FT News Briefing

Christina Criddle, an FT AI reporter in San Francisco, and Chris Cook, FT computational journalism lead, discuss unpacking millions of Jeffrey Epstein documents and protecting victims while making files searchable. They also cover OpenAI senior staff exits as the company prioritizes ChatGPT, and how that reshapes research, hiring and product focus.

US tech stocks fell on Tuesday over AI concerns, Elon Musk is charting a new path for his “Muskverse” of companies, and the US military shot down an Iranian drone as Middle East tensions escalate. Plus, domestic energy companies in Argentina have benefitted from the country’s volatile economy, and Peter Mandelson is no longer a member of the House of Lords after Epstein scandal revelations.Mentioned in this podcast:US stocks drop on fears AI will hit software and analytics groupsTesla lurches into the Musk robotics eraSpaceX buys xAI in $1.25tn deal to unite crucial parts of Elon Musk’s empireUS shoots down Iranian drone as Middle East tensions escalatePolice launch criminal investigation into Mandelson over Epstein scandalNote: 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. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s Global Head of Audio. 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.

Sarah White, FT Paris correspondent covering French banking, and Chris Grimes, FT Los Angeles bureau chief covering Hollywood, discuss Disney’s looming leadership choice and who might steer its future. They compare internal contenders and debate whether the company should stay integrated or split its businesses. The conversation also touches on wider industry and strategic stakes.

Madeline Speed, consumer industries reporter who uncovered the baby formula contamination story. Claire Jones, U.S. economics editor who analyzes Fed policy and Kevin Warsh’s nomination. They discuss Warsh’s push to rethink the Fed’s balance sheet and ties with the Treasury. They also cover contaminated infant formula’s market and regulatory fallout, plus wild swings in precious metals hitting New York’s Diamond District.

Jamie Smith, FT reporter on Canada’s oil shift to Asia. Victoria Craig, FT energy journalist tracking oil prices and Venezuela. Antoine Gara, FT markets writer on Blackstone’s IPO push. They discuss Blackstone lining up a huge IPO pipeline. They cover why markets may favor profitable non-tech listings. They explore Canada’s exports to China and oil majors’ moves on Venezuela.

Tesla posts its first annual revenue drop and trims its car lineup while pivoting toward AI. Tensions rise as Trump warns Iran time is limited and US forces reposition. The Federal Reserve holds rates amid mixed signals on inflation and jobs. Precious metals surge sends mining companies’ market values soaring.

Richard Milne, an Oslo-based Nordic and Arctic security reporter, and Patrick Temple West, a US health insurance analyst, discuss trembling US insurer stocks after proposed Medicare rate changes. They also cover NATO ramping up Arctic forces and the EU-India trade deal cutting billions in tariffs. Short, timely deep dives on markets, geopolitics and trade.

Michelle Chan, a U.S. credit correspondent covering corporate bond markets, and Ian Smith, a senior markets correspondent focused on currencies and bonds, discuss a sharp yen rally and signs the U.S. and Japan may coordinate to support the currency. They also cover why big tech is rushing into investment-grade bonds and what that surge could mean for borrowing and market concentration.

Claire Jones, U.S. economics editor at the Financial Times, outlines contenders for the next Federal Reserve chair and market reactions. James Fontanella-Kahn, U.S. finance editor, explains the US plan to invest in rare earths and why Beijing matters for supply chains. They also discuss the political fallout from federal immigration enforcement and related policy tensions.

Mehul Srivastava, an FT reporter on international politics, discusses Trump's controversial 'Board of Peace', exploring its origins and potential to challenge the UN. Najmeh Buzorgmir, the FT Tehran correspondent, provides firsthand accounts of Iran's government crackdown, detailing property seizures and the unrest's impact. Victoria Craig offers insights into the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting, the expectations for interest rates, and propositions for potential successors to Fed chair Jay Powell.