FT News Briefing

The Federal Reserve announces no immediate changes to interest rates, creating ripples in the financial world. Beyond Meat skyrockets with a massive IPO, sparking interest in plant-based foods. Attorney General William Barr faces backlash over his handling of the Mueller report, adding to political tensions. Meanwhile, Boris Johnson's unexpected quirks in the Brexit saga leave political analysts buzzing about his future and the chaotic state of the Conservative Party's leadership.

Apple's optimistic forecast hints at a recovery in iPhone sales, while Trump shifts his stance on trade talks with China. In a historical moment, Japan welcomes its first modern monarch, Crown Prince Naruhito. Meanwhile, Venezuela faces escalating unrest as Juan Guaidó calls for an uprising against Maduro. Clashes erupt between protesters and security forces, highlighting a deepening political crisis that draws international scrutiny and raises uncertainty about Venezuela's future.

Google's ad revenue takes a hit, raising eyebrows in the tech world. The We Company considers an IPO as market dynamics shift. Shipping executives propose speed limits to curb emissions, igniting a debate on eco-friendly practices. Meanwhile, a fierce battle unfolds in the U.S. shale oil sector, with Occidental's massive bid for Anadarko sparking intrigue around industry consolidation. The rivalry between Chevron and Occidental highlights the complexities of large acquisitions and insider trading allegations.

Spain's Socialist Party scores a significant victory in the country’s elections. Meanwhile, US and UK airlines face financial turbulence from the Boeing 737 Max grounding. Deutsche Bank’s chairman insists no major strategic overhaul is needed. The discussion dives into the intriguing career of Tom Barrack, a contrarian investor linked to Trump's circle, revealing both his bold decisions and the complexities of his investment record.

Uber is shaking things up by lowering its share price range ahead of its IPO. Meanwhile, Amazon is racing to slash shipping times to just one day for Prime members. In the banking world, the merger talks between Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank have collapsed, leaving both in a tight spot. Turning to Spain, the political scene is heating up as a polarized electorate prepares for a general election, with five parties vying for power and an uncertain outcome on the horizon.

Tesla's shocking $702 million net loss sparks discussions about its financial future. Facebook prepares for a historic $3 billion FTC fine, raising questions about accountability in tech. Amazon faces growth struggles as it looks beyond domestic markets. Meanwhile, European banks, including Deutsche Bank and Barclays, brace for tougher days ahead amid dismal forecasts. A surprise success from Credit Suisse sheds light on the current banking landscape, highlighting the power dynamics between American and European financial institutions.

The U.S. stock market hits new highs as central bank strategies take center stage. Jack Dorsey discusses crucial issues with President Trump, while an industry leader reveals plans to bring jobs back to Europe. The Democratic party grapples with a split over impeachment strategies post-Mueller report, debating immediate action versus a focus on the upcoming election. Additionally, the podcast delves into the historical context and implications of impeachment, examining past presidents and the legal frameworks involved.

The podcast dives into political upheaval as Democrats subpoena former White House counsel Don McGahn. Elon Musk announces ambitious plans for Tesla to roll out driverless taxis by 2020. Barclays is set to cut bonuses for its investment bankers, stirring up buzz. Meanwhile, Theresa May resumes crucial Brexit talks amid rising tensions. The discussion also highlights the U.S. decision to end sanctions waivers on Iranian oil, assessing its impact on the global market and regional stability.

A comedian is set to lead Ukraine, marking a surprising twist in politics. In London, climate activists are demanding a face-to-face with Mayor Sadiq Khan. Meanwhile, China is holding back on controversial rules about foreign data access. The podcast also delves into Turkey's economic struggles, highlighting the alarming drop in the lira's value and the central bank's precarious financial maneuvers. A mix of politics, environmental activism, and financial turmoil makes for an engaging discussion.

Huawei is shaking things up with a new $600 5G smartphone. Meanwhile, Pinterest and Zoom are set to make waves with their initial public offerings. In agriculture, U.S. soybean exports to China are on the rise for the first time in months, highlighting a shift in trade dynamics. The significance of these developments could reshape discussions between the two nations. Plus, China's strategic soybean purchases might be a move to ease tensions in ongoing trade negotiations.