FT News Briefing

This is an episode of Political Fix, the FT weekly podcast that takes you into the corridors of Westminster to unwrap, analyse and debate British politics with a regular panel of FT correspondents. It’s been another turbulent year in UK politics. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced down rebellions from within his own party, overseen scandals and sackings, and delivered a constant barrage of bad news from health and housing to small boats and the Budget. He’s fared a little better on the world stage – with successful state visits, securing a comparatively competitive trade deal with Trump, as well as a tentative rapprochement with Europe. But with every international success, Starmer’s standing domestically seems to diminish: he ends the year, on some measures, as the most unpopular PM ever. In this special live episode of Political Fix, host George Parker is joined by Anna Gross, Stephen Bush and Chris Giles to analyse how the Labour party got here – and where it goes next. This is a repeat of an episode published on Political Fix, a sister podcast of FT News Briefing, on December 12, 2025 To listen and subscribe to more episodes, find Political Fix on your favourite platform by clicking here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How much do we really know about ageing? For decades, scientists have been trying to understand the biology of the ageing process - what happens to our bodies as we get older? And is it possible to slow that process down or even stop it all together? In this series of Tech Tonic, the FT’s Hannah Kuchler and Michael Peel look into the past, present and future of longevity - the wellness movement focused on extending and bettering your quality of life. Episode 1 follows Hannah as she speaks with UCL professor David Gems about the history of ageing research, and then with longevity researcher Matt Kaeberlein to discuss how the industry has developed - including current drugs that could have anti-ageing effects. Plus, Michael visits the Reviv clinic in London where he experiences, first hand, the growing consumer interest in the longevity craze. To listen to the rest of the series, find Tech Tonic on your favourite podcast platform by clicking here! Clips: @DaveAspreyBPR, @drjoshaxe, @HealthCoachKait, Hevolution, Pom, Purina, Garnier, 4G antioxidants, @ChrisWillx, @lexfridman, ABC News, C-Span, CBS, ITV This Morning, Wired UK, The Dissenter, Will Tennyson The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this final episode of their series for the FT's The Economics Show, FT chief economics commentator Martin Wolf and Nobel laureate Paul Krugman consider listeners’ questions and comments ranging from a critique of globalisation, increasing inequality and plutocracy, the global appetite for US federal debt, China’s economic future and much more. This is a repeat of an episode published on The Economics Show, a sister podcast of FT News Briefing, on December 17, 2025 Subscribe and listen to this series of The Economics Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to podcasts. Read Martin’s column here Subscribe to Paul’s substack here Find Paul’s cultural coda here. Find Martin’s cultural coda here. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Tom Hannen is the video editor. Sound design and original music by Breen Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, but it's also the most expensive. Between gifts, food and travel, people can end up spending a lot of money this year. The Financial Times’ consumer editor Claer Barrett explains why people are feeling the pinch this season and what they can do about it. Mentioned in this podcast: Economists warn of flaws in US inflation report FT Financial Literacy and Inclusion Campaign Find Claer Barrett on TikTok and Instagram Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval and Victoria Craig. Our show was mixed by Kent Militzer. Additional help from Michael Lello. 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.

BP chief executive Murray Auchincloss has said he will step down after less than two years in the role, India’s central bank governor expects the country’s interest rates to remain low for a ‘long period’, and UK inflation fell more than expected to an eight-month low of 3.2 per cent. Plus, global companies are seeking private equity partners in China to take on their local operations as they grapple with an increasingly competitive local market. Mentioned in this podcast: BP picks Woodside boss Meg O’Neill as new chief executive India’s central bank governor signals rates to stay low for ‘long period’ UK inflation falls more than expected to 3.2% in November Global brands seek private equity partners to save their China businesses Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Fiona Symon, Victoria Craig and Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Kelly Garry. Additional help from 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.

Investors are snapping up Venezuela’s defaulted debt, JPMorgan Chase has withdrawn almost $350bn in cash from its account at the Federal Reserve since 2023, and the US unemployment rate rose to its highest level in more than four years. Plus, global asset managers’ cash holdings have fallen to a record low in a sign of investors’ bullishness about the AI-fuelled stock market rally. Mentioned in this podcast: Investors pile into Venezuelan debt in regime change bet JPMorgan pulls $350bn from Federal Reserve to buy up Treasuries Bullish investors pile into stocks as cash levels sink to record low US unemployment rate hits four-year high of 4.6% Fifa offers cheaper World Cup tickets in response to outcry Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Victoria Craig and Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Kelly Garry. Additional help from 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.

Shell’s merger chief departed after a bid to acquire rival BP was quashed internally, and the EU’s top trade official warns the bloc would lose global credibility if it fails to approve its trade deal with the Mercosur group of South American countries. Plus, Brussels plans to scrap the EU’s 2035 combustion engine ban, and hedge funds and trading firms are piling into physical commodities markets in search of new sources of returns. Mentioned in this podcast: Shell mergers chief departed after CEO blocked bid for BP EU will lose face if it rejects Mercosur deal, warns trade commissioner Brussels plans to scrap 2035 combustion engine ban Hedge funds pile into commodities in search of fresh source of returns Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and produced by Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, 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.

A terror attack on a Jewish event in Sydney kills more than a dozen people. Plus, investors are increasingly concerned about how much debt is funding the AI boom, world leaders meet to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine, and it’s a big week for US economic data. And: The FT’s ‘Behind the Money’ podcast looks into whistleblowing in the UK. Mentioned in this podcast: Gunmen who killed 15 in Sydney attack on Jewish festival were father and son Investors seek protection from risk of AI debt bust Ukraine offers to drop Nato membership demands Behind the Money podcast Investors will have to wait until new year for clear data on US economy Bank of England set to cut rates to 3.75% as economic data eases inflation concerns Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted by Victoria Craig, and produced by Persis Love and Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Alex Higgins. Additional help from Peter Barber. 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.

Cryptocurrency entrepreneur Do Kwon is sentenced to 15 years in prison on two counts of fraud, and the Walt Disney Company will allow OpenAI to use its characters in its flagship products. Plus, football fans are outraged over ticket prices for next year’s World Cup. And, you’ll meet the hardliner who wants to make Chile great again. Mentioned in this podcast: Crypto founder Do Kwon sentenced to 15 years in prison Disney to invest $1bn in OpenAI Football fans condemn ‘betrayal’ over ‘extortionate’ World Cup ticket prices The hardliner who wants to make Chile great again Friedrich Merz offers to host Ukraine talks so deal not done ‘above Europe’s head’ Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Victoria Craig, and produced by Fiona Symon and Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, 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.

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter point, and Oracle shares fell on Wednesday after it reported disappointing revenues. Plus, there’s one conglomerate in Abu Dhabi dominating the economy and its ownership is in the hands of the royal family. Mentioned in this podcast: Federal Reserve cuts rates to lowest level in three years in divisive decision Oracle shares slide as data centre spending mounts How Abu Dhabi’s economy came to be dominated by IHC Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Sonja Hutson, and produced by Fiona Symon and Victoria Craig. Our show was mixed by Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, 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.

EU countries want to fast-track a decision to indefinitely immobilise up to €210bn in Russian sovereign assets, investors have increased bets that interest rates in major economies could diverge next year, and Berlin stands ready to throw its weight behind a German candidate to be the next president of the European Central Bank. Plus, Australia is now the first country in the world to restrict social media access for kids under the age of 16. Mentioned in this podcast: Trump gives Zelenskyy ‘days’ to respond to peace proposal EU races to bypass Viktor Orbán on Russia assets before summit Investors increase bets on ECB rate rise in threat to dollar Germany sees high hurdles to winning ECB presidency The countdown to the world’s first social media ban for children Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Fiona Symon, Victoria Craig and Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, 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.

Paramount has launched a $108bn hostile bid to buy Warner Bros Discovery, US natural gas prices are soaring as the country ships record amounts of the fuel overseas, and US President Donald Trump says Nvidia will be allowed to send its H200 chips to China. Plus, retail investors are helping drive gold and US stocks towards “bubble” territory, the Bank for International Settlements has warned. Mentioned in this podcast: Paramount gatecrashes Warner Bros-Netflix deal with $108bn hostile bid Surging gas prices worsen affordability crisis for Americans Nvidia can sell H200 AI chips to China, Donald Trump says Retail investors help drive gold and US stocks to bubble territory, BIS warns Credit: CNBC Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Victoria Craig and Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Kelly Garry. Additional help from 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.

Europe seeks to rally support for Ukraine as US pressure builds, and there’s likely to be plenty of debate ahead of the Federal Reserve’s final rate decision of the year. Plus, how Netflix’s blockbuster Warner Brothers Discovery buy could reshape entertainment. Mentioned in this podcast: European allies to rally support for Ukraine as US pressure mounts France shielding €18bn Russian asset pot from EU ‘reparations loan’ push Fed expected to cut rates despite deep divisions over US economic outlook Donald Trump drives historic shift of power from investors to boardrooms Hollywood fears job cuts as opposition to Netflix-Warner deal grows Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted by Victoria Craig, and produced by Julia Webster and Marc Filippino. Our show was mixed by Alex Higgins. Additional help from 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 Big Four accounting firms maintained their iron grip on auditing the UK’s largest companies last year, the industry watchdog has found. Plus, Japan’s economic normalisation could impact global bond markets. Mentioned in this podcast: Big Four maintain stranglehold on biggest UK audits US senators seek to block Nvidia sales of advanced chips to China Japan’s economic normalisation will affect global liquidity Japanese 10-year bond yields rise to highest level since 2007 Register for the FT’s Global Boardroom digital conference Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Victoria Craig and Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, 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.

Bond-market investors worry that the leading candidate for Fed chair is too close to US President Donald Trump, while HSBC finally picks its new chair. Plus, the EU has a last-minute plan to fund Ukraine’s economic revival. Mentioned in this podcast: Bond investors warned US Treasury over picking Kevin Hassett as Fed chair HSBC appoints Brendan Nelson as chair after chaotic search Brussels floats ‘emergency’ powers to raise €210bn from Russian assets Tell us whether your spending habits have changed this holiday season. Email Marc at marc.filippino@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Fiona Symon, Victoria Craig and Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Kelly Garry. Additional help from Michael Lello. 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.

Nigel Farage has told donors he expects to do an election deal with the Conservatives, and the race to narrow OpenAI’s dominance in the chatbot race. Plus, Eurozone inflation unexpectedly turns higher and China’s biopharma industry could be a threat to western dominance in the sector. Mentioned in this podcast: Farage tells donors he expects to do an election deal with the Tories Mistral unveils new models in race to gain edge in ‘open’ AI OpenAI’s Sam Altman declares ‘code red’ after rivals make advances Eurozone inflation unexpectedly rises to 2.2% in November Will the next blockbuster drug come from China? Donald Trump says he will nominate Federal Reserve chair in ‘early’ 2026 Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Fiona Symon, Victoria Craig and Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Kent Militzer. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, 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.

UK pension funds are cutting back their exposure to US equities, and Swiss prosecutors have filed charges against Credit Suisse and its owner UBS over alleged organisational “deficiencies”. Plus, the chair of the UK's Office for Budget Responsibility has resigned, and the UK government will increase NHS spending on medicines to secure a carve-out from threatened US tariffs. Mentioned in this podcast: UK pension funds dump US equities on fears of AI bubble Swiss prosecutors file charges against Credit Suisse and UBS Head of UK fiscal watchdog quits after Budget leak NHS to increase medicines spending to avoid threatened Trump tariffs Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted by Sonja Hutson, and produced by Fiona Symon. Our show was mixed by Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, 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.

Artificial intelligence is threatening starting consultancy salaries, and the push to end Russia’s years-long invasion of Ukraine continues this week. Plus, Revolut did not tell UK regulators its CEO was listed as UAE resident. And, voice trading is making a comeback on one part of Wall Street. Mentioned in this podcast: Top consultancies freeze starting salaries as AI threatens ‘pyramid’ model Zelenskyy aides meet Trump team in Florida for talks on peace plan UK officials sought assurances from Revolut over CEO Storonsky’s surprise move Voice trading makes a comeback in $30tn Treasury market Who Killed Europe’s single market dream? Credit: Associated Press Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted by Victoria Craig, and produced by Nisa Patel and Marc Filippino. Our show was mixed by Alexander Higgins. Additional help from 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.

As President Donald Trump approaches the one-year anniversary of his second term in office, the FT’s chief economics commentator Martin Wolf, and Nobel prize-winning economist Paul Krugman sit down to discuss the US economy and the state of American democracy. Are American consumers finally feeling the effect of Trump’s tariffs? Is AI to blame for the frozen labour market? Or is the spectre of a weakening democracy and plutocracy to blame for slumping consumer sentiment? In the first of four weekly episodes, Wolf and Krugman unpick the US and world economy, with Krugman explaining why he’s less pessimistic now than he was earlier this year. Subscribe and listen to this series of The Economics Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to podcasts. Read Martin’s column here. Subscribe to Paul’s Substack here. Find Paul’s cultural coda here. Find Martin’s cultural coda here. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound design by Breen Turner. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Artificial intelligence has the potential to disrupt almost every industry we work in, from manufacturing to stock trading. Defence is no exception, and at a time of rising global conflict, the question of how different militaries are using AI is increasingly important. The FT’s Helen Warrell is joined by MIT Technology Review senior reporter James O’Donnell to debate the ethical, political and practical questions around AI warfare. Mentioned in this podcast: The State of AI: the new rules of war Read the whole State of AI series here Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was edited by Marc Filippino, and hosted by Helen Warrell. It was produced by Victoria Craig and Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Kelly Garry. Additional help from 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.