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.
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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.
Today's briefing delves into the approved agreement to split TikTok's U.S. operations from ByteDance, with Oracle, Silverlake, and MGX taking significant control. Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz advocates for using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's military efforts, influenced by Russian incursions and concerns over US commitment. The episode also reports on Nicolas Sarkozy's five-year prison sentence for criminal conspiracy and Argentina's recent market stabilization following news of potential US financial aid, though long-term challenges remain for President Milei.
This episode of the FT News Briefing explores several critical financial and economic topics. It begins with BNP Paribas's decision to relax its controversial weapons policy to capitalize on Europe's rearmament push. The discussion then shifts to growing concerns among US debt investors regarding lax lending standards, exemplified by recent corporate collapses and the implications for non-bank lending. Additionally, the podcast examines Italy's dilemma over freezing its retirement age and its potential strain on national finances, concluding with Hong Kong and Singapore's ambitious plans to establish themselves as major global gold trading hubs.
The FT News Briefing reports on Eli Lilly's strong criticism of the UK's drug pricing policies, warning of missed new drug opportunities. It then delves into Donald Trump's contentious speech at the UN General Assembly, examining his changed foreign policy stance and the financial strain his administration places on the UN. The episode also provides an overview of OECD's economic predictions for US interest rate cuts and anticipated high inflation in the UK. Finally, it explores how many major US companies are embracing artificial intelligence due to FOMO, yet struggle to articulate the tangible business benefits or specific implementation strategies.
Today's FT News Briefing details NVIDIA's substantial $100bn investment in OpenAI, which is set to boost AI data centers. Oracle announced a significant leadership restructuring, splitting its CEO role, and will also play a crucial part in the TikTok US business spin-off. The episode also explores the US offer of financial support to Argentina amidst severe market volatility and the far-reaching consequences of the Trump administration's increased H-1B visa fees on India's vital IT sector and US-India relations.
US companies may have to pay billions in new fees to hire foreign workers, and US tech groups are losing a political battle in Brussels to gain access to the EU’s financial data market. Plus, the UK joined Canada and Australia in recognising a Palestinian state on Sunday, and a Chinese retail giant is facing some growing pains on its European expansion plans. Mentioned in this podcast: Trump’s H-1B visa fee to hit US employers with $14bn annual bill EU to block Big Tech from new financial data s...
Deutsche Bank chief executive Christian Sewing is set to be named as a defendant in legal proceedings, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump did their best to present a united front, and the Bank of England kept interest rates steady. Plus, Nvidia has agreed to invest $5bn in its struggling rival Intel. Mentioned in this podcast: Deutsche Bank chief Christian Sewing set to face multimillion-pound lawsuit Trump and Starmer at Chequers as it happened: leaders present uni...
This episode details the Federal Reserve's decision to lower interest rates, marking the first cut of the year, driven by a cooling labor market despite inflation concerns. It also explores China's ban on NVIDIA's AI chips, a strategic move to boost its domestic tech industry and reduce reliance on foreign technology. Furthermore, the discussion highlights the unique investment strategy of the Swiss National Bank, which has become a significant investor in US tech stocks to manage the strength of the Swiss franc, and touches on President Trump's state visit to the UK.
Today's FT News Briefing discusses significant global developments. The UK and US are strengthening cooperation on digital asset regulations, while Israel has launched a ground invasion into Gaza City, leading to a UN commission alleging genocide and a worsening humanitarian crisis. Elsewhere, former ECB president Mario Draghi criticized the EU's economic competitiveness. Finally, the Trump administration is enacting changes that shift power away from shareholders and towards company executives, potentially impacting investment.
Lisa Cook can remain a Federal Reserve governor for now, the US and China seem to be making progress in their trade talks, and the US and UK promised to boost financial ties ahead of a state visit by President Donald Trump. Plus, Gen Z is toppling governments across Asia. Mentioned in this podcast: Lisa Cook can stay at Fed ahead of rates decision, appeals court rules UK and US pledge to boost financial ties ahead of Trump state visit Donald Trump signals US and China have struck TikTok deal The...
Borrowing costs for the French government are outpacing some French corporations, and the threats to Turkey’s leading opposition party may be part of a wider push to change the country’s democracy. Plus, Chinese export controls on Germanium are forcing defence firms to seek new suppliers, and the failure of a little-known US car lender may spell trouble for the wider banking sector. Mentioned in this podcast: French companies’ borrowing costs fall below government’s as debt fears intensify Is th...
Brazil’s supreme court has voted to convict former president Jair Bolsonaro for plotting a coup d’état, conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s killing led to calls on the right for retribution, and US inflation data confirm the Fed’s dual-mandate conundrum. Plus, shares in bitcoin-hoarding companies have tumbled in recent weeks as investors grow increasingly concerned about an overcrowded market. Mentioned in this podcast: Brazil’s supreme court finds former leader Jair Bolsonaro guilty of plottin...
Conservative political activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead, military analysts are worried about Nato’s response to a Russian drone attack, and US drugmaker Merck has scrapped a £1bn London research centre. Plus, investors have raised a record amount this year off “Bowie bonds”. Mentioned in this podcast: Donald Trump ally Charlie Kirk shot dead in Utah What is Vladimir Putin’s game plan against Nato’s eastern flank? Merck slams UK as it scraps £1bn London drug research centre ‘Bowie bonds’ go ma...
US annual jobs numbers get a revision, and Israel is intensifying its fight against Hamas. Plus, there’s a brand new copper mining conglomerate, and South Korean companies have been cutting corners to bring workers to the US. Mentioned in this podcast: US hiring growth revised down by 911,000 jobs in year to March Israel launches attack on Hamas in Qatar Anglo American and Tech Resources to create $50bn mining giant Korean companies admit cutting corners on US visas but say they have little choi...
Rupert Murdoch has resolved the bitter dispute over his sprawling media empire, France is once again without a prime minister, and US bank PNC has agreed to buy smaller peer FirstBank. Plus, North Cyprus is betting big on casinos to boost its economy. Mentioned in this podcast: Murdoch seals $3.3bn succession deal to hand empire to eldest son Macron scouts for new prime minister to quell turmoil PNC to buy Colorado’s FirstBank for $4.1bn North Cyprus casino plans stoke fears of slide towards ‘da...
The French government is on the brink of another collapse, and Japan’s prime minister quits after just a year in office. Plus, China may open its domestic bond market to Russian companies for the first time since 2022, and US economic data is complicating the Federal Reserve’s upcoming decision on interest rates. Mentioned in this podcast: French PM François Bayrou on the brink in crucial confidence vote Japan’s prime minister quits to make way for new leader China paves way for renminbi fundrai...
US President Donald Trump’s nominee to join the Federal Reserve has vowed to uphold central bank independence, bond traders are banking on revenue from Trump’s tariffs to bolster US public finances, and Nasdaq is trying to combat a number of suspected “pump and dump” scams. Plus, the “Amazon of Africa”, Jumia, is still trying to prove that it can be a profitable business after six years on the public market. Mentioned in this podcast: Stephen Miran vows to uphold Fed independence but says Donald...
Lloyds Banking Group will put thousands of its staff at risk of dismissal, and Indonesians are angered over the widening inequality in their country. Plus, MEPs in the European parliament are unhappy with the EU-US trade deal, and the FT’s John Foley explains what artificial intelligence has to do with the outcome of Google’s antitrust case. Mentioned in this podcast: Thousands of Lloyds staff face axe in performance overhaul European parliamentarians attack EU-US trade deal and demand changes G...