FT News Briefing

Palantir surpasses Wall Street expectations with impressive sales growth after going public. As tensions rise, Poland's prime minister threatens to reject the EU’s next budget over rule of law concerns. Meanwhile, Denmark is facing backlash for its decision to cull millions of mink due to COVID-19 mutations, sparking heated debates about public health and animal rights. Additionally, the U.S. Senate gears up to vote on a controversial nominee for the Federal Reserve, hinting at potential shifts in monetary policy.

Boris Johnson's top communications aide has resigned, highlighting a power struggle in Downing Street. The European Central Bank plans to sustain low financing costs to support the eurozone's recovery. TikTok faces legal challenges related to its U.S. operations as it races against a divestment deadline. Additionally, Turkey grapples with an economic crisis as its lira tumbles, while President Erdogan's policies spark investor distrust, leading to significant political consequences.

Republicans are increasingly backing Trump’s unfounded claims about the election outcomes. Lyft is exploring a venture into the delivery market to compete with Uber Eats. Meanwhile, SoftBank is contemplating shifting its Vision Fund operations to Abu Dhabi for potential tax advantages. In tech news, the EU unleashes antitrust charges against Amazon, raising concerns for small businesses in Europe. Lastly, small shopkeepers express frustration over ongoing lockdowns, highlighting their challenges during this difficult economic period.

A breakthrough Covid-19 vaccine fueled a global stock rally, especially in travel and aerospace sectors. The vaccine's impressive 90% effectiveness showcases innovative mRNA technology, with distribution plans underway. Meanwhile, Nikola faces mounting legal troubles amid fraud allegations and an active investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. In India, the competition watchdog launches a detailed probe into Google's mobile app store and payment service, potentially reshaping the tech landscape.

President-elect Biden is navigating a power struggle within the Democratic Party, balancing the demands of progressives and moderates. As tensions rise, the implications for upcoming elections are crucial. Meanwhile, post-Brexit trade negotiations with the UK are gaining urgency, with significant concessions at stake. The podcast also highlights Westfield's legal threats to tenants over unpaid rents, shedding light on the pandemic's impact on retail businesses during the crucial holiday shopping season.

Joe Biden inches closer to victory as Trump cries foul over election results. The Federal Reserve holds steady on rates, while the Bank of England rolls out a massive stimulus package to combat the second lockdown. Meanwhile, Uber's earnings fall short of expectations despite a rebound in ride-sharing. The podcast also examines Proposition 22, which allows gig economy firms to sidestep worker benefits by classifying employees as independent contractors.

Joe Biden's victories in Wisconsin and Michigan significantly boost his presidential hopes, even as Trump's team launches legal challenges. Investors are recalibrating their strategies amid this political volatility. The U.S. has officially withdrawn from the Paris Climate Agreement, raising concerns about global climate efforts. Experts highlight the potential shift in climate policy with a Biden presidency, emphasizing the importance of U.S. leadership in achieving net zero emissions. The stakes couldn't be higher for both the political landscape and environmental strategies.

The ongoing uncertainty of the U.S. presidential election is causing delays in ballot counting, raising concerns over legal challenges and potential voter fraud. Business leaders are anxious about the implications for democratic stability and their operations. Meanwhile, China has taken a surprising step by suspending Ant Group's $37bn IPO due to regulatory scrutiny, which could have major repercussions for the fintech sector. The call for urgent economic stimulus adds another layer to the current business climate.

As U.S. election day unfolds, anticipation mounts over potential delays in results and the implications of voter turnout. Investors are closely monitoring Trump and Biden's policies that could reshape the market. Meanwhile, Nvidia's ambitious $40 billion deal for Arm faces hurdles due to challenges in China. Volkswagen also finds itself on the edge, nearly brushing against tough EU carbon emission limits. It's a whirlwind of politics, investment insight, and corporate hurdles all colliding.

Europe is bracing for a tough economic forecast, projecting a 2.3% contraction due to new COVID-19 lockdowns. UK business leaders are urging the government for urgent financial support amid these challenges. The aerospace industry is feeling the strain from both Brexit and the pandemic, facing unique export difficulties and regulatory hurdles. The shift from EASA to a domestic authority complicates matters further, highlighting the need for international recognition and agreements in the evolving landscape.