Tesla’s second-quarter profits fell 23 per cent as sales of its electric vehicles continued to slide, private equity firms made record use of a controversial tactic to cash out their clients this year, and McKinsey has stopped its China business from undertaking some generative artificial intelligence work. Plus, Taiwan will hold a recall election this weekend and the outcome could mean a lot for its relationship with China. Mentioned in this podcast: Elon Musk warns ‘rough quarters’ ahead for T...
Jul 24, 2025•11 min
US House Speaker Mike Johnson sent home Congress members early to avoid a vote on releasing files on Jeffery Epstein, Nigeria’s recalculated GDP reflects a 30 per cent growth of its economy, and US President Donald Trump’s tariffs have hit General Motors' profits. Plus, global pharma companies have spent a record amount on Chinese biotech this year and Coca-Cola is putting cane sugar back in Coke. Mentioned in this podcast: Mike Johnson shuts US House early to avoid Epstein vote Nigeria’s econom...
Jul 23, 2025•10 min
JPMorgan Chase explores lending against cryptocurrency, and the UK will have to pay in order to join the EU’s defence fund. Plus, UK chancellor Rachel Reeves blames regulation for lack of financial growth and a start-up in San Francisco might know how to create gold. Mentioned in this podcast: JPMorgan explores lending against clients’ cryptocurrency EU will make UK pay to join €150bn defence fund Will a return to risk-taking rouse animal spirits? Fusion energy start-up claims to have cracked al...
Jul 22, 2025•10 min
Japan’s ruling coalition lost its majority in the country’s upper house of parliament, and the European Union is trying to break its dependency on American tech. Plus, the London Stock Exchange Group is weighing whether to launch 24-hour trading, and US President Donald Trump’s tariffs have raised nearly $50bn in extra customs revenues. Mentioned in this podcast: Japan’s Ishiba loses majority in election blow Can Europe break free of American tech supremacy? London Stock Exchange Group considers...
Jul 21, 2025•11 min
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is accused of authoritarianism after favoring loyalists in anti-corruption raids, and the Meta board settles a multibillion-dollar lawsuit over failing to prevent data breaches. Plus, FT columnist Ruchir Sharma explains why investors are going all in on Israel. Mentioned in this podcast: Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused of authoritarian slide after anti-corruption raids Meta board settles Delaware case over multibillion-dollar cost of data breaches The markets ...
Jul 18, 2025•11 min
Donald Trump asked lawmakers whether he should fire Federal Reserve chair Jay Powell, and Wall Street saw a surprise comeback in investment banking fees. Plus, the UK’s inflation rate rose higher than expected last month, and yields on Japan’s 10-year government debt jumped ahead of Sunday’s election. Mentioned in this podcast: Donald Trump asked lawmakers whether he should fire Fed’s Jay Powell Goldman Sachs profits jump 22% after investment banking gains UK inflation unexpectedly rises to 18-m...
Jul 17, 2025•11 min
US President Donald Trump sealed a trade deal with Indonesia and the UK had a secret plan to immigrate Afghans to Britain after a data leak. Plus, tariffs have finally hit US inflation, and climate change is driving the sale of catastrophe bonds. Mentioned in this podcast: Donald Trump announces trade deal with Indonesia Catastrophe bond sales hit record as insurers offload climate risks UK set up secret Afghan immigration scheme after data leak and gagged media US inflation reaches 2.7% as Trum...
Jul 16, 2025•11 min
The EU proposes to shift its budget to send billions to eastern European countries, and bitcoin hits a record high as US lawmakers are about to vote on cryptocurrency laws. Plus, chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to talk about the UK’s vision for the financial services sector, and Nissan’s hybrid technology launch in the US. Mentioned in this podcast: EU budget shake-up to shift billions to eastern states Bitcoin hits $120,000 milestone as US Congress readies for ‘crypto week’ Rachel Reeves to hai...
Jul 15, 2025•11 min
The EU has put trade retaliations against the US on hold, and US investment banking is set to extend its losing streak. Plus, the FT’s Eleni Varvitsioti explains how Greece recovered from economic disaster in the past decade, but still has work to do. Mentioned in this podcast: EU pauses trade retaliation against US after Trump’s 30% tariff threat Investment banking set to extend worst run in over a decade How Greece came back from the brink Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Persis Love, ...
Jul 14, 2025•10 min
India is set to reach a record year in initial public offerings and Big Pharma is facing a wave of patent expiration dates. Plus, Meta goes to trial over who to hold accountable for corporate scandals. Mentioned in this podcast: India on track for record IPO year The looming ‘patent cliff’ facing Big Pharma Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Katya Kumcova, Henry Larson and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Kelly Garry, and Michael Lello. Our acting co-head of audio is Toph...
Jul 11, 2025•12 min
The UK and France have pledged for the first time to co-ordinate the use of their nuclear weapons, and the copper markets are reeling from US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose 50 per cent tariffs on the metal. Plus, Nvidia has hit a record market capitalisation at $4tn. Mentioned in this podcast: UK and France vow to co-ordinate nuclear deterrence for first time Global copper market weighs impact of Donald Trump tariff threat Nvidia becomes first company to reach $4tn in market value Sen...
Jul 10, 2025•7 min
EU negotiators are closing in on a trade deal with Donald Trump that would cement higher tariffs than those granted to the UK, and Boston Consulting Group’s chief executive said the group’s involvement with a postwar plan for Gaza had been “reputationally very damaging”. Plus, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen dismissed the no-confidence motion against her in a speech. Mentioned in this podcast: Donald Trump deal to leave EU facing higher tariffs than UK BCG modelled plan to ‘re...
Jul 09, 2025•11 min
US President Donald Trump extended tariff deadlines, and Liechtenstein’s trust industry is in a crisis spurred by American sanctions against Russia. Plus, Shein filed for an initial public offering in Hong Kong, and Elon Musk is trying to save Tesla from Trump. Mentioned in this podcast: Donald Trump renews threat to hit trading partners with steep tariffs Liechtenstein hit by Russia-linked ‘zombie trust’ crisis Shein files for Hong Kong IPO to pressure UK to save London listing ‘Elon has finall...
Jul 08, 2025•11 min
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Washington DC today to discuss a Gaza ceasefire proposal with US President Donald Trump, and US stocks are booming again despite uncertainty about the wider economy. Plus, Hong Kong’s stock exchange is attracting lots of companies, and venture capital is putting its own tech-focused spin on a private equity business model. Mentioned in this podcast: Israel to join ceasefire talks despite ‘unacceptable’ response from Hamas Netanyahu and Trump to di...
Jul 07, 2025•10 min
Donald Trump has secured passage of his flagship tax and spending legislation and the US jobs market exceeded expectations last month. Plus, the future of the UK’s National Health Service could be in jeopardy, and Hong Kong residents cancel trips to Japan over a comic book’s earthquake prophecy. Mentioned in this podcast: What is in Donald Trump’s giant tax-cutting bill US economy surpasses expectations to add 147,000 jobs in June The future of the NHS 10-year plan NHS Hongkongers scrap Japan tr...
Jul 04, 2025•12 min
European CEOs are lobbying against AI regulations, and trade officials are rushing to make deals before US President Donald Trump’s tariffs take effect again. Plus, the Pentagon suddenly stalled some weapon shipments to Ukraine, and the UK’s watered-down welfare reform bill could mean higher taxes. Mentioned in this podcast: European CEOs urge Brussels to halt landmark AI Act US narrows trade focus to secure deals before Donald Trump’s tariff deadline Ukraine summons top US diplomat after Washin...
Jul 03, 2025•12 min
The UK government passed its welfare reform bill after making concessions, and Hong Kong’s stocks are beating out mainland China’s. Plus, Eurozone inflation rises to 2 per cent, and Europe turns to France to process rare earths. Mentioned in this podcast: Starmer guts UK welfare reforms to avoid Commons defeat Hong Kong’s bull market leaves China behind Eurozone inflation rises to ECB’s 2% target European companies look to France for domestic rare earths sector Today’s FT News Briefing was produ...
Jul 02, 2025•10 min
Two of the biggest oil companies in the Middle East scale down their acquisition sprees, and Wall Street’s comeback has dramatically narrowed the gap with European stocks. Plus, the US is lifting sanctions on Syria, and Klarna makes some changes to its business model. Mentioned in this podcast: Gulf oil companies slow $60bn acquisition spree as crude prices fall US dollar suffers worst start to year since 1973 US stock market comeback tests investor faith in rotation to Europe Donald Trump lifts...
Jul 01, 2025•11 min
The Trump administration is paving the way for more US bank mergers, and China’s online retail giants are losing some key customers. Plus, the race to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell is heating up, and the UK is trying to make financial advice more accessible. Mentioned in this podcast: Deal hunger stirs among US banks US shoppers ditch Shein and Temu as Trump closes tax loophole White House says decision on nominating next Fed chair not ‘imminent’ UK launches biggest financial advice s...
Jun 30, 2025•12 min
Some members of the UK's parliament fight back against proposed welfare cuts, and early intelligence suggests Iran’s uranium stockpile is still intact, officials say. Plus, the rise of sports gambling in Nigeria is being powered by social media influencers. Mentioned in this podcast: Early intelligence suggests Iran’s uranium largely intact, European officials say A defeat Keir Starmer cannot afford Keir Starmer in talks with rebel MPs in bid to head off welfare revolt The football betting influ...
Jun 27, 2025•12 min
Nato members decided on increased defence spending, the Federal Reserve is planning on cutting capital requirements for America’s biggest banks, and accounting firms are ready to open up to public markets. Plus, why US stocks are unfazed by the Israel-Iran conflict. Mentioned in this podcast: The US, Iran and markets The markets are silent — that is worrying Federal Reserve unveils plans to reduce capital rules imposed after 2008 crisis Accounting sector prepares for more IPOs after private equi...
Jun 26, 2025•10 min
US stocks almost hit record highs amid possible de-escalation in the Middle East, and Johns Hopkins University professor Vali Nasr analyses Iran’s future. Plus, the US Federal Reserve chair signalled no interest cuts this summer, and US states are sending delegates to the EU for advice on green policy. Mentioned in this podcast: Israel-Iran latest: JD Vance declares era of new Trump foreign policy doctrine The war that will remake Iran’s Islamic republic Iran at the precipice Jay Powell pushes b...
Jun 25, 2025•11 min
US president Donald Trump has said Israel and Iran have agreed a ceasefire, shifting priorities in the US are putting pressure on Nato members in Europe, and emerging markets defy US President Donald Trump’s trade war. Plus, the US has yet to find Iran’s uranium stockpile. Mentioned in this podcast: Donald Trump claims Israel and Iran have agreed ceasefire What happens to Nato if the US steps back? Where is Iran’s uranium? Search continues for 400kg stockpile Emerging markets defy investor gloom...
Jun 24, 2025•10 min
The US is now using force to try to eliminate Iran’s nuclear programme, and new tariffs on US household goods take effect. Plus, the chief executive of a Russian burger chain is petitioning President Vladimir Putin to block western businesses from returning, and the CEO of the fintech Revolut could be due for a major pay out. Mentioned in this podcast: US says it inflicted ‘severe damage’ on Iran’s nuclear programme Tariffs on household goods bring home costs of Trump’s trade wars Fake McDonald’...
Jun 23, 2025•11 min
Russia’s war-time economy is slowing down, and the EU is negotiating a trade deal with the US to keep some tariffs in place. Plus, the Bank of England votes to hold interest rates steady, and a UN official describes violence at aid distribution sites in Gaza. Mentioned in this podcast: Russia on brink of recession, says economy minister EU weighs UK-style trade deal with US Bank of England warns of weakening jobs market as it holds rates How Gaza’s food queues turned into kill zones Today’s FT N...
Jun 20, 2025•12 min
The Federal Reserve cut its outlook for the US economy on Wednesday, and in the UK, inflation remains higher than ideal. Plus, Big Tech companies are lobbying for a decade-long ban on AI regulations, and the Israel-Iran conflict has hit the global supply chain. Mentioned in this podcast: UK inflation was 3.4% in May Federal Reserve cuts outlook for US economy but holds interest rates steady Big Tech pushes for 10-year ban on US states regulating AI Insurers lift prices 60% for key Iran route as ...
Jun 19, 2025•11 min
US President Donald Trump demands unconditional surrender from Iran on social media, and the Iran-Israel conflict causes Trump to leave the G7 summit early. Plus, the EU relaxes merger rules on defence and Meta will bring advertisements onto its messaging platform WhatsApp. Mentioned in this podcast: Meta introduces advertising to WhatsApp in push for new revenues Donald Trump leaves G7 early as Iran-Israel conflict intensifies Brussels to loosen merger rules for defence companies Register for t...
Jun 18, 2025•11 min
Tensions rise as the EU refuses trade talks with China before next month’s leaders summit, and Airbus announced $10bn of orders at the Paris Air Show. Plus US President Donald Trump’s golden share means heavy influence in the Nippon Steel deal, and energy markets react to the conflict between Iran and Israel. Mentioned in this podcast: US Steel deal embodies golden age of Trump meddling Fuel and fury: energy becomes a Middle East battlefield EU spurns economic dialogue with China over deepening ...
Jun 17, 2025•11 min
Israel may not have big enough bombs to take down Iran’s most secure nuclear facility, and Nippon Steel’s bid to take over US Steel is finally moving forward. Plus, gold has surpassed the euro as the second most-popular reserve asset, and the UK’s overseas intelligence agency has appointed its first female chief. Mentioned in this podcast: Gold overtakes euro as global reserve asset, ECB says Silver and platinum prices soar as investors seek ‘gold alternatives’ The nuclear mountain that haunts I...
Jun 16, 2025•11 min
Today, we're bringing you the first episode from the new season of Hot Money. On Hot Money: Agent of Chaos, reporter Sam Jones investigates Wirecard’s chief operating officer — who vanished just as the high flying German fintech collapsed. It turned out he was a Russian spy. From an Ibizan sting operation to an attempted takeover of the Austrian intelligence service, Jones’ reporting spirals into a world of warlords, espionage and disinformation. All in an attempt to answer two questions: who is...
Jun 14, 2025•38 min
