FT News Briefing

EU leaders will hold a call with US President Donald Trump ahead of his meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, and the Mexican peso has emerged as an unlikely winner from Trump’s trade war. Plus, Trump has opened the door to Nvidia selling advanced AI chips to China, and the FT’s Kathrin Hille explains what’s next for Taiwan after the country’s failed recall vote. Mentioned in this podcast: EU leaders to hold call with Trump ahead of Putin meeting over Ukraine Peso soars as ‘carry trade’ reignites after tariff delays Trump opens door to Nvidia selling advanced AI chips to China for a fee Why Taiwanese fear China could take over from within Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Blake Maples, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UK employers cut back hiring over labour and tax cost fears, and Ukraine and its European allies worry about US President Donald Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Plus, HSBC is weighed down by woes in the Hong Kong commercial property market, and India’s huge IT sector is scrambling to counter the threat of artificial intelligence. Mentioned in this podcast: UK employers cut back hiring over labour and tax cost fears Donald Trump to meet Putin in Alaska as he signals Ukraine may need to cede land European allies back Ukraine’s borders after Donald Trump floats land swap with Russia HSBC flags 73% of Hong Kong commercial property loans as risky India’s IT services giants race to reinvent themselves for the AI age Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Ethan Plotkin, Jess Smith, Sonja Hutson, Fiona Symon, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Alex Higgins and Peter Barber. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has nominated Stephen Miran to fill a soon-to-be vacant seat on the Federal Reserve’s board of governors, and the Bank of England lowered rates by a quarter per cent in a close vote. Plus Europe’s weapons factories are expanding fast and US President Donald Trump threatens a 100 per cent tariff on chips excluding Apple. Mentioned in this podcast: https://www.ft.com/content/298bf95e-49ec-4d9f-8948-b7f72cf4ffdd BoE cuts rates with a hawkish shift in its outlook Europe builds for war as arms factories expand at triple speed Donald Trump threatens 100% tariff on chips but with carve-out for Apple Sign up here for the Chris Giles on Central Banks newsletter. Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Sam Giovinco, Gavin Kallmann and David da Silva. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

European companies are falling behind US counterparts and CoreWeave’s takeover of Core Scientific is facing some pushback. Plus, Boston Consulting Group helped create plans to relocate Gazans to Somalia, and the FT found that Iranian nuclear scientists made a covert visit to Russia last year. Mentioned in this podcast: European earnings lag behind US as trade war saps market revival CoreWeave’s $9bn takeover of Core Scientific faces revolt from top shareholders BCG consultants modelled relocating Gazans to Somalia The covert trip by Iranian nuclear experts to Russia Email Swamp Notes your questions: marc.filippino@ft.com Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Blake Maples, and Michael Lello. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US President Donald Trump plans on imposing new sanctions on Russia unless there is a ceasefire in Ukraine, and Palantir’s skyrocketing stock is raising concerns that it’s overvalued. Plus, OpenAI released a new “open-weight” model, and Russia’s banks are coming under scrutiny over bad loans. Mentioned in this podcast: Trump readies fresh sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet Russia moves to contain concern over banks’ bad loan exposure Palantir’s valuation is a triumph of ‘number go up’ OpenAI releases open models to compete with China’s DeepSeek Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Blake Maples, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US President Donald Trump wants to raise tariffs on India and the CEO of Deutsche Bank approved a controversial trade he was later tasked with probing. Plus, Australia wants a port they sold to China back, and Tesla’s board gave chief executive Elon Musk $30bn worth of shares after threats from him to resign. Mentioned in this podcast: Donald Trump to raise tariffs on India over Russian oil purchases Deutsche Bank chief approved controversial trade he was later tasked with probing The remote Australian port caught in a US-China security tussle Tesla board awards $30bn of shares to ‘energise and focus’ Elon Musk Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Blake Maples, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The FT’s US financial commentator joins to discuss how investors are responding to unsettling new economic data, and Germany’s biggest sports retailer is considering relocating some manufacturing to China. Plus, US President Donald Trump is using tariffs to target Brazil’s judiciary, and consumers are cutting back on luxury brands. Mentioned in this podcast: Dollar rebound fizzles after jobs data disappoints Germany’s biggest sports retailer considers moving production into China Lula seizes Trump tariff threat to revive re-election push Brazil vows to defend supreme court against Donald Trump’s onslaught Luxury brands hit by drop in tourist spending in Europe and Japan Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Ethan Plotkin, Jess Smith, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Blake Maples, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This weekend, we're sharing an episode from our fellow FT podcast, Swamp Notes. The US president is angry with the chair of the Federal Reserve over interest rates. He’s applying a lot of pressure on Jay Powell to lower them or leave his job. The FT’s Claire Jones and Adam Posen, president of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, break down what will happen if Trump succeeds in either of those goals. Subscribe to Swamp Notes on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apple revenues jump on strong iPhone sales and rebound in China and Donald Trump has reimposed tariffs on dozens of trading partners. Plus, Samsung seals a multibillion-dollar chipmaking deal with Tesla, and Ukraine reverses a policy that would take away autonomy from anti-corruption agencies. Mentioned in this podcast: Apple revenues jump on strong iPhone sales and rebound in China Trump reimposes tariffs on dozens of countries Ukraine restores independence of anti-corruption agencies Samsung’s $16.5bn Tesla deal will test chipmaker’s hopes for revival Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Josh Gabert-Doyon, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Blake Maples, Michael Lello, and Gavin Kallmann. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meta’s shares jumped more than 10 per cent off the back of better than expected second-quarter earnings, and the Federal Reserve held rates steady despite calls to lower borrowing rates by US President Donald Trump. Plus, American copper prices fell after Trump exempted refined materials from a 50 per cent tariff on the metal, and HSBC profits declined by 29 per cent. Mentioned in this podcast: Meta shares jump on strong results as Zuckerberg sets out ‘superintelligence’ goals Fed holds rates steady despite Trump’s calls for lower borrowing costs US copper prices fall after Trump exempts refined metals from tariffs HSBC profits slide 29% on hit from China and restructuring Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Henry Larson, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Blake Maples, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The potential US-China trade war truce depends on US President Donald Trump’s approval, and a UN-backed food security group says a famine is unfolding in Gaza. Plus, China’s AI expo gives the international community an alternative to American technology, and the IMF’s new global growth forecast reflects that the fall of the dollar has lessened the impact of Trump’s trade war. Mentioned in this podcast: US says extended trade war truce with Beijing hinges on Trump approval ‘Worst-case scenario’ of famine unfolding in Gaza, says global hunger monitor China lays out its AI vision in foil to Donald Trump’s ‘America First’ plan IMF upgrades global growth forecast as weaker dollar aids world economy Credit: Fox Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Fiona Symon, Mischa Frankl-Duval, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Blake Maples, Michael Lello, and Gavin Kallmann. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey and UK chancellor Rachel Reeves are at odds, and EU politicians are grumbling over the bloc’s trade deal with the US. Plus, the US economy is defying expectations and Bain & Co is to shut down its consulting business in South Africa after a corruption scandal. Mentioned in this podcast: Rachel Reeves and Andrew Bailey clash over Revolut meeting What have the US and EU agreed on trade? Merz says trade deal will cause ‘considerable damage’ to German economy How the EU succumbed to Trump’s tariff steamroller Bain & Co shuts South Africa consulting business after corruption scandal How long can the US economy defy expectations? Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Fiona Symon Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Blake Maples, Michael Lello, and Gavin Kallmann. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The European Union struck a deal to limit the rate of US tariffs, and public companies are filling their coffers with cryptocurrencies. Plus, the share of goods in total UK exports has fallen to a record low, and China is moving to fill the void left by the US at the United Nations. Mentioned in this podcast: US and EU strike trade deal, says Trump Companies load up on niche crypto tokens to boost share prices Trump left a power vacuum at the UN. China saw an opportunity The share of goods in total UK exports has fallen to a record low China’s Shaolin Temple says its head is facing a criminal investigation Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Jess Smith, Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Katya Kumkova, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Alex Higgins and Peter Barber. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US President Donald Trump is set to visit the UK and Krispy Kreme and GoPro stocks rise after becoming meme stocks. Plus, the ECB keeps rates at 2% and how AI is affecting the job market for new-grads. Mentioned in this podcast: Keir Starmer to press Donald Trump over deal to cut tariffs on UK steel imports ECB holds rates steady at 2% Is AI killing graduate jobs? Meme stock mania returns as Krispy Kreme and GoPro shares soar FT Weekend Fest Promo code: FTPodcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Josh Gabert-Doyon, Sonja Hutson, Katya Kumkova, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Kent Militzer and Gavin Kallmann. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Tesla after Trump cancels EV incentives Private equity firms flip assets to themselves in record numbers McKinsey bars China practice from generative AI work amid geopolitical tensions Taiwan’s once-dominant KMT falls ‘out of step’ with the electorate Taiwan launches unity drive as China threat looms Email Swamp Notes your questions: marc.filippino@ft.com Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Henry Larson, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Blake Maples and Gavin Kallmann. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 economy 30% bigger after GDP recalculation Big Pharma is increasingly reliant on Chinese biotech advances GM profits hit by Trump’s tariffs while EV sales more than double Coca-Cola to launch cane sugar-based Coke in US this autumn Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Katya Kumkova, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Kelly Garry and Michael Lello. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 alchemy Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Katya Kumkova, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Blake Maples, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 launch of 24-hour trading Donald Trump reaps $50bn tariff haul as world ‘chickens out’ Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Katya Kumkova, Ethan Plotkin, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Peter Barber and Alexander Higgins. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 are signalling a clear winner in the Middle East FT Weekend Fest Promo code: FTPodcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Katya Kumkova, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Kelly Garry, Michael Lello and David da Silva. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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-month high of 3.6% Japan’s 10-year yield hits highest level since 2008 financial crisis Credit: Fox News Send in your Swamp Notes questions (Marc.Filippino@FT.com) Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Katya Kumkova, Ethan Plotkin, Henry Larson and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Blake Maples, Michael Lello and David da Silva. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.