FT News Briefing

The podcast dives into the U.S.-China trade conflict, highlighting Trump's ban on Huawei and Cisco's manufacturing adjustments. WeWork's efforts to curb losses ahead of its IPO are also discussed. In Europe, the political landscape is explored as France's president faces challenges to his vision of unity amid rising nationalism and skepticism from other member states. Proposals for deeper integration within the EU are met with resistance, emphasizing the complexities of fostering collaboration in uncertain political times.

A significant vulnerability in Intel chips could expose sensitive data to hackers. Meanwhile, Wall Street shows signs of recovery as trade war fears subside. The U.S.-Mexico trade dispute casts a shadow over the fruit and vegetable market. In UK politics, Prime Minister Theresa May urges Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn to decide on her Brexit compromise. Additionally, insights from Buenos Aires reveal how the IMF's massive bailout is influencing Argentina's ongoing economic crisis, marked by high inflation and public skepticism.

The trade war with China causes US stocks to tumble, marking a significant market shift. Uber's IPO disappoints, losing over 10% on its second day. Bayer faces a hefty court ruling exceeding $2 billion due to cancer claims linked to its weedkiller. Meanwhile, a lawsuit involving 44 states accuses major generic drugmakers of fixing prices on over 100 medications, raising urgent questions about drug pricing transparency. Discontent grows among American patients over rising prescription costs, coupled with significant Brexit negotiations unfolding in the UK.

Larry Kudlow hints at possible face-to-face talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, stirring hopes for a U.S.-China trade revival. Volkswagen faces governance turmoil, with shareholders urged to act against most board members. Meanwhile, Boeing is set to overhaul aircraft safety certification processes to rebuild trust in aviation. On the private equity front, firms are increasingly avoiding the UK post-Brexit, redirecting investment towards more stable markets in Europe due to ongoing uncertainties.

Tensions rise as the U.S. and North Korea engage in missile discussions, stirring diplomatic concerns. Meanwhile, trade talks between the U.S. and China heat up amid the threat of tariffs. A London advisory firm is poised to earn a staggering $27 million from Barbados’s debt restructuring. Additionally, excitement builds around Uber's upcoming IPO, with insights into market reactions and the competitive ride-sharing landscape.

New U.S. sanctions target Iran's metal sectors as the country halts compliance with the nuclear deal. Disney suffers a $353 million financial blow from its stake in Vice Media. The legal case against former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn takes a twist with evidence from a laptop in Lebanon. Meanwhile, political tensions swirl around the Mueller report, with demands for its unredacted version clashing against executive privilege claims. The landscape of U.S.-China trade negotiations also shifts amid growing political friction.

Global equities hit a significant dip as fears of a US-China trade war loom large. Lyft's stock plummets after warnings of slowing growth, dropping below its IPO price. Meanwhile, Google announces an innovative smart display featuring facial recognition for personalized recommendations. Additionally, the discussion dives into Bayer's challenges with super weeds, particularly palmer amaranth, and the implications of its controversial herbicide, Roundup, amidst ongoing legal battles related to health concerns.

Tensions escalate as senior US officials accuse China of backtracking on trade commitments, with potential tariff threats looming. In corporate news, Anadarko Petroleum’s board favors Occidental Petroleum’s $55bn bid against Chevron, raising shareholder concerns. Meanwhile, former Goldman Sachs banker Roger Ng is placed under house arrest with a hefty bail due to the 1MDB case. Additionally, Kraft Heinz faces serious accounting issues, prompting a restatement of nearly three years of earnings, shaking confidence in legacy brands.

President Trump drops a bombshell with threats of raising tariffs on all Chinese imports. Occidental Petroleum sweetens its offer for Anadarko Petroleum, drawing attention in the corporate world. Meanwhile, the EU gears up for a substantial antitrust investigation into Apple. On the economic front, insights reveal stronger-than-expected growth in the U.S. and China, despite looming challenges like trade conflicts and manufacturing concerns. A fascinating mix of corporate maneuvers and economic analysis keeps the discussion lively!

Investors are returning to complex debt-derivatives, stirring memories of past financial crises. In Hollywood, thousands of screenwriters are challenging their agents backed by private equity. The founder of a fentanyl spray company faces conviction for bribing doctors amid the opioid crisis. Barclays is navigating internal strife and a drop in share value, as activist investor Edward Bramson's board bid is met with resistance. Meanwhile, shifts in banking strategies signal a turbulent future for investment divisions.