FT News Briefing

Americans roundly rejected the Republican Party under President Donald Trump at the ballot box, giving the Democratic Party control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. That means Democrats have a raft of new tools with which to oppose Trump, including control of investigative committees the party may use to look into alleged corruption. How should the Democrats use that power? Does the scale of their victory mean they have the country’s backing, or just that Republicans were unpopular? And will Trump’s brand of politics return? Martin speaks to Nobel prize-winning economist Paul Krugman to discuss what happens next. To enjoy future episodes, be sure to subscribe to ‘Martin Wolf on the World’ wherever you get your podcasts. You can also watch Martin’s podcast series on the FT’s YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinancialTimes Host: Martin Wolf Producer: Mischa Frankl-Duval Senior producer: Laurence Knight Executive producer: Manuela Saragosa Video editor: Richard Topping Senior…

US tech stocks plunged over worries that the blue wave could slow down the AI boom, and the FT’s Joe Miller explains what stance a Democratic Congress may take towards AI. Plus, the UK government is preparing to extend Palantir’s controversial £330mn health contract, Paraguay’s president Santiago Peña has resigned after the collapse of a big digital bank, and the Bank of England raised interest rates to try to tackle surging inflation. Mentioned in this podcast: Nasdaq plunges in chaotic trading as Democratic ‘blue wave’ upends AI bets Trump’s tech cheerleaders brace for bipartisan backlash ‘The money didn’t work’: Big Tech’s $600mn midterm campaign falls flat Paraguay’s pro-Trump president resigns over bank collapse Bank of England raises interest rates to 4% in bid to tame inflation UK planning to not trigger Palantir break clause but make it fight for NHS contract Credit: Times Now Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News…

Washington will have trouble getting things done with a gridlocked government after this week’s midterm elections, but it’s hard to tell whether US President Donald Trump will use the defeat as a chance to soften his foreign policy stance. Plus, investors are feeling optimistic about a return to normalcy following Democrats’ massive victory, and Russia agreed to supply Iran with 90 launchers for advanced guided missiles. Mentioned in this podcast: The Democrats who will run Washington Blue wave sweeps markets back towards normality Stocks surge after Democrats’ midterms sweep Russia deepened Iran support with missile launcher deal Credit: C-SPAN, MS NOW, Fox News, NBC News Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our video producers are Dennis Golin and Zachary Alfred. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Alex Higgins.…

The Democrats score massive wins in the US midterm elections, bond investors are feeling optimistic about the make-up of the next Congress, and Qatar’s state-owned energy company is on track to become the world’s biggest buyer of US liquefied natural gas by early next decade. Plus, a massive fraud scandal in Turkey is starting to weigh on the country’s economy. Mentioned in this podcast: Live US midterm elections results tracker 2026 Bond investors sit out ‘most consequential’ US midterm elections in years Chart of the Week: Bond investors may cheer gridlock Qatar set to become world’s biggest buyer of US LNG From Ponzi to Fonzi: the $20bn fraud scandal rocking Turkey Italy’s ‘exit tax’ plan spooks rich expats Credit: Abigail Hausloner, Steff Chavez, Joe Miller, Stephanie Findlay, CSPAN Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc…

US voters head to the polls Tuesday to decide which party controls Congress and the FT’s James Politi breaks down the key Senate races to watch. Plus, oil investors and executives clash over future of Iran war. Mentioned in this podcast: US midterm elections 2026: The FT’s guide Big majority of US voters disapprove of Trump’s handling of inflation: FT poll Donald Trump’s imperial presidency faces a popular uprising Oil tumbles on hopes for US-Iran talks Gulf braced for escalation of war between US-Israel alliance and Iran Credit: CNN, Haley Stevens, Associated Press, CSPAN, White House Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our video producers are Dennis Golin and Zachary Alfred. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Alex Higgins. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Vanessa Brown, and David da Silva. Our…

A Democratic-controlled Congress may struggle to ease cost of living pressures and Middle East diplomats warn that renewed conflict between the US and Iran would be even more damaging than previous rounds of fighting. Serbia shuts down a bank favoured by Russians as it enters a new political era. Plus, Binance has started letting customers withdraw funds after the world's biggest crypto exchange experienced a record $6.3bn hack. Mentioned in this podcast: Petrol prices set to hit record high under Trump on eve of US elections Gulf braced for escalation of war between US-Israel alliance and Iran Serbia shuts down bank favoured by Russians Inside the leaderless movement set to govern Serbia Binance users pull $3.6bn as crypto exchange restarts services after heist Check to see if your university is subscribed to the FT: ft.com/checkaccess. Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya…

As Americans prepare to vote in the November 3 midterm elections, the FT’s chief economics commentator Martin Wolf asks what the result will mean for Donald Trump, the future of US democracy and America's place in the world. In the third of a six-part series, Martin speaks to political scientist and author Barbara F Walter, an expert on civil wars and political violence, about the risk of unrest surrounding the elections. Drawing on her research into countries around the world, Walter explains the warning signs of political violence, and why America's changing demographics and the struggle to hold on to political power are fuelling divisions. How close is the US to a dangerous tipping point? And can American democracy emerge from the midterms stronger rather than more divided? To enjoy future episodes, be sure to subscribe to ‘Martin Wolf on the World’ wherever you get your podcasts. You can also watch Martin’s podcast series on the FT’s YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinancialTimes Host:…

Alphabet’s share price fell just over 12 percent on Thursday, and UK startup Nscale is banking on a troubled US data centre project to underpin its planned $35bn IPO. Plus, we look at what’s next for the ECB now that its president Christine Lagarde announced she’s stepping down. Mentioned in this podcast: Alphabet shares tumble in $500bn rout Inside the make-or-break AI mega-project behind Nscale’s $35bn IPO Christine Lagarde to step down as ECB president in February Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our video producers are Zachary Alfred and Dennis Golin. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Alex Higgins. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Vanessa Brown, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producers are Charles Bell and Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. The…

Chancellor John Healey has targeted banks, savers and property owners in his Autumn Budget, Benjamin Netanyahu holds the lead in Israel’s election but there’s no clear winner yet, and one of the oldest American law firms told partners that it should dissolve. Plus, the Federal Reserve kept US borrowing costs on hold days before midterm elections, and Google shares fell sharply after boosting its spending on AI to more than $50bn in the third quarter. Mentioned in this podcast: John Healey hits banks and savers with tax rises in Budget ‘for working people’ What’s next for Burnham after the Budget? The fear factor giving Netanyahu the edge Benjamin Netanyahu ahead but no clear winner in Israeli election Weil leadership to tell partners firm should be dissolved Google shares drop 7% after $51bn AI spend deepens cash burn Federal Reserve holds rates steady despite worsening US inflation Credit: Federal Reserve Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its…

Washington and Moscow are discussing a potential return by American companies to the Russian oil market as a localised ceasefire begins in the Ukrainian town of Oleshky, exit polls suggest there’s no clear winner in the Israel elections, and Brazil’s president is facing down a fiscal reckoning after winning re-election. Plus, China AI stocks are in a bear market, and UK chancellor John Healey will unveil the Autumn Budget. Mentioned in this podcast: Washington discusses Russian deals for US oil majors in Ukraine peace talks Vladimir Putin speaks with Norwegian and Finnish leaders Russia and Ukraine begin local ceasefire in frontline city What happens next after Israel’s election? Lula faces a fiscal reckoning after Brazil’s market rout Flávio Bolsonaro’s passport cancelled as reports say he has fled Brazil The AI bubble already popped — in China Tech stocks gain as AI trade revives Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News…

Anthropic has unveiled its long-awaited listing prospectus, Israelis have begun voting in an election that many regard as the most important in the country’s near-80-year history, and Donald Trump Jr went on a hunting trip with a Kremlin-linked oligarch. Plus, European holidaymakers are flying to South America. Mentioned in this podcast: Anthropic begins countdown to IPO with prospectus filing ‘Bold but sane’: what we learnt from Anthropic’s 240,000-word IPO filing Israelis go to the polls in historic election Inside Donald Trump Jr’s Mongolian hunting trip with a Kremlin-linked oligarch Iran war drives European holidaymakers towards South America Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our video producer is Zachary Alfred. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Alex Higgins. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael…

The leftwinger’s victory comes after a loss in the first election round. Meanwhile, US voters are worried about corruption under the Trump administration a week ahead of the crucial midterm elections. Plus, a top Deloitte boss got a big pay bump last year as the consultancy cut jobs, Toyota is entering the humanoid robot race and Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel laureate María Corina Machado has returned to the country. This episode updates and replaces an earlier version of the show with the results of the Brazil election. Mentioned in this podcast: How Lula turned his election fortunes around in three weeks US voters worried about corruption under Trump — FT poll Deloitte boss Houston gets 45% pay rise as firm cuts jobs Toyota takes on Tesla and China in humanoid robot race Venezuelan opposition leader Machado returns from exile Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya…

Serbia’s former president Aleksandar Vučić conceded defeat in the country’s parliamentary election on Sunday. Meanwhile, US voters are worried about corruption under the Trump administration a week ahead of the crucial midterm elections. Plus, a top Deloitte boss got a big pay bump last year as the consultancy cut jobs, Toyota is entering the humanoid robot race, and Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel laureate María Corina Machado has returned to the country. Mentioned in this podcast: Serbia’s ex-president Vučić concedes defeat to Student List in parliamentary poll US voters worried about corruption under Trump — FT poll Deloitte boss Houston gets 45% pay rise as firm cuts jobs Toyota takes on Tesla and China in humanoid robot race Venezuelan opposition leader Machado returns from exile Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc…

The FT sat down with more than a dozen voters in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, ahead of next week’s midterm elections. The roundtable discussion showed that some are staunch supporters of President Donald Trump and some feel a bit more on the fence. But it seems almost all of them feel unsure about the direction of the nation. The FT’s Washington bureau chief James Politi tells Sonja Hutson what he learned from the talks. Listen to all episodes of The Bethlehem Project here. ‘I still do generally support him’: US voters weigh in on Donald Trump and the midterms The Bethlehem Project is hosted and produced by Sonja Hutson and edited by Marc Filippino. This episode was mixed by Sam Giovinco. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. The FT’s global head of audio is Flo Phillips. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Americans prepare to vote in the November 3 midterm elections, FT chief economics commentator Martin Wolf asks what the result will mean for Donald Trump, the future of US democracy and America's place in the world. In the second of a six-part series of interviews with leading historians and political analysts, Martin speaks to Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author Anne Applebaum about the global stakes of November’s elections. They discuss the parallels between Trump’s America and other authoritarian regimes and what the US’s changing role means for Europe and Ukraine. Even if Trump suffers a political setback, can the US ever regain the trust of its allies? To enjoy future episodes, be sure to subscribe to ‘Martin Wolf on the World’ wherever you get your podcasts. You can also watch Martin’s podcast series on the FT’s YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinancialTimes Host: Martin Wolf Producer: Mischa Frankl-Duval Senior producer: Laurence Knight Executive producer: Manuela Saragosa…

Global stocks sold off as AI spending fears flare up, Brazilians will vote this weekend in a close presidential race, and the US is prepared for a lengthy stalemate in the war with Iran. Plus, how banks are reacting to a potential tax rise from UK chancellor John Healey, and why are western pharmaceutical companies heading to China? Mentioned in this podcast: Meta sell-off drags US tech stocks lower as AI spending fears flare up US prepared for protracted Iran stalemate Should UK banks be taxed more? Lula turns to selfie videos in Brazil election fightback Flávio Bolsonaro, scion of a Brazilian political dynasty now eyeing victory China’s rapid human trials draw western drugmakers — and safety concerns Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our video producer is Zachary Alfred. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Alex…

Meta plans to create a new class of non-voting shares, Mathias Döpfner, chief executive and co-owner of Germany’s Axel Springer, has sought to acquire a stake in TikTok’s European operations, and US envoy Steve Witkoff discussed resuming peace talks between Russia, the US and Ukraine. Plus, can Elon Musk pull off a merger of SpaceX and Tesla? Mentioned in this podcast: Meta to create new non-voting share class Tesla’s profits slip on weaker vehicle sales Politico and Telegraph owner pitched deal to buy European arm of TikTok Rockets, robots and risk: Elon Musk’s $3.6tn gamble to merge Tesla and SpaceX What Elon Musk stands to gain from a Tesla-SpaceX merger Trump envoy floats Ukraine talks and summit with Putin and Xi Italy’s buffalo mozzarella production grinds to a halt in truckers’ strike Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc…

The leaders of Ukraine, Finland and Norway hailed progress in talks in Oslo on Tuesday, SpaceX and Tesla are studying a merger, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing to restart large-scale strikes on Iran. Plus, UK gilts are catching back up with their peers after a sharp sell-off earlier this year. Mentioned in this podcast: Finnish president hails progress in talks about ending Russia’s war in Ukraine SpaceX and Tesla boards are exploring potential merger Benjamin Netanyahu pushes to resume strikes against Iran Gilt market catches up with peers as investor worries over Budget ease Alberta voters reject separation from Canada, early results show Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our video producer is Zachary Alfred. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Alex Higgins. Additional help from Gavin…

Protests across Europe over the high cost of living have turned increasingly disruptive, investors are racing to buy credit default swaps to protect their portfolios in the event the AI boom unravels, and Big Tech starts releasing their earnings reports this week. Plus, India’s second-richest man will try to pull off the country’s biggest initial public offering and Saudi Arabia has postponed its flagship “Davos in the desert” investment conference following Houthi attacks. Mentioned in this podcast: Violent protests multiply across Europe French bond sell-off intensifies after violent protests ‘Cheap’ credit default swaps become bellwether hedge for AI sentiment Ambani looks to pull off India’s biggest IPO Saudi Arabia to postpone ‘Davos in the desert’ after Houthi attacks Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our…

France is reeling after "unprecedented" violent riots, America’s debt-laden $10tn AI infrastructure boom is a reckoning for the data centre build-out underpinning the US economy, and Albertans gear up to vote today on whether to leave Canada. Mentioned in this podcast: France reels after ‘unprecedented’ violent riots Macron faces political firestorm after riots ‘The Switzerland of North America’: Albertans vote on leaving Canada America’s $10tn AI infrastructure boom is starting to fray Microsoft pulls plug on Nscale data centre deal Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts. Until 28th October you can save on a standard annual digital subscription at ft.com/briefingsale The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our video producer is Zachary Alfred. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Alex Higgins. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Vanessa…

As Americans prepare to vote in the November 3 midterm elections, FT chief economics commentator Martin Wolf asks what the result will mean for Donald Trump, the future of US democracy and America's place in the world. In the first of a six-part series of interviews with leading historians and political analysts, Martin speaks to the scholar and former Republican adviser Robert Kagan, who has spent a decade warning about Trump's authoritarian ambitions. They discuss how Trump has accumulated so much power, whether America's democratic institutions can still constrain him, and what might happen if Republicans lose control of Congress. Could these elections mark a turning point for American democracy or has the country already gone too far down the road towards authoritarianism? Watch the full episode now on the FT’s main YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinancialTimes or search for ‘Martin Wolf on the World’, wherever you get your podcasts Host: Martin Wolf Producer: Mischa Frankl-Duval Senior…

UK Chancellor John Healey has dropped his strongest hint yet of higher taxes on banks, and Anthropic secured a credit rating one notch below investment grade earlier this year. Plus, investors are losing confidence that revenues from the AI boom will be sufficient to support the vast debt piles financing data centres. Mentioned in this podcast: Healey signals Budget bank tax raid Anthropic secured highest junk credit rating in June Anthropic tells investors quarterly revenue up nearly 50% to $16.8bn ahead of IPO Investors dump data centre bonds as AI borrowers face ‘Darwin moment’ Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our video producer is Zachary Alfred. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Alex Higgins. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized US President Donald Trump in an interview with the FT, US inflation jumped to 3.7% and leaked emails reveal that Freshfields law firm considered a carve-out of itsAI unit that would be worth billions. Plus, leading AI labs are responding to the alleged bugging incident at OpenAI and salmon producers are changing up the diet for their fish. Mentioned in this podcast: Ukraine to resume strikes on Russian refineries, Zelenskyy says US inflation jumps to 3.7% as Iran war drives up prices Freshfields partners explore carve-out of AI unit worth ‘billions’, leaked emails reveal US arrests Saudi employee of OpenAI for allegedly bugging its offices He linked Saudi Arabia to Silicon Valley. Then OpenAI found a bug wrapped in toilet paper Salmon producers start feeding chicken to fish Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh…

France’s far-right leader Marine Le Pen is gearing up for a fight with the EU if elected president next year, investors in Accenture cannot decide if AI will be an existential threat or an incredible boost, CoreWeave is chasing insurers’ vast pools of capital, and the US Treasury has fined Bank of America more than $1bn for “egregious and continued” money laundering and sanctions violations. Plus, can Saudi Arabia stop the Houthis? Mentioned in this podcast: France’s Marine Le Pen gears up for fight with EU Will Accenture survive or thrive in the age of AI? CoreWeave targets ‘unlimited’ insurance money to fund AI build-out Bank of America fined $1.2bn over money laundering failures Military briefing: can Saudi Arabia stop the Houthis? Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our video producer is Zach Alfred. Our show is…

The IMF is warning that the world’s leading economies need to take “urgent” action to rebuild their public finances, Pakistan is stuck in a tricky place as its ally Saudi Arabia fights off the Houthis, and Mark Zuckerberg says Meta has caught up with rivals at the “frontier” of AI. Plus, a number of elections in Europe could fundamentally shift the EU, and the UK has imposed new sanctions on Iran over a security incident at a RAF base. Mentioned in this podcast: Top economies heading for biggest budget deficits since Covid, IMF warns Pakistan’s hard choice on Saudi Arabia’s war Riyadh defiant as Houthis launch new missile strikes on Saudi Arabia Mark Zuckerberg says Meta has reached AI ‘frontier’ The election supercycle set to drag Europe right UK imposes new sanctions on Iran over RAF Fairford incident India’s Narendra Modi faces ‘bitter pill’ as Cockroach protests mount Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is…

The Iran-backed Houthis have struck Riyadh airport in Saudi Arabia multiple times this week, US president Donald Trump claims an “energy ceasefire” between Russia and Ukraine, and AI companies are pulling back new debt issuance. Plus, US bank earnings this week suggest the good times may be over. Mentioned in this podcast: US threatens to block arms for Ukraine over attacks on Russian refineries Ukraine’s allies vow to pressure Moscow as Trump claims ‘energy ceasefire’ in place Missile strike on Riyadh airport kills 12 and injures hundreds Houthis show military reach with deadly missile strikes on Riyadh AI borrowing slows as investors grow wary of debt binge Wall Street’s record-breaking trading streak set to cool Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Subscribe to the FT: ft.com/briefingsale Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam…

SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son is seeking to raise as much as $100bn from Gulf investors to further his massive bet on AI, the Flydubai co-pilot who tried to hijack a flight to Tel Aviv expressed misogynistic views online, and Donald Trump has said Washington will not strike Iran ahead of the US midterm elections. Plus, two Latvian men allegedly trespassed at a UK military base, and two crypto groups with links to a Trump family-backed company are embroiled in a $141mn legal battle. Mentioned in this podcast: SoftBank seeks $100bn from Gulf to expand massive AI bet The online life of the Flydubai attacker Donald Trump says US ‘will not be attacking Iran’ before midterm elections Oil prices jump on tanker attacks and slowing flows through Strait of Hormuz EasyJet doubles winter flight cuts amid rising costs Two Latvian nationals arrested on suspicion of trespass at RAF base Crypto companies linked to Trump-backed firm in $141mn legal battle Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does…

Oil executives expressed their appetite for investing in the Middle East despite the war, the conflict has blown a near-£12bn hole in Britain’s public finances, and big investors are “bottom fishing” among beaten-down assets, including Italian bonds and corporate debt. Plus, China is building data centres at rapid speed across Inner Mongolia and a measure of credit risk at Elon Musk’s SpaceX rose to a record high. Mentioned in this podcast: Oil majors look beyond Middle East war to access region’s vast reserves Iran war blows near-£12bn hole in Britain’s public finances Big investors ‘bottom fish’ in Eurozone bond markets after France sell-off China races to build AI data centres across energy-rich hinterland SpaceX credit risk jumps on worries over its borrowing spree Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is…

Paramount Skydance is tackling a huge pile of debt following its takeover of Warner Bros Discovery, oil tanker captains are being paid rates equivalent to $100,000 a month for travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, and the UK’s tax authorities probed Manchester City in 2018. Plus, the battle for control of the $265bn Tata Group hinges on India’s motorbike billionaire, and Brussels is considering taxing big US tech companies through a broad levy on large corporations. Mentioned in this podcast: Debt in the spotlight as Paramount closes $111bn deal for Warner Bros Ships’ captains paid $100,000 a month to transit Strait of Hormuz HMRC opened probe into Man City’s tax affairs in 2018 India’s motorbike billionaire steering tussle at Tata Brussels looks to capture Big Tech through tax on large corporations Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our…

A sharp rise in US government borrowing costs this year is bleeding into the corporate debt market and Hong Kong’s de facto central bank questioned HSBC on why its new AI hub would be established in Singapore. Plus, Brazil’s currency, stocks and bonds jumped after rightwing presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro won a first-round victory, and insurers are preparing for multimillion-dollar claims stemming from AI agents going “rogue”. Mentioned in this podcast: Surge in borrowing costs hits corporate America Brazil’s markets surge as investors bet on Flávio Bolsonaro election win France: between the bond market and the barricades Insurance claims to test Altman and Amodei liability for ‘rogue’ AI Hong Kong quizzes HSBC over Singapore AI hub decision Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco…

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch will solidify her role at the head of the party during this week’s conference, and corporate dealmaking was on the decline last quarter after the collapse of mega-deals. Plus, Estonia is moving troops to its border with Russia and Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government supports aggressive settler expansion in the run-up to the country’s elections. Mentioned in this podcast: Dealmaking slowdown threatens early end to M&A boom Estonia shifts troops closer to Russia in ‘active defence’ push Israelis rush to get new settlements past ‘starting line’ before election Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo…

We're bringing you a recent episode from our fellow FT podcast, Unhedged. Over the summer, the FT held a revamped version of its stock picking game – think fantasy football for the global equity markets. Some 13,000 people took part – a shocking number considering how unfashionable active fund management has become in the real world. Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong invite their FT Money colleague Nathan Brooker, who runs the competition, to discuss the psychology of stock picking, and whether it has a future in real life. Plus, Nathan shorts holiday spoilers, Katie shorts pesky kids, and Rob throws active investors some love. The FT’s next stock picking game launches on Monday October 5. Entry is free to all FT subscribers aged 18 or over. Registrations will remain open for a number of weeks after the launch date. To participate, go to: https://stockpickinggame.ft.com For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer. You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at…

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government is searching for a British alternative to Palantir, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed his military leaders to abandon the rules of war, according to intelligence intercepted by Kyiv. Plus, Eurozone borrowing costs surged, and Brazil’s election pits the leftwing incumbent against a rightwing former president’s son. Mentioned in this podcast: Andy Burnham searches for UK alternative to Palantir Putin has told military leaders to abandon rules of war, Zelenskyy says Eurozone borrowing costs surge in global bond rout US sanctions Kremlin-backed fintech A7 for allegedly assisting Iran Scandal and succession in the House of Bolsonaro Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael…

One pilot of a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv stabbed the other and attempted to crash the aircraft. An FT analysis reveals US Big Tech companies have an outsized influence in Brussels. Plus, RSM, one of the world’s largest accounting firms, is exploring a possible initial public offering, and Nike is struggling to compete in China. Mentioned in this podcast: What we know about the Flydubai flight to Israel Big Tech out-lobbies European companies in Brussels Auditor RSM explores IPO to ward off private equity-backed rivals How Nike fell off the pace in China Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. The…

UK businesses react to Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s speech to the Labour conference, US and French bonds are in hot water, and could an American ban on diesel exports backfire? Plus, US President Donald Trump has dismissed calls for stricter AI regulation, in a show of dominance over tech executives who he summoned to the White House. Mentioned in this podcast: UK bosses left in dark by Burnham and Healey’s emphasis on ‘cost of business’ Donald Trump held crunch talks on diesel export US 30-year Treasury yield hits highest since 2002 Vanguard warns France is ‘long-term degrading credit’ as yields rise Donald Trump says US tech bosses agreed to ‘self-regulation’ of AI risks Anthropic warns of ‘existential risks to humanity’ in IPO prospectus OpenAI axes next model citing safety issues Credit: CNBC Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is…

UK chancellor John Healey has told the Labour Party conference that the economic conditions enjoyed by New Labour are “simply not there now”, Nvidia has held talks with insurance companies about shouldering the risks of lending against its chips, and oil prices and US Treasuries are locked in their tightest relationship since the first Gulf war in 1990. Plus, an oil field project in the Falkland Islands has put even more pressure on its relationship with neighboring Argentina, and Japanese convenience store chain FamilyMart has enlisted global pop megastar Lady Gaga to help offset the country’s acute labour shortage. Mentioned in this podcast: Burnham to set out plan to break ‘politics as usual’ by tackling UK’s biggest issues Blair-era money is ‘not there now’, Healey warns Labour Nvidia turns to insurers to spread the risk of AI buildout Nvidia launches record $150bn share buyback Oil price and US Treasury yields in tightest relationship since 1990 Oil raises the stakes in Argentina’s push against the…

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham returns to the Labour conference to sell his vision, EU countries are considering a Nato-style joint response to Russia’s hybrid war, and foreign investors have been buying up Panama’s debt despite social unrest and threats from US President Donald Trump. Mentioned in this podcast: ‘Hope again’: Burnham returns to Labour conference to sell his vision EU countries consider Nato-style joint responses to Russian hybrid attacks Foreign investors bet Panama can shrug off social unrest and Trump threats Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. The show’s theme…

Xi Jinping said the US and China should avoid being drawn into a “conflict” in remarks at the White House, and Brussels has warned Britain needs to raise tariffs on Chinese cars if it wants to avoid barriers that would hit crucial exports. Plus, dozens of foreign officials walked out of the UN General Assembly as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address, and the FT’s Kate Duguid explains what the bond market sell-off means for US mortgage rates and the health of the economy. Mentioned in this podcast: Xi Jinping says US and China must ‘coexist in peace’ in historic White House visit US mortgage rates breach 7% as affordability pressures mount EU urges UK to raise tariffs on Chinese cars to avoid ‘made in Europe’ barriers Subway rival bets hot sandwiches will sell in UK’s ‘cold and rain’ Credit: United Nations, White House Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya…

US Treasury yields soared on Wednesday, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran was prepared to negotiate with the US, and the FT’s Sam Fleming explains why the UK budget is in a tight spot. Plus, billions of dollars of Rosneft’s foreign earnings were funnelled through a Kremlin-backed money-laundering network, and Syria’s search for justice for Assad-era crimes could spark more unrest. Mentioned in this podcast: US Treasury yields soar most since ‘liberation day’ tariffs shook markets Treasury open to smaller fiscal headroom to reduce tax hikes The FT’s Budget dashboard: the data confronting Chancellor John Healey Rosneft billions fed Kremlin-backed money laundering network Syria: a dangerous search for justice Crime and punishment in the Middle East Credit: PBS Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc…

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping will discuss a potential extension of their trade war truce this week, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham met Trump for the first time, and the cost of hiring an oil supertanker has passed $1.2mn a day for the first time on routes between the Middle East and Asia. Plus, billionaire financier Todd Boehly has secured the backing of the US government and Gulf power brokers with ties to the Trump family to bid for the international assets of Lukoil. Mentioned in this podcast: What happened to the US’s China hawks? What Xi Jinping wants from his summit with Donald Trump Donald Trump rejects ‘globalist scheme’ in blow to Andy Burnham’s plan for AI guidelines Oil tanker costs hit record $1.2mn a day as Iran war disrupts shipping US government and Gulf billionaires back Todd Boehly bid for Lukoil assets Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova,…

Standard Chartered, Citigroup and other international banks have handled billions of dollars from a Kremlin-backed fintech company that tricked its way into the global financial system, and Polymarket is lobbying to win over European financial watchdogs. Plus, Germany’s election might impact the EU’s budget. Mentioned in this podcast: Kremlin-backed forgery scheme moved $6.9bn through global banks Polymarket starts European lobbying blitz to win over financial watchdogs Merz’s woes cast doubt over EU’s €2tn budget Philippines’ ube export ban threatens end of purple patch Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the…

German chancellor Friedrich Merz faces a crisis of confidence as exit polls show his party missed the threshold for representation in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The right-wing Alternative for Germany won there instead. Plus, Volkswagen is getting the boot from the Eurostoxx50 index. And Georgia’s Senator Jon Ossoff attempts to revitalise moderate politics in the upcoming US midterms. Mentioned in this podcast: German chancellor Merz vows to stay on despite ‘disaster’ in regional elections Jon Ossoff’s Georgia race stirs talk of 2028 US presidential audition Volkswagen ejected from European blue-chip index in blow to crisis-hit carmaker Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Until 28th October you can save on a standard annual digital subscription at ft.com/briefingsale The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and…

The Venezuelan government and the country’s opposition are close to reaching an agreement to transfer the central bank’s gold reserves, critics are scrutinising donations to UK Reform by crypto billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne, and Glencore has suspended one of its senior executives in the wake of an escalating scandal. Plus, OpenAI’s listing delay raises stakes for SoftBank’s $50bn data centre IPO. Mentioned in this podcast: Venezuela nears deal to move $4bn gold reserve to New York Reform UK’s mega-donor backed a friend’s libel claim. Now he controls her home Glencore suspends senior executive in review of ties to iron ore trader OpenAI’s listing delay raises stakes for SoftBank’s $50bn data centre IPO Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin…

The Federal Reserve has raised rates for the first time since 2023, and the EU has asked China to restrict exports of hybrid cars as part of a deal to prevent a trade war. Plus, AI has revolutionized warfare. Mentioned in this podcast: Federal Reserve defies Donald Trump with first rate rise since 2023 EU asks China to voluntarily limit car exports Von der Leyen to paint EU as the only port in a global geopolitical storm AI is transforming warfare. But not making it easier to win Credit: Federal Reserve Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this…

US and Chinese experts meet to discuss mitigating AI risks despite an ongoing tech rivalry, and US megadonors are largely backing Republicans in this midterm election season. Plus, Prime Minister Mark Carney strikes out on his pitch for a “unique alliance” between Canada and the EU, and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery is expected to be Africa’s biggest IPO. Mentioned in this podcast: Can the US and China work together on AI risk? US billionaires line up to bankroll Republicans’ election push EU rebuffs Mark Carney’s ‘unique alliance’ with Canada The $1.6bn IPO that could draw millions of Nigerians to the stock market Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo…

Tech stocks fell yesterday as markets reacted to ongoing talk of an AI apocalypse, industrial America is contending with a fresh wave of supply chain inflation, and foreign investors are now buying more US stocks than government bonds. Plus, China has implemented sweeping new controls on overseas travel for Chinese citizens. Mentioned in this podcast: US manufacturers hit by fresh burst of supply chain cost inflation Ten-year Treasury yield hits 5% for first time since 2023 Foreign investors prefer US stocks to Treasuries as debt worries grow Why delaying an AI doomsday would benefit investors too China tightens control of overseas travel in sweeping new law Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Alex Higgins. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our…

US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent’s interventions in the American bond market haven’t worked so far, but could interest rate decisions from the Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan this week change things? Plus, Russia hit a Ukrainian train line moments after foreign dignitaries transited it, and the FT’s Zehra Munir explains how protesters cancelled a data centre project in Virginia. Mentioned in this podcast: Warsh and Trump on collision course as investors expect Fed to raise rates Scott Bessent fails to break ‘fever’ in US bond market Russia strikes Ukrainian train line moments after foreign dignitaries pass The civil war in Data Centre Alley Subscribe to the FT: ft.com/briefingsale Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter…

US long-term borrowing costs surged to their highest level in more than two decades, and Gulf foreign ministers plan to meet their Iranian counterpart to negotiate a deal temporarily managing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Plus, Brics – the developing world’s answer to the G7 – meets this weekend during a unique moment of opportunity to remake the global order. Mentioned in this podcast: Global bond sell-off reignites as oil jumps to $107 Iran and Gulf states to meet in push for Hormuz deal Houthis capture Red Sea port in blow to Saudis Virgin Media O2 owners target £600mn in cost cuts Time for the Brics Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Alex Higgins. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo…

US government bond yields jumped to their highest level in almost three years, and the Japanese yen has strengthened this week. Plus, the IMF ditched a top candidate for chief economist at the last minute, and AI is writing the playbook for venture capital. Mentioned in this podcast: US Treasury yields jump as plans for $6bn buybacks disappoint investors ‘I am the house now’: Bessent warns currency traders not to bet against yen IMF ditched top candidate for chief economist job over Trump tariff remarks Moonshot capitalism: AI rewrites the venture capital playbook The Dorchester hotel to sell Qatari sheikh’s car over unpaid £460,000 bill Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is…

Anthropic declined to submit its latest model to Britain’s AI Security Institute for testing before release, Greece wants to become the next hedge fund hub, and crude prices jumped to nearly $100 a barrel after the US launched fresh strikes on Iranian oil tankers. Plus, as DeepSeek’s valuation climbs to more than $70bn, investors are clamouring to get a piece of the Chinese AI company through a secondary market. Mentioned in this podcast: Anthropic withheld latest AI model from UK testing agency How Greece is wooing hedge funds DeepSeek fundraising frenzy spawns costly shadow market Oil nears $100 as US launches new strikes on Iranian tankers ‘Mini-livers’ offer a new spin on regenerative medicine Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael…