FT News Briefing

Demetri Sevastopulo, the Washington bureau chief for the Financial Times, shares his insights on the crucial role of suburban women in the U.S. presidential election. He discusses how shifting demographics, including rising diversity, influence voting trends. The podcast also highlights the challenges posed by Trump's approach amidst social unrest and his need to focus on safety to win suburban support. Additionally, a recent WHO study reveals that remdesivir has minimal impact on COVID-19 mortality, adding to the complexities of the ongoing pandemic.

Investors are feeling skeptical about recent US bank earnings, despite lower loan loss provisions. Meanwhile, France and the Netherlands are making headlines by teaming up to push for EU regulations on big tech. As the holiday season approaches, Amazon faces significant logistical challenges and is ramping up its operations to meet soaring demand. The podcast delves into these intriguing dynamics shaping the financial landscape and tech industry.

The EU is now poised to impose $4 billion in tariffs on US goods due to illegal aid to Boeing. Meanwhile, the IMF warns that the pandemic will cause lasting damage to global living standards. Hedge funds are increasingly betting against the stock market's pandemic winners, as they believe those high-flying stocks may have peaked. Additionally, Apple is making its entrance into the 5G market with a new line of iPhones, adding to the market's shifting dynamics.

US stocks are rallying as optimism grows around the presidential election, particularly with a strong lead for Biden. Meanwhile, US banks prepare for earnings, considering how a Democratic wave could reshape their fortunes. Young workers in the UK face severe unemployment as the economy struggles. The podcast highlights shifting perceptions about banking leadership and consumer confidence, hinting at potential recovery amid pandemic challenges.

EU regulators are targeting major tech companies with a 'hit list' that could enforce significantly stricter rules. Meanwhile, emerging economies are urgently calling for comprehensive debt relief as they grapple with pandemic fallout. On another front, Brexit negotiations are seeing a blend of optimism and tension as leaders navigate critical issues like fishing rights and regulatory fairness. The atmosphere remains cautiously hopeful as discussions continue regarding the future of UK-EU relations.

Dimitri Sevastopolous, D.C. bureau chief for the Financial Times, sheds light on the evolving dynamics of U.S.-China relations amid contrasting approaches from Joe Biden and Donald Trump. He discusses rising tensions and how political rhetoric has shifted perceptions. Additionally, the conversation dives into innovative whiskey production, featuring a Silicon Valley startup's groundbreaking technology that dramatically accelerates the aging process, raising questions about quality and tradition in the spirits industry.

In this engaging discussion, Tom Burgess, an FT investigations correspondent known for his incisive reporting, dives into the controversy surrounding Eli Lilly's urgent request for Covid-19 antibody approval. He also unpacks the Vatican's dubious investment in derivatives, questioning the morality behind using charity funds. Most chillingly, he investigates the mysterious deaths of two potential witnesses linked to a high-stakes mining corruption case, shedding light on the dark underbelly of corporate misconduct and the risks faced by whistleblowers.

Donald Trump halted negotiations on a new fiscal stimulus package, leaving the economic outlook uncertain. Economists warn that hidden unemployment figures may be far worse than reported, posing risks to recovery efforts. Meanwhile, Macy's is investing in Klarna, a leading Swedish fintech, to reinvent its retail strategy as online shopping evolves. The rising trend of buy now, pay later services is shifting consumer behaviors, pushing traditional retailers to adapt or face challenges.

The return of a former president to the White House after a COVID-19 battle raises questions about his health and campaign strategies. Meanwhile, the IMF urges wealthy nations to invest in infrastructure while navigating the risks of public debt. On the tech front, a fierce legal battle over trade secrets between South Korean companies could reshape the future of electric vehicles in the U.S. These events illustrate the intersection of health, politics, and technology in today’s world.

Health updates about Donald Trump reveal he might leave the hospital soon, raising questions about his presidential campaign. The podcast dives deep into the shifting landscape of financial services after Brexit, discussing London's competition with cities like Dublin and Paris. It also addresses the challenges faced by UK firms seeking access to EU markets, highlighting key regulatory dynamics and the importance of 'equivalence' in this new financial environment.