FT News Briefing

The US Supreme Court has ruled that Donald Trump is immune from prosecution for his official actions, raising questions about accountability for future presidents. Meanwhile, Amazon celebrates its first international profit in years, while China's workforce cuts signal a retreat for global banks. In Japan, regional banks are facing tough challenges due to population decline and changing demographics, prompting discussions on their future strategies and the broader economic implications.

The success of Marine Le Pen's far-right party in France reveals shifting voter sentiments on immigration and security. As the National Rally party rises, discussions about its implications for the EU ignite. In the financial world, US stock markets outperform expectations, while major firms like Morgan Stanley join others in scrapping UK bonus caps. Strategies shift toward small-cap and bank stocks, highlighting the evolving landscape of investment amidst the backdrop of changing political climates.

Jonathan Derbyshire, executive opinion editor at Financial Times, interviews renowned economist Martin Wolf. They discuss the alarming threats posed by autocrats to liberal democracies worldwide, with over 50 nations facing elections this year. Martin shares insights from conversations with notable figures like Robert Kagan and Fiona Hill, exploring the rise of populism and far-right parties. They examine the historical roots of political upheaval, the intricate ties between economics and nationalism, and the pressing need for vigilance in protecting democratic institutions.

Lauren Fedor, the Deputy Washington bureau chief for the Financial Times, dives into Joe Biden's shaky performance in the recent presidential debate against Donald Trump. Fedor discusses the rising anxieties within the Democratic Party and questions surrounding Biden’s fitness for re-election. She highlights the shift from policy-focused discourse to a greater emphasis on personal attributes and performance. The conversation reveals how a lackluster debate can shake the foundation of an incumbent's candidacy and elicit calls for a change.

The U.S. is bringing together foreign ministers from Israel and Arab countries for a NATO summit amid ongoing tensions. Meanwhile, EY's ambitious Project Everest has been shelved, prompting a new strategy focused on internal unity. Thames Water faces a looming financial disaster due to its ageing infrastructure, raising public safety concerns. The podcast also delves into the UK election landscape, highlighting the immigration debate and varying strategies of the Labour and Conservative parties, reflecting the public's distrust in political promises.

JPMorgan's decision to add India's sovereign debt to its emerging markets index signals a surge in foreign investment. Meanwhile, violent protests in Kenya forced the president to scrap controversial tax hikes amidst public unrest. The discussion also turns to U.S. interests in Africa, focusing on the potential lifting of sanctions on a billionaire to secure access to vital minerals. The geopolitical landscape remains tense as the U.S. navigates its strategies against Chinese competition for critical resources.

Electric vehicle excitement is in the air as Rivian's shares soar after Volkswagen's $5 billion investment! Meanwhile, global clean energy investments are predicted to reach a staggering $2 trillion next year. The EU is hitting back at tech giants, charging Microsoft with antitrust violations, amidst a tightening regulatory landscape. Additionally, a deadlock in the U.S. Senate could threaten ambitious global tax reforms. The situation presents both challenges and opportunities in the tech and clean energy sectors!

Wealthy foreigners in the UK are reconsidering their stay as tax changes loom, raising questions about the country's economic future. Meanwhile, Chinese businesses are relocating to dodge high tariffs, highlighting a shift in global manufacturing. The Brazilian market is struggling amidst investor concerns linked to Lula’s spending. Lastly, there's a deep dive into NVIDIA’s rise within the AI sector, drawing parallels to the dot-com boom and evaluating the challenges it faces in maintaining its leadership.

A legal loophole is enabling the EU to support Ukraine despite Hungary's veto. Meanwhile, collateralized loan obligations are surging in Europe as investors chase high yields, raising concerns about their safety. India is becoming a hotspot for AI investments, with tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft ramping up infrastructure. The podcast also highlights the challenges surrounding environmental sustainability in India's tech sector, as companies set up data centers while addressing energy consumption.

Fiona Hill, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and former foreign policy advisor to three U.S. presidents, joins Martin Wolf for a compelling discussion on the state of democracy. They explore the troubling rise of populism and autocratic leaders globally. Hill draws striking parallels between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, while criticizing Congress's dysfunction. She warns against complacency even if Biden wins, stressing the fragility of democratic institutions and the geopolitical implications for a potential second Trump presidency.