FT News Briefing

A pivotal trade deal between the US and UK has been forged, aiming to tackle tariffs and boost economic relations. The Bank of England has also slashed interest rates, raising questions about the economy's direction. In a surprising twist, a previously dismissed FTC commissioner discusses political pressures affecting regulatory independence. Meanwhile, the election of the first American pope adds an unexpected highlight to the mix. Trade negotiations and new regulations for big tech are key points of focus, illustrating the intricate dance of politics and economics.

Tensions rise as Pakistan vows to retaliate following India's airstrikes, spotlighting the frail state of its economy. Meanwhile, the US has canceled a rule restricting AI chip exports, stirring new market dynamics. The Federal Reserve maintains steady interest rates amidst these global upheavals. In the tech world, DoorDash's potential acquisition of Deliveroo raises questions about the future attractiveness of the London Stock Exchange and highlights contrasting investor sentiments between the UK and US in tech listings.

India has conducted precision strikes on nine sites in Pakistan, escalating tensions in South Asia. Meanwhile, Friedrich Merz, Germany's new chancellor, faces a rocky start following a major parliamentary defeat. On the economic front, Argentina is shifting from renowned wine production to a burgeoning copper mining industry, raising concerns among vineyard owners. Additionally, U.S. and China are set to kick off pivotal trade talks, marking a crucial moment amid ongoing trade tensions.

OpenAI decides to remain a non-profit, reaffirming its mission amid scrutiny. U.S. stocks bounce back from turmoil following tariff announcements, driven by a strong labor market. Tensions surround the upcoming Bank of England meeting as interest rates are expected to be cut. Meanwhile, legal challenges loom for Meta, testing the boundaries of AI training with copyrighted material. This courtroom drama could redefine copyright implications for tech companies and authors alike, amid a shifting landscape in AI law.

Warren Buffett's retirement after decades at Berkshire Hathaway is a seismic shift in the investing world. Greg Abel steps up as the new CEO, inheriting a legacy and high expectations. Meanwhile, Chinese exporters are cleverly sidestepping U.S. tariffs by using third countries. In Nigeria, local oil companies are gaining ground as foreign majors exit, driven by the new Petroleum Industry Act. This shift may reinvigorate community relations and the economy in Nigeria. Global trade challenges and investment strategies are also hot topics.

Oren Cass, the executive director of American Compass and a conservative economic policy contributor, joins Edward Luce, US national editor and columnist for the Financial Times. Together, they dive into the contentious topic of tariffs, exploring why some conservatives still support them despite criticism. The discussion touches on the economic repercussions of Trump's trade war, the shifting dynamics of global power, and the uncertainty faced by businesses. They also consider how ongoing tariff policies affect international alliances, particularly with China.

Amazon faces challenges from Trump's trade war with weaker forecasts. As Australians prepare to vote, they grapple with inflation and a rising cost of living. The political landscape shows Labor gaining traction amid international tensions. European banks thrive from market volatility, an unexpected boost. Voter sentiments reflect concern over coal dependence versus renewable energy ambitions, showcasing a nation at a crossroads.

Microsoft's earnings surprise analysts as demand for cloud services booms. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy shows signs of contraction, raising questions about the impact of tariffs. Spain grapples with a massive power outage, affecting daily life and sparking investigations into its causes amid rising renewable energy usage. As England prepares for local elections, the Conservatives brace for potential losses in a competitive political landscape. Tune in for insights on economics, energy, and the shifting tides of political power!

Donald Trump announced tariff relief for carmakers, boosting shares in Japan after Toyota's plan to privatize a subsidiary captured attention. Wall Street economists forecasted a U.S. GDP shrinkage, raising questions about economic stability. Meanwhile, Generation Z is surprisingly embracing in-office work, defying stereotypes about remote preferences. The podcast dives into how these trends could signal a significant corporate shift in Japan, potentially leading to a more shareholder-friendly market. It's an intriguing mix of economics, corporate strategy, and generational insights.

The oil industry is bracing for a challenging year, facing declining profits and shifting market dynamics. Spain and Portugal struggle with a massive power outage that's affecting renewable energy efforts. Meanwhile, the surge in the Swiss franc poses complications for the central bank, raising concerns about possible negative interest rates. Amid these events, major oil companies are recalibrating their strategies to navigate the economic turbulence and upcoming earnings reports.