FT News Briefing

Donald Trump has announced Ohio Senator JD Vance as his vice-presidential nominee, stirring discussions on the implications for the 2024 election. The conversation dives into Vance's shift from opposition to alignment with Trump, highlighting its impact on swing states and the Republican Party's strategies. Additionally, the dismissal of a criminal case against Trump is explored, reflecting his ongoing legal challenges. The podcast also critiques the inefficacy of a U.S.-built floating pier for aid in Gaza, shedding light on the complexities of humanitarian efforts in conflict zones.

A shocking assassination attempt on Donald Trump sets off urgent investigations into security failings during a rally. The political landscape shakes as Trump calls for unity amid chaos, while Biden's response hints at broader ramifications. Meanwhile, the UK faces challenges in housing as the Labour Party struggles with ambitious goals amidst a sluggish market. Workers at an Amazon warehouse are caught in a union vote, with the company launching a charm offensive to sway the outcome. Tension and uncertainty loom across the board.

Barbara Perry, a professor of presidential studies at the University of Virginia, dives into the ramifications of Trump’s Supreme Court appointments. She discusses pivotal rulings on abortion rights and affirmative action, examining their long-term impacts ahead of the 2024 election. The conversation highlights the tension between the court's conservative decisions and public sentiment, particularly regarding presidential immunity. Perry also touches on how sports narratives, like those of the U.S. soccer teams, might intertwine with political aspirations.

U.S. inflation has surprisingly dropped to 3%, impacting future Federal Reserve decisions. Meanwhile, Chinese leaders are gearing up to tackle economic challenges. The conversation also dives into the risks associated with deregulation, particularly after a Supreme Court ruling that shifts regulatory power to the judiciary. This change may spell trouble for businesses navigating a new legal landscape, raising concerns about the influence of judicial appointments on regulatory legitimacy.

Bill Hwang, the Archegos founder, is found guilty of fraud, raising eyebrows on Wall Street. As bankruptcy filings rise, investors are shunning risky junk bonds. Women’s tennis is gaining traction with substantial investments from Saudi Arabia, but faces branding hurdles and the absence of a major star. Meanwhile, Amazon is adapting by emulating Chinese models, introducing ultra-low-cost goods and aiming to counter rivals like Temu and Shein, who are shaking up the e-commerce landscape.

A missile strike in Kyiv reveals reliance on Western technology, raising geopolitical concerns. Investment banking shows signs of recovery despite economic hurdles. Fast fashion giant Shein is injecting €200 million to combat fashion waste while awaiting IPO approval. In Iran, newly elected president Masoud Pezeshkian may steer the nation toward reform, easing social restrictions and improving ties with the West, amidst internal resistance and economic challenges.

NATO leaders gather for a critical summit, navigating domestic pressures and pledging support for Ukraine. Europe's battery industry feels the pinch from a faltering EV market and rising Chinese competition. Meanwhile, Nike faces turmoil with its stock plummeting due to a banned basketball shoe and waning consumer interest in iconic Air Jordans. The discussion highlights shifting dynamics within global politics and market landscapes, emphasizing the complexities confronting both alliances and major brands.

France witnesses a remarkable left-wing political shift, successfully uniting against the far-right. Meanwhile, Labour's election triumph boosts UK market confidence, sparking discussions on potential economic reforms. On the international front, a Chinese province close to Taiwan struggles to attract businesses, despite aspirations for closer ties. Tensions rise as Taiwanese investments in China plummet, reflecting growing concerns and cautious investor attitudes. Lastly, the world is on track for record warmth, with ocean temperatures at their highest for 15 consecutive months.

Explore the Labour Party's remarkable victory that ends 14 years of Conservative rule in the UK. Delve into the rise of Reform UK, which has made significant inroads by capitalizing on anti-immigration sentiment. Discover the shifting political landscape as former Conservative voters turn to Reform, creating turbulence for the established party. Additionally, learn about Viktor Orbán's upcoming discussions with Vladimir Putin regarding peace in Ukraine, signaling intriguing diplomatic dynamics in Europe.

SoftBank shifts its focus from share buybacks to AI investments amid market pressures. Shell pauses a major biofuels project due to industry challenges. YouTube is negotiating with record labels about AI-generated music, exploring how these innovations could reshape the industry. The discussion delves into concerns about copyright issues and emotional connections between listeners and human artists, amidst the rise of AI in music creation.