Qatar and the World Cup - What's Going On?

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FTZ US business editor Andrew Edgcliffe-Johnson talks to our golf correspondent Simeon Kerr about the World Cup in Qatar. Saudi Arabia's shock victory over Argentina may mean there will be more of a focus on the pitch activities rather than off-the-pitch controversies that have bedeviled the tournament so far. The country is looking to diversify its economy away from all and particularly gas but at the same time, it's massively ramping up its gas export capacity. And how do you think they're doing so far? I still think it's up in the air.

Mortgage rates in the UK on five-year fixed deals have dipped below 6 per cent for the first time in nearly two months, and US retailers are facing their first real-terms fall in revenues since the global financial crisis this holiday season. Plus, the FT’s gulf correspondent, Simeon Kerr, explains why there’s so much pressure on Qatar as the country hosts the World Cup.

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Mortgage rates on five-year fixes tip below 6 per cent

US retailers face first real-terms fall in sales since financial crisis

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FIFA: Saleh Al-Shehri scores for Saudi Arabia vs Argentina!

The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson and Marc Filippino. The show’s editor is Jess Smith. Additional help by Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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