim of winning re-election. Plus, the FT’s Andy Bounds explains the EU’s trade strategy to deal with a potential second Trump presidency. Mentioned in this podcast: Reeves announces ‘incredibly tough choices’ to plug £22bn fiscal hole Pressure mounts on Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro over contested ...
Jul 30, 2024•10 min
Losses in big tech stocks as investors punish companies over earning reports. The Bank of England may vote to reduce interest rates this week. Fallout after a Hizbollah attack on the Golan Heights. Mentioned in this podcast: US markets suffer worst day since 2022 as Tesla and AI stocks fall BoE rate decision hangs on a knife edge as divided policymakers prepare to meet Hizbollah drone footage highlights Israeli security vulnerabilities The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutso...
Jul 29, 2024•11 min
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
