FT News Briefing

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.

US President Donald Trump sealed a trade deal with Indonesia and the UK had a secret plan to immigrate Afghans to Britain after a data leak. Plus, tariffs have finally hit US inflation, and climate change is driving the sale of catastrophe bonds. Mentioned in this podcast: Donald Trump announces trade deal with Indonesia Catastrophe bond sales hit record as insurers offload climate risks UK set up secret Afghan immigration scheme after data leak and gagged media US inflation reaches 2.7% as Trump tariffs hit Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Katya Kumkova, 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.

The EU proposes to shift its budget to send billions to eastern European countries, and bitcoin hits a record high as US lawmakers are about to vote on cryptocurrency laws. Plus, chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to talk about the UK’s vision for the financial services sector, and Nissan’s hybrid technology launch in the US. Mentioned in this podcast: EU budget shake-up to shift billions to eastern states Bitcoin hits $120,000 milestone as US Congress readies for ‘crypto week’ Rachel Reeves to hail fiscal ‘stability’ and City risk-taking in Mansion House speech ‘E-power’: the hybrid tech Nissan is counting on to conquer the US Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Fiona Symon, Mischa Frankl-Duval, Sonja Hutson, Katya Kumkova, 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The EU has put trade retaliations against the US on hold, and US investment banking is set to extend its losing streak. Plus, the FT’s Eleni Varvitsioti explains how Greece recovered from economic disaster in the past decade, but still has work to do. Mentioned in this podcast: EU pauses trade retaliation against US after Trump’s 30% tariff threat Investment banking set to extend worst run in over a decade How Greece came back from the brink Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Persis Love, Sonja Hutson, Katya Kumkova, Mischa Frankl-Duval and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Alexander 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.

India is set to reach a record year in initial public offerings and Big Pharma is facing a wave of patent expiration dates. Plus, Meta goes to trial over who to hold accountable for corporate scandals. Mentioned in this podcast: India on track for record IPO year The looming ‘patent cliff’ facing Big Pharma Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Katya Kumcova, Henry Larson and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Kelly Garry, and Michael Lello. Our acting co-head of audio is 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 UK and France have pledged for the first time to co-ordinate the use of their nuclear weapons, the copper markets are reeling from US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose 50 per cent tariffs on the metal, and Canada has a plan to offset American energy levies by exporting natural gas to the rest of the world. Plus, Nvidia has hit a record market capitalisation at $4tn. Mentioned in this podcast: UK and France vow to co-ordinate nuclear deterrence for first time Canada’s bid to become an energy superpower Global copper market weighs impact of Donald Trump tariff threat Nvidia becomes first company to reach $4tn in market value Send your US politics questions to marc.filippino@ft.com Subscribe to the Swamp Notes podcast Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Katya Kumcova, 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.

EU negotiators are closing in on a trade deal with Donald Trump that would cement higher tariffs than those granted to the UK, and Boston Consulting Group’s chief executive said the group’s involvement with a postwar plan for Gaza had been “reputationally very damaging”. Plus, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen dismissed the no-confidence motion against her in a speech. Mentioned in this podcast: Donald Trump deal to leave EU facing higher tariffs than UK BCG modelled plan to ‘relocate’ Palestinians from Gaza BCG chief admits Gaza work was ‘reputationally very damaging’ Von der Leyen bats away no-confidence vote but critics land punches Credit: European Commission Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Katya Kumkova, 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.

US President Donald Trump extended tariff deadlines, and Liechtenstein’s trust industry is in a crisis spurred by American sanctions against Russia. Plus, Shein filed for an initial public offering in Hong Kong, and Elon Musk is trying to save Tesla from Trump. Mentioned in this podcast: Donald Trump renews threat to hit trading partners with steep tariffs Liechtenstein hit by Russia-linked ‘zombie trust’ crisis Shein files for Hong Kong IPO to pressure UK to save London listing ‘Elon has finally woken up’: Musk battles to save Tesla from Trump Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, 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.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Washington DC today to discuss a Gaza ceasefire proposal with US President Donald Trump, and US stocks are booming again despite uncertainty about the wider economy. Plus, Hong Kong’s stock exchange is attracting lots of companies, and venture capital is putting its own tech-focused spin on a private equity business model. Mentioned in this podcast: Israel to join ceasefire talks despite ‘unacceptable’ response from Hamas Netanyahu and Trump to discuss new Gaza deal at White House Are we rallying, or overcorrecting? Hong Kong listings pipeline hits record high as equity market booms Tech venture firms deploy private equity ‘roll-up’ strategy Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Ethan Plotkin, Katya Kumkova, and Jess Smith. 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.

Donald Trump has secured passage of his flagship tax and spending legislation and the US jobs market exceeded expectations last month. Plus, the future of the UK’s National Health Service could be in jeopardy, and Hong Kong residents cancel trips to Japan over a comic book’s earthquake prophecy. Mentioned in this podcast: What is in Donald Trump’s giant tax-cutting bill US economy surpasses expectations to add 147,000 jobs in June The future of the NHS 10-year plan NHS Hongkongers scrap Japan trips over comic book’s earthquake prophecy Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson and Katya Kumkova. 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.

European CEOs are lobbying against AI regulations, and trade officials are rushing to make deals before US President Donald Trump’s tariffs take effect again. Plus, the Pentagon suddenly stalled some weapon shipments to Ukraine, and the UK’s watered-down welfare reform bill could mean higher taxes. Mentioned in this podcast: European CEOs urge Brussels to halt landmark AI Act US narrows trade focus to secure deals before Donald Trump’s tariff deadline Ukraine summons top US diplomat after Washington halts some arms supplies Which UK taxes are expected to rise in the autumn Budget? Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson and Kasia Broussalian. 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.

The UK government passed its welfare reform bill after making concessions, and Hong Kong’s stocks are beating out mainland China’s. Plus, Eurozone inflation rises to 2 per cent, and Europe turns to France to process rare earths. Mentioned in this podcast: Starmer guts UK welfare reforms to avoid Commons defeat Hong Kong’s bull market leaves China behind Eurozone inflation rises to ECB’s 2% target European companies look to France for domestic rare earths sector Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, and Fiona Symon. 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.

Two of the biggest oil companies in the Middle East scale down their acquisition sprees, and Wall Street’s comeback has dramatically narrowed the gap with European stocks. Plus, the US is lifting sanctions on Syria, and Klarna makes some changes to its business model. Mentioned in this podcast: Gulf oil companies slow $60bn acquisition spree as crude prices fall US dollar suffers worst start to year since 1973 US stock market comeback tests investor faith in rotation to Europe Donald Trump lifts most US sanctions on Syria Klarna accelerates shift to digital bank ahead of second IPO attempt Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, and Ethan Plotkin. 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.

The Trump administration is paving the way for more US bank mergers, and China’s online retail giants are losing some key customers. Plus, the race to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell is heating up, and the UK is trying to make financial advice more accessible. Mentioned in this podcast: Deal hunger stirs among US banks US shoppers ditch Shein and Temu as Trump closes tax loophole White House says decision on nominating next Fed chair not ‘imminent’ UK launches biggest financial advice shake-up in more than a decade Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Ethan Plotkin, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Alexander 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.

Some members of the UK's parliament fight back against proposed welfare cuts, and early intelligence suggests Iran’s uranium stockpile is still intact, officials say. Plus, the rise of sports gambling in Nigeria is being powered by social media influencers. Mentioned in this podcast: Early intelligence suggests Iran’s uranium largely intact, European officials say A defeat Keir Starmer cannot afford Keir Starmer in talks with rebel MPs in bid to head off welfare revolt The football betting influencers behind Nigeria’s not-so secret gambling boom Send me your questions for the Swamp Notes podcast: marc.filippino@ft.com. We may even play your voicemail on the show. Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Henry Larson, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Kelly Garry, 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.

Nato members decided on increased defence spending, the Federal Reserve is planning on cutting capital requirements for America’s biggest banks, and accounting firms are ready to open up to public markets. Plus, why US stocks are unfazed by the Israel-Iran conflict. Mentioned in this podcast: The US, Iran and markets The markets are silent — that is worrying Federal Reserve unveils plans to reduce capital rules imposed after 2008 crisis Accounting sector prepares for more IPOs after private equity binge Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, 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 stocks almost hit record highs amid possible de-escalation in the Middle East, and Johns Hopkins University professor Vali Nasr analyses Iran’s future. Plus, the US Federal Reserve chair signalled no interest cuts this summer, and US states are sending delegates to the EU for advice on green policy. Mentioned in this podcast: Israel-Iran latest: JD Vance declares era of new Trump foreign policy doctrine The war that will remake Iran’s Islamic republic Iran at the precipice Jay Powell pushes back on calls for Federal Reserve rate cuts as soon as July Rachman Review podcast US states send delegates to EU for advice on green policy Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Fiona Symon, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Kelly Garry, 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 has said Israel and Iran have agreed a ceasefire, shifting priorities in the US are putting pressure on Nato members in Europe, and emerging markets defy US President Donald Trump’s trade war. Plus, the US has yet to find Iran’s uranium stockpile. Mentioned in this podcast: Donald Trump claims Israel and Iran have agreed ceasefire What happens to Nato if the US steps back? Where is Iran’s uranium? Search continues for 400kg stockpile Emerging markets defy investor gloom to outshine developed world Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, 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 US is now using force to try to eliminate Iran’s nuclear programme, and new tariffs on US household goods take effect. Plus, the chief executive of a Russian burger chain is petitioning President Vladimir Putin to block western businesses from returning, and the CEO of the fintech Revolut could be due for a major pay out. Mentioned in this podcast: US says it inflicted ‘severe damage’ on Iran’s nuclear programme Tariffs on household goods bring home costs of Trump’s trade wars Fake McDonald’s lobbies Vladimir Putin to block return of western companies Revolut chief in line for Musk-style payday at $150bn valuation Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Ethan Plotkin, Mischa Frankl-Duval and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Alexander 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.