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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This episode delves into newly released documents that appear to contradict former Barclays CEO Jes Staley's testimony about his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein. It also analyzes the latest US jobs report, which showed significant additions despite downward revisions for the previous year, impacting market expectations for interest rate cuts. Finally, the briefing covers Bangladesh's first election since a 2024 uprising, discussing the main political parties, democratic reforms, and economic challenges including inflation and new trade deals.
US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick said he visited Jeffrey Epstein’s island with his family in late 2012, Cuba is struggling under the US fuel embargo, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is planning for elections in the spring. Plus, the FT’s Camilla Paladino says oil major BP isn’t getting enough credit for its turnaround. Mentioned in this podcast: Howard Lutnick says he visited Jeffrey Epstein’s island in 2012 Zelenskyy plans spring elections alongside referendum on peace deal BP i...
The episode details Novo Nordisk's legal action against Hims & Hers for alleged patent infringement on weight-loss medications, amidst the drugmaker's financial pressures from competition and pricing. It also discusses the UK gilt market's rebound after political turmoil, the early departure of France's central bank head, and US lawmakers' efforts to reform bank deposit insurance following the Silicon Valley Bank collapse, highlighting the challenges of the digital banking era.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff resigned amid controversy over the Mandelson scandal, and Japan’s conservative governing party have won a landslide victory in snap elections. Plus, top academics have dismissed Federal Reserve chair Kevin Warsh’s claim that an AI-induced productivity boom will create room for interest rate cuts. And, Syria has struck a deal that would give them control over major oil and gas fields offering a potential boost to its fragile economy. Mentioned i...
Amazon's $200 billion AI spending plans rattled investors and contributed to a wider tech stock sell-off, hitting chipmakers like NVIDIA, ARM, AMD, and Qualcomm amid US export hurdles and a critical memory shortage. Meanwhile, UK Labour leader Keir Starmer apologized for appointing Peter Mandelson despite his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, triggering calls for his resignation. The episode also details how US snack companies are lowering prices for the Super Bowl due to reduced consumer spending and the emerging impact of weight-loss drugs, alongside a look at Japan's snap election called by PM Sane Takaichi.
The FT News Briefing discusses Google's unexpected $55 billion capital expenditure boost for AI and the subsequent impact on US tech stocks, including AMD's recent sell-off. It delves into the immense technical and ethical challenges newsrooms face in processing millions of recently released Jeffrey Epstein documents, highlighting DOJ IT issues and the varied nature of his connections. The episode also explores OpenAI's shift towards prioritizing ChatGPT, which has led to senior staff exits due to changes in research focus and resource allocation, raising questions about future innovation and investor returns.
Today's FT News Briefing examines the recent fall in US tech stocks, driven by investor concerns about AI's impact on software and analytics companies. The episode also delves into Elon Musk's ambitious plan to unify his "Muskverse" through a SpaceX and XAI merger, focusing on robotics, AI, and space with significant financial implications. Additionally, it explores how Argentina's volatile economy has allowed domestic energy companies to flourish, capitalizing on the country's shale boom and import reforms.
The FT News Briefing discusses France's successful adoption of a deficit-cutting budget following a no-confidence vote. It delves into Disney's critical search for a new CEO, examining potential candidates and the company's future direction. The episode also highlights a new US-India trade agreement regarding Russian oil and explores how Societe Generale transformed from a "problem child" to a banking comeback story under its new leadership.
This episode explores Europe's largest oil companies' decision to cut shareholder payouts amid weakening crude prices and geopolitical tensions. It also delves into Kevin Warsh's controversial vision for the Federal Reserve, including plans for a balance sheet overhaul and a rethought Fed-Treasury Accord, facing significant internal resistance. Additionally, it covers the global crisis involving major baby formula makers due to contaminated ingredients, and the "pandemonium" in the New York Diamond District caused by extreme volatility in gold and silver prices.
Apple announced a blockbuster quarter driven by strong iPhone sales and growth in China, easing investor concerns about its AI strategy. Blackstone is gearing up for one of its largest IPO pipelines in history, capitalizing on healing market conditions and investor demand for traditional, profitable companies. Meanwhile, the global oil market is reacting to geopolitical tensions and Venezuela's potential return, unexpectedly boosting Canada's oil exports, especially to Asian markets.
Today's FT News Briefing highlights Tesla's first-ever annual revenue decline, signaling a major shift towards AI and robotics amid political backlash. It also details Donald Trump's urgent warnings to Iran regarding potential military action and the complexities of his foreign policy. Additionally, the episode covers the Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates steady despite economic improvements, and explores how geopolitical tensions are driving a significant rally in precious metals and mining company valuations.
US health insurance shares plummeted following the Trump administration's proposal to freeze Medicare payments, impacting major companies like United Health. Simultaneously, the European Union and India struck a significant trade agreement, eliminating €4bn in tariffs and potentially doubling EU exports to India. The episode also explores NATO's increased military presence in the Arctic to counter Russia's build-up, amidst Nordic countries' security concerns, and briefly touches on the challenging job market for recent college graduates.
This episode covers the Trump administration's controversial conditions for Ukraine's security guarantees, linking aid to territorial concessions. It explores speculation about a joint US-Japan currency intervention to support the yen and stabilize bond markets. The podcast also reports on Israel's retrieval of the last hostage's remains and discusses how Big Tech companies are poised to dominate US bond borrowing, raising concerns about market risk concentration.
The Trump administration’s immigration enforcement agency faces growing backlash after federal agents fatally shot a second protester in two weeks, and Trump teases his pick for the US’s next Federal Reserve chair. Plus, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer goes on the charm offensive in Beijing, and why the US is investing in rare-earths companies. Mentioned in this podcast: Trump faces growing backlash against immigration crackdown after shooting BlackRock’s Rick Rieder surges ahead in race to chair...
Today's FT News Briefing discusses Intel's significant stock decline following a disappointing earnings report and ongoing supply constraints. The episode also delves into Donald Trump's controversial 'Board of Peace,' which has garnered support from some nations but alienated key European allies due to its structure and perceived rivalry with the UN. Additionally, it examines Iran's severe post-protest crackdown, including property seizures and arrests, and previews the Federal Reserve's upcoming meeting on interest rates and the speculated succession of Chair Jay Powell.
The FT News Briefing discusses President Trump's reversal on Greenland tariffs, following his "concept of a deal" for mineral rights, and the tense atmosphere at Davos regarding US economic policy. The episode also details the EU's decision to postpone ratifying a trade deal with Mercosur countries due to farmer opposition and legal concerns. A major focus is the US Supreme Court's apparent skepticism about Trump's ability to fire a Federal Reserve governor, highlighting concerns over central bank independence. Finally, it touches upon Berkshire Hathaway's consideration of selling its stake in Kraft Heinz.
Global markets are rattled by US-Europe trade tensions over Greenland, prompting a look into Europe's theoretical financial leverage through US Treasuries and its practical challenges. The podcast also covers Netflix's latest earnings and its significant bid for Warner Bros., navigating intense industry competition and regulatory hurdles. Finally, it delves into China's delicate and legally ambiguous position of supplying drone components to both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war, with Russia potentially gaining a strategic advantage through direct manufacturing lines and state support.
This episode explores China's demographic crisis, marked by record-low birth rates, and its economic implications like the push for automation and export-driven GDP growth. It also delves into Saudi Arabia's unprecedented international borrowing to fund ambitious Vision 2030 mega-projects. Furthermore, the podcast discusses why Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are rapidly expanding into the UK market, leveraging favorable tariff conditions. Finally, it examines the growing unsustainability and political challenges of Europe's generous state pension schemes amidst aging populations and competing budgetary demands.
As Europe considers retaliation measures to US President Donald Trump’s tariff threat to NATO allies that oppose his Greenland-takeover bid, Denmark seeks to bolster its own relationship with the Arctic island. Plus, the US capture of Venezuela’s president has boosted demand for Latin America political risk cover. And, geopolitics is the topic du jour at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Mentioned in this podcast: EU readies €93bn tariffs in retaliation for Trump’s Greenland threat...
The episode discusses the EU's proposed two-tier 'membership-lite' model for Ukraine, aiming to facilitate its entry despite concerns from some European capitals. It also highlights the strong recovery of US investment banks in 2025, with record quarters for some, and addresses concerns about central bank independence. The briefing then examines China's state iron ore buyer flexing its muscles, gaining leverage in global supply chains, and previews the World Economic Forum in Davos, anticipating discussions on various geopolitical issues.
US President Donald Trump has not ruled out military action in Iran and Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi plans to call a snap general election. Plus, Donald Trump’s “unpredictable” policies have prompted bond giant Pimco to diversify away from US assets, and US banks push back against Trump’s credit card cap plans. Mentioned in this podcast: Donald Trump says he has received assurances ‘killing in Iran is stopping’ Japan’s Sanae Takaichi to call snap election Donald Trump’s ‘unpredictable’ ...
Two former senior executives at the collapsed subprime car lender Tricolor Holdings pleaded not guilty to fraud and financial crime charges, and Microsoft is pledging to “pay its way” for its AI data centres. Plus, US inflation stayed at 2.7 per cent in December, and we’ll talk about what Balderton Capital’s early investment in Revolut can teach us about venture capital investment. Mentioned in this podcast: Tricolor executives plead not guilty to charges stemming from collapse Microsoft vows to...
UBS chief executive Sergio Ermotti is planning to step down in April 2027, and Paramount threatened a proxy fight in its latest move to force Warner Bros Discovery back to the negotiating table. Plus, the FT’s Robert Armstrong explains what could come next in US President Donald Trump’s crackdown on the Federal Reserve. Mentioned in this podcast: UBS boss Sergio Ermotti plans to step down in April 2027 Paramount threatens proxy fight in battle for Warner Bros Discovery What is behind the crimina...
US federal prosecutors opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell, and civil unrest continues to threaten the Islamic regime in Iran. Plus, earnings season kicks off this week with the bank results. Mentioned in this podcast: US prosecutors investigate Jay Powell over revamp of Fed headquarters Iran warns US against intervention Wall Street headed for best investment banking year since pandemic FT subscription sale Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its p...
This is a repeat of an episode published on Swamp Notes, a sister podcast of the FT News Briefing on January 9, 2026. Subscribe to Swamp Notes on Apple , Spotify , Pocket Casts or wherever you listen. After a military operation to capture Venezuela's leader, the Trump administration is seeking influence over other regions across the western hemisphere. The FT’s national editor Edward Luce and US-Europe foreign affairs correspondent Amy Mackinnon share their insights on how Trump and his cabinet ...
Glencore and Rio Tinto resume mining megamerger talks, protests in Iran over economic conditions are the largest in years, and the US trade deficit narrowed to its lowest level since 2009. Plus, is there a right way for chief executives to exit a company? Mentioned in this podcast: Glencore and Rio Tinto resume talks on mining megadeal Iran protests spread to neglected hinterlands US trade deficit slides to lowest level since 2009 in October Art of the exit: is there a right way for CEOs to quit...
The US wants to control Venezuelan oil sales ‘indefinitely’ but the ‘catastrophic’ state of the Latin American nation’s crude facilities presents several hurdles. Plus, President Donald Trump banned institutional investors from buying single-family homes, and the UK and France pledged to deploy troops to Ukraine as part of sweeping US-backed security guarantees. Mentioned in this podcast: US seeks to control sales of Venezuelan oil ‘indefinitely’ The ‘catastrophic’ state of Venezuela’s oil facil...
Leading asset managers are preparing for a potential burst in the AI bubble, reducing positions or betting against overvalued US tech stocks. Meanwhile, Venezuela is undergoing a renewed wave of repression following Nicolás Maduro's ouster, with limited information flow and international dismay. The US administration is discussing its oil strategy for Venezuela, which has significant geopolitical implications for China, a long-standing ally and oil buyer in the region.
The FT News Briefing discusses Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's recent arrest and its unexpected impact on the country's defaulted bonds, attracting eager private oil investors. The episode also explores China's record-breaking auto exports driven by a pivot to global markets. Finally, it delves into how Southeast Asian nations have managed to thrive despite US tariffs, highlighting their manufacturing costs and the AI boom.
Following the capture of Nicolas Maduro, the US warns Venezuela's de facto leader to meet its demands, sparking political uncertainty and regional fears. The episode delves into Trump's strategy, its contradiction to 'America First' principles, and the global geopolitical implications of such an intervention. It also examines the feasibility and challenges of Trump's plan to rebuild Venezuela's oil sector with US companies amidst historical failures.
