FT News Briefing

Steph Chavez, a Washington reporter with on-the-ground insights from Wisconsin, shares the emotional landscape of voters during a historically tight U.S. election, highlighting key issues like reproductive rights and immigration. Meanwhile, Guy Chazan, the Berlin bureau chief, delves into Germany's budget crisis, discussing the potential collapse of the coalition government and its implications for Europe. The podcast captures the chaotic dynamics of both the U.S. elections and Germany's political arena amid ongoing financial struggles.

James Politi, FT's Washington Bureau Chief, shares insights on what to expect as US election results are released, emphasizing market reactions and key battleground states. He discusses the uncertainty surrounding the election amidst legal battles. Anu Adeoye, FT's West Africa correspondent, highlights the rise of the Nigerian fintech company MoneyPoint as it achieves unicorn status, addressing the innovation in banking solutions tailored for a cash-centric economy and its potential impact across Africa.

Join Stephen Foley, FT's U.S. accounting editor with deep insights into corporate financial strategies, and Amanda Chu, energy analyst specializing in clean hydrogen. They discuss the staggering $250 billion in corporate taxes at stake due to the upcoming U.S. election and the contrasting futures facing major corporations. The conversation pivots to the clean hydrogen industry, grappling with stalled projects and collapsing share prices, underlining the significant investment challenges ahead.

Joining the discussion are Lauren Fedor, Deputy Washington Bureau Chief at the Financial Times, and Oliver Roeder, Senior Data Journalist specializing in election analysis. They dive into why polls are static as the election nears. The conversation highlights unique voter motivations, particularly Trump and Harris's strategies to energize their base. They also touch on the potential of prediction markets and the complexities of swing voters in this polarized political climate. Insights into anxiety management around elections offer a refreshing perspective.

Barney Jopson, the Financial Times' Spain and Portugal correspondent, dives into Spain's rapid economic growth, highlighting how it's set to become the world's fastest-growing advanced economy. He discusses the role of foreign investment, immigration, and tourism in this boom. The conversation also touches on the geopolitical tension with North Korea's potential combat support for Russia and its implications for Europe. Jopson provides insight into the lessons Spain's recovery can offer to the struggling Eurozone.

Lucy Fisher, the FT's Whitehall editor, dives into the UK Labour Party's bold budget proposals, which include a staggering £40 billion tax increase and £28 billion in borrowing aimed at boosting growth and improving living standards. She discusses the potential political motivations behind these fiscal strategies, particularly in light of the current economic challenges. The conversation also touches on the recent changes to voting laws in Arizona, highlighting the impact on Indigenous communities and the ongoing national debate around election integrity.

Guests Mihul Srivastava, FT's correspondent on the Israel-Hamas conflict, and Tim Bradshaw, global tech correspondent, dive into pressing topics. Srivastava shares insights on the new Israeli law impacting UN aid for Palestinians, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, Bradshaw discusses Arm's bold move into the AI sector, detailing its plans to lessen reliance on Nvidia and develop its own chips. The duo also touches on intriguing innovations like using African rats for wildlife conservation.

Claire Bushy, an FT reporter with deep insights into Boeing's financial turmoil, shares details on the company's $19 billion share sale aimed at avoiding a credit downgrade. She highlights the implications of Boeing's $6 billion loss and job cuts in the aerospace sector. Joining her is Taylor Nicole Rogers, who addresses the alarming challenges of recruiting poll workers in the U.S., exacerbated by threats and violence. Their discussion underscores a crucial moment in navigating corporate and civic responsibilities.

Ben Hall, the FT’s Europe editor, provides an insightful analysis of the disputed election in Georgia, where allegations of fraud have sparked opposition protests and calls for EU integration. Nick McGaw, the FT’s U.S. Capital Markets correspondent, discusses how U.S. tax regulations are forcing investment funds to offload tech shares to avoid penalties. The conversation also delves into the potential repercussions of Donald Trump’s trade policies on European markets, highlighting the challenges posed by concentrated stock investments amidst market volatility.

In this insightful discussion, Peter Spiegel, U.S. Managing Editor of the Financial Times, joins Erik Gordon and Francine Lafontaine, both professors at the University of Michigan, to dive into the political and economic landscape ahead of the 2024 election. They explore how public perceptions of the economy sway voter behavior, particularly among younger demographics. The trio critiques the Biden campaign's economic messaging and discusses the rising trend of populism. Insights on tariffs, inflation, and their effects on voter sentiment add depth to this engaging conversation.