FT News Briefing

Boris Johnson faced significant setbacks as Parliament moved to prevent a no-deal Brexit and blocked his election call. Slack showcased impressive revenue growth despite predicting greater losses post IPO. In Hong Kong, the controversial extradition bill was withdrawn amidst ongoing protests. Apple made a return to the bond market after a long hiatus. Meanwhile, YouTube agreed to a hefty $170 million privacy settlement, and Google is embroiled in allegations of secretly sharing personal data with advertisers, raising eyebrows about its data practices.

UK political dramas unfold as Conservative rebels challenge Boris Johnson's Brexit stance, pushing the nation closer to a general election. Meanwhile, Italy's Five Star Movement opts for a coalition with a center-left partner, reflecting shifting alliances. In the U.S., Walmart reacts to recent tragedies with new ammunition sales restrictions, highlighting a growing concern for safety. Additionally, the U.S. manufacturing sector faces a contraction for the first time since 2016, fueled by trade tensions and economic uncertainty.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is threatening a general election amid rising tensions with rebel MPs and Labour. Meanwhile, Germany faces economic challenges linked to Brexit, impacting exports and leading to the collapse of major merger talks in the legal sector. Additionally, delve into Verily, the ambitious health initiative by Alphabet, as it navigates partnerships and new leadership while aiming to revolutionize healthcare.

This episode dives into potential merger talks between tobacco giants Philip Morris International and Altria, sparking discussion on the evolving tobacco industry. It explores how declining smoking rates are influencing revenue and the industry's strategic shift to alternatives like vaping. The podcast also highlights the growing significance of remittances, with migrants sending home billions to support local economies. It examines how shifting financial strategies and demographic trends are shaping the future of global remittance flows.

US companies are holding steady in China despite political pressure to pull out. Argentina's plea for debt relief falls flat with creditors. Meanwhile, Boris Johnson gears up his chief negotiator for Brexit discussions with the EU. The conversation also dives into Christine Lagarde's legacy at the IMF and what it could mean for her upcoming role at the European Central Bank. This leadership transition could reshape economic policies amidst existing challenges in the Eurozone.

Italy is on the brink of a new government as the far-right is sidelined and coalition talks heat up. Meanwhile, Apple faces backlash for listening to Siri conversations, raising concerns about privacy. The podcast also delves into Boris Johnson’s controversial suspension of Parliament amid Brexit tensions, igniting public protests and significant political maneuvering. Lastly, Yahoo! Japan takes a bold step by banning ivory trading, reflecting growing corporate accountability.

Purdue Pharma offers a massive $10-$12 billion settlement amid ongoing lawsuits, while a potential merger between Philip Morris and Altria could reshape the tobacco landscape. As the UK faces Brexit challenges, the Federal Reserve emphasizes its independence from politics. Meanwhile, concerns about 'Japanification' rise as investors worry about long-term economic stagnation, low inflation, and the aging population's impact on the U.S. and global economies. Innovative strategies may be essential to navigate these economic hurdles.

Drugmakers may settle thousands of opioid claims following a significant ruling against Johnson & Johnson. Meanwhile, President Trump reveals China's interest in resuming trade talks, potentially easing tensions. Hedge funds are feeling the pinch as Argentina's market struggles, with losses exceeding 16% for one firm in August. Additionally, Brazilian businesses face backlash over the Amazon rainforest fires, raising concerns about international relations and the future of agribusiness amid environmental pressures.

This summer special dives into the intense scrutiny facing America's private prison system and the financial strains on major players like GeoGroup and CoreCivic. It highlights how activists are shifting their focus from divestment to holding banks accountable for funding prison operations. The discussion also covers demographic changes in global cities, revealing population declines driven by high living costs. Lastly, it tackles the widening gap between rich and poor, urging immediate action to tackle growing inequality.

The yield on two-year Treasury bills has surpassed the benchmark 10-year notes, raising recession concerns. Tensions around Facebook's Libra project intensify as early backers face increased regulatory scrutiny. Brazil proposes an innovative approach to combat illegal logging by monetizing the Amazon rainforest. As the G7 summit approaches, geopolitical issues like U.S.-Iran relations and Brexit loom large, highlighting the struggles and divisions among Western democracies.