FT News Briefing

Elon Musk’s business empire has been hit by a wave of senior departures over the past year, video games maker Electronic Arts is being taken private by a Saudi Arabia-backed consortium, and Downing Street has opened the door for Labour to break its election promises and raise taxes in the Budget. Plus, the euro’s biggest rally since 2017 has further to run, Wall Street banks are predicting. Mentioned in this podcast: Elon Musk hit by exodus of senior staff over burnout and politics Video games maker Electronic Arts strikes $55bn deal to go private Labour refuses to rule out manifesto-breaking tax rises Euro’s rally has further to run, Wall Street banks predict The FT News Briefing has been nominated for Signal’s listener’s choice award for best Daily Podcast. Vote for us here! Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Fiona Symon, Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Kent Militzer, Michael Lello and David da Silva. The FT’s 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.

The Trump administration’s financial regulator is preparing to change five decades of corporate reporting practice, and the US government is once again on the brink of a shutdown. Plus, Denmark is closing its airspace to drones after a series of incursions, and drive-throughs are the latest craze sweeping the coffee world. Mentioned in this podcast: Let the market decide how often companies report Trump to meet lawmakers with government shutdown days away Denmark bans civil drones for a week after sightings over military bases The rise of drive-through US coffee chains with a need for speed Why Japan is sprucing up its shabby offices Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Ethan Plotkin, Victoria Craig, Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Alexander Higgins and Peter Barber. The FT’s 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.

The FT News Briefing has been nominated for Signal’s listener’s choice award for best Daily Podcast. And we need your help in order to win. Please vote for us by clicking the link. Also vote for our other FT podcasts who have been nominated for a Signal award, Behind the Money and Tech Tonic. We promise the whole process will take less than five minutes. Vote for the FT News Briefing Vote for Behind the Money Vote for Tech Tonic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oracle, private equity group Silver Lake and Abu Dhabi’s MGX will control roughly 45 per cent of TikTok USA, Germany’s chancellor has called for Europe to use frozen Russian assets to create new loan to finance Ukraine’s war effort, and a landmark trial finds former French president Nicolas Sarkozy guilty of criminal conspiracy. Plus, can a US bailout save Argentina’s president from deepening political problems? Mentioned in this podcast: TikTok US to be valued at $14bn after Trump’s deal, White House says European officials fear Trump is preparing to blame them for Ukraine failure Germany’s Merz backs using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine Nicolas Sarkozy sentenced to 5 years in prison in Libya corruption trial Can a US bailout save Argentina’s Javier Milei? Until 29th October, you can save 40% on a standard annual digital subscription at ft.com/briefingsale Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Persis Love, Victoria Craig, Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Blake Maples, Michael Lello and David da Silva. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BNP Paribas has relaxed a policy that blocked it from financing “controversial weapons”, US debt investors have raised the alarm over lax lending standards in credit markets, and Italy is considering a freeze in its retirement age of 67. Plus, Singapore and Hong Kong want to become major players in the gold market. Mentioned in this podcast: BNP Paribas drops pledge not to finance ‘controversial weapons’ US debt investors raise alarm over lending standards Italy weighs freezing its retirement age at 67 Singapore and Hong Kong shoot for place in gold firmament Until 29th October, you can save 40% on a standard annual digital subscription at ft.com/briefingsale Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Fiona Symon, Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Blake Maples, Michael Lello and David da Silva. The FT’s 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.

The boss of Eli Lilly has branded the UK “probably the worst country in Europe” for drug prices, US President Donald Trump hit out at the UN at a speech at the global body’s General Assembly, and the Federal Reserve has scope to cut interest rates another three times, the OECD has said. Plus, the biggest US-listed companies keep talking about artificial intelligence, but few appear to be able to describe how the technology is changing their businesses for the better. Mentioned in this podcast: Eli Lilly boss brands UK ‘worst country in Europe’ for cheap drug prices Can the UN save itself from irrelevance? Federal Reserve has room for three more rate cuts as US growth slows, says OECD UK set for highest inflation in G7, says OECD America’s top companies keep talking about AI — but can’t explain the upsides Until 29th October, you can save 40% on a standard annual digital subscription at ft.com/briefingsale CREDIT: PBS and the White House Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nvidia said it planned to invest up to $100bn in OpenAI to support a massive build-out of artificial intelligence data centres, Oracle’s Safra Catz is stepping down as chief executive and the US is considering a “large and forceful” intervention to support Argentina through a bout of severe market volatility. Plus, shares in Indian IT companies fell after US President Donald Trump sharply raised the application fee for H-1B visas. Mentioned in this podcast: Nvidia to invest up to $100bn in OpenAI Oracle splits CEO role as Safra Catz steps down TikTok algorithm to be overseen by Oracle in Trump deal US offers financial lifeline to Argentina’s Javier Milei Indian IT shares fall over fears from Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee Until 29th October, you can save 40% on a standard annual digital subscription at ft.com/briefingsale Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Alex Higgins and David da Silva. The FT’s 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.

US companies may have to pay billions in new fees to hire foreign workers, and US tech groups are losing a political battle in Brussels to gain access to the EU’s financial data market. Plus, the UK joined Canada and Australia in recognising a Palestinian state on Sunday, and a Chinese retail giant is facing some growing pains on its European expansion plans. Mentioned in this podcast: Trump’s H-1B visa fee to hit US employers with $14bn annual bill EU to block Big Tech from new financial data sharing system UK, Canada and Australia recognise Palestine as an independent state Will Benjamin Netanyahu annex the West Bank? China’s rival to Amazon battles to go global after failed UK bids Until 29th October, you can save 40% on a standard annual digital subscription at ft.com/briefingsale Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Ethan Plotkin, Victoria Craig, Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Alexander Higgins and Peter Barber. The FT’s 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.

Deutsche Bank chief executive Christian Sewing is set to be named as a defendant in legal proceedings, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump did their best to present a united front, and the Bank of England kept interest rates steady. Plus, Nvidia has agreed to invest $5bn in its struggling rival Intel. Mentioned in this podcast: Deutsche Bank chief Christian Sewing set to face multimillion-pound lawsuit Trump and Starmer at Chequers as it happened: leaders present united front after lavish state visit BoE holds interest rates at 4% and slows ‘quantitative tightening’ Nvidia to invest $5bn in rival Intel CREDIT: CBS News Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Josh Gabert-Doyon, Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Kent Militzer, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The FT’s 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.

The Federal Reserve has cut interest rates for the first time this year and China is banning its tech companies from buying AI chips made by Nvidia. Plus, how did the Swiss National Bank become one of the world’s top investors in US tech? Mentioned in this podcast: Federal Reserve cuts rates by quarter point and signals more to come China bans tech companies from buying Nvidia’s AI chips Switzerland’s US tech ‘whale’ Protesters against Trump state visit march through London Credit: Reuters Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Fiona Symon, Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Kelly Garry, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The FT’s 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.

The UK and US are set to announce deeper co-operation on digital assets such as cryptocurrencies, a UN commission concluded that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, and Mario Draghi has warned that the EU’s economic competitiveness is on the retreat due to “inaction” by Brussels. Plus, Donald Trump’s administration is shifting the balance of power from shareholders to company bosses. Mentioned in this podcast: UK set to announce closer co-operation with US on cryptocurrencies Israel launches ground invasion of Gaza City EU economy falls behind global rivals due to ‘complacency’, warns Mario Draghi Donald Trump tilts balance of power from investors to CEOs Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Kelly Garry and Michael Lello. The FT’s 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.

Lisa Cook can remain a Federal Reserve governor for now, the US and China seem to be making progress in their trade talks, and the US and UK promised to boost financial ties ahead of a state visit by President Donald Trump. Plus, Gen Z is toppling governments across Asia. Mentioned in this podcast: Lisa Cook can stay at Fed ahead of rates decision, appeals court rules UK and US pledge to boost financial ties ahead of Trump state visit Donald Trump signals US and China have struck TikTok deal The Gen Z revolution spreading in Asia Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Fiona Symon and Sonja Hutson. Additional help from Blake Maples, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The FT’s 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.

Borrowing costs for the French government are outpacing some French corporations, and the threats to Turkey’s leading opposition party may be part of a wider push to change the country’s democracy. Plus, Chinese export controls on Germanium are forcing defence firms to seek new suppliers, and the failure of a little-known US car lender may spell trouble for the wider banking sector. Mentioned in this podcast: French companies’ borrowing costs fall below government’s as debt fears intensify Is this the end of Atatürk’s party? China’s curbs on defence metal germanium create ‘desperate’ supply squeeze Car lender’s failure hints at what’s under the hood in private credit US justice department probes fraud allegations at subprime car lender Tricolor Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, and Victoria Craig. Additional help from Alexander Higgins and Peter Barber. The FT’s 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.

Brazil’s supreme court has voted to convict former president Jair Bolsonaro for plotting a coup d’état, conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s killing led to calls on the right for retribution, and US inflation data confirm the Fed’s dual-mandate conundrum. Plus, shares in bitcoin-hoarding companies have tumbled in recent weeks as investors grow increasingly concerned about an overcrowded market. Mentioned in this podcast: Brazil’s supreme court finds former leader Jair Bolsonaro guilty of plotting coup Charlie Kirk’s shooting leads to calls for retribution Charlie Kirk’s killing and the ‘despicable violence’ of US politics US inflation rises to 2.9% in August Shares in bitcoin hoarders sink as ‘crypto treasury’ mania sours Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Victoria Craig. Additional help from Kent Militzer and Michael Lello. The FT’s 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.

Conservative political activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead, military analysts are worried about Nato’s response to a Russian drone attack, and US drugmaker Merck has scrapped a £1bn London research centre. Plus, investors have raised a record amount this year off “Bowie bonds”. Mentioned in this podcast: Donald Trump ally Charlie Kirk shot dead in Utah What is Vladimir Putin’s game plan against Nato’s eastern flank? Merck slams UK as it scraps £1bn London drug research centre ‘Bowie bonds’ go mainstream as Wall Street chases returns Email Swamp Notes with your questions Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Fiona Symon, Katya Kumkova and Sonja Hutson. Additional help from Kelly Garry and Michael Lello. The FT’s 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.

US annual jobs numbers get a revision, and Israel is intensifying its fight against Hamas. Plus, there’s a brand new copper mining conglomerate, and South Korean companies have been cutting corners to bring workers to the US. Mentioned in this podcast: US hiring growth revised down by 911,000 jobs in year to March Israel launches attack on Hamas in Qatar Anglo American and Tech Resources to create $50bn mining giant Korean companies admit cutting corners on US visas but say they have little choice Macron appoints ally Sébastien Lecornu as France’s prime minister Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Fiona Symon, Katya Kumkova, and Sonja Hutson. Additional help from Kelly Garry, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The FT’s 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.

Rupert Murdoch has resolved the bitter dispute over his sprawling media empire, France is once again without a prime minister, and US bank PNC has agreed to buy smaller peer FirstBank. Plus, North Cyprus is betting big on casinos to boost its economy. Mentioned in this podcast: Murdoch seals $3.3bn succession deal to hand empire to eldest son Macron scouts for new prime minister to quell turmoil PNC to buy Colorado’s FirstBank for $4.1bn North Cyprus casino plans stoke fears of slide towards ‘dark’ economy Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Katya Kumkova and Sonja Hutson. Additional help from Blake Maples, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The FT’s 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.

The French government is on the brink of another collapse, and Japan’s prime minister quits after just a year in office. Plus, China may open its domestic bond market to Russian companies for the first time since 2022, and US economic data is complicating the Federal Reserve’s upcoming decision on interest rates. Mentioned in this podcast: French PM François Bayrou on the brink in crucial confidence vote Japan’s prime minister quits to make way for new leader China paves way for renminbi fundraising by Russian energy giants US adds just 22,000 jobs in August as labour market sputters Click here to access virtual sessions from the FT Weekend Festival Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Ethan Plotkin, Victoria Craig, Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Peter Barber and Alex Higgins. The FT’s 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.

US President Donald Trump’s nominee to join the Federal Reserve has vowed to uphold central bank independence, bond traders are banking on revenue from Trump’s tariffs to bolster US public finances, and Nasdaq is trying to combat a number of suspected “pump and dump” scams. Plus, the “Amazon of Africa”, Jumia, is still trying to prove that it can be a profitable business after six years on the public market. Mentioned in this podcast: Stephen Miran vows to uphold Fed independence but says Donald Trump ‘entitled’ to a view on monetary policy Bond investors count on Trump tariff revenues to rein in US debt Nasdaq to tighten rules on small-cap stocks after suspected ‘pump and dump’ scams Is there a future for the ‘Amazon of Africa’? Sign up for the FT Weekend Festival at ft.com/festival and use the promo code “FTPodcasts” for 10 per cent off. Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Victoria Craig, Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Alex Higgins, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The FT’s 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.

Lloyds Banking Group will put thousands of its staff at risk of dismissal, and Indonesians are angered over the widening inequality in their country. Plus, MEPs in the European parliament are unhappy with the EU-US trade deal, and the FT’s John Foley explains what artificial intelligence has to do with the outcome of Google’s antitrust case. Mentioned in this podcast: Thousands of Lloyds staff face axe in performance overhaul European parliamentarians attack EU-US trade deal and demand changes Google shares jump after judge refrains from ordering break-up Indonesian rage over MPs ‘opulent lifestyle’ reflects deep economic discontent Google dodges a bullet Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Fiona Symon, Katya Kumkova, Victoria Craig, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Blake Maples, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.