

FT News Briefing
Financial Times
A rundown of the most important global business stories you need to know for the coming day, from the newsroom of the Financial Times. Available every weekday morning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

70 snips
May 1, 2025 • 11min
Honey, I shrunk the economy
Microsoft's earnings surprise analysts as demand for cloud services booms. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy shows signs of contraction, raising questions about the impact of tariffs. Spain grapples with a massive power outage, affecting daily life and sparking investigations into its causes amid rising renewable energy usage. As England prepares for local elections, the Conservatives brace for potential losses in a competitive political landscape. Tune in for insights on economics, energy, and the shifting tides of political power!

43 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 11min
Japanese investors hope for a corporate shake-up
Donald Trump announced tariff relief for carmakers, boosting shares in Japan after Toyota's plan to privatize a subsidiary captured attention. Wall Street economists forecasted a U.S. GDP shrinkage, raising questions about economic stability. Meanwhile, Generation Z is surprisingly embracing in-office work, defying stereotypes about remote preferences. The podcast dives into how these trends could signal a significant corporate shift in Japan, potentially leading to a more shareholder-friendly market. It's an intriguing mix of economics, corporate strategy, and generational insights.

46 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 10min
Big oil braces for a rough year
The oil industry is bracing for a challenging year, facing declining profits and shifting market dynamics. Spain and Portugal struggle with a massive power outage that's affecting renewable energy efforts. Meanwhile, the surge in the Swiss franc poses complications for the central bank, raising concerns about possible negative interest rates. Amid these events, major oil companies are recalibrating their strategies to navigate the economic turbulence and upcoming earnings reports.

76 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 12min
The elusive Ukraine peace deal
Canadians are gearing up to vote for a new prime minister amidst politically charged discussions. Meanwhile, a controversial U.S. proposal could see Russia maintaining some territory in Ukraine, complicating peace talks. The podcast also dives into the fallout from a deadly airstrike in Kyiv, which has stalled negotiations further. Additionally, American companies express growing concerns over tariffs and a potential recession as they adjust their earnings forecasts amid changing consumer spending patterns.

55 snips
Apr 26, 2025 • 19min
Swamp Notes: Trump’s ‘you break it, you buy it’ moment
John McHenry, VP of North Star Opinion Research, offers insights on Republican voter sentiments, while FT's economics editor Sam Fleming examines Trump's fluctuating tariffs. They discuss the political fallout of Trump's trade strategies and the GOP's balancing act with rising economic concerns. With Trump's assurance not to fire Fed chair Powell despite earlier criticisms, both guests explore how these moves might affect midterm elections and the broader economic landscape, revealing intricate connections between policy and public perception.

90 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 11min
US tariffs bite Chinese industry
Apple is shifting its iPhone assembly to India, responding to U.S. tariffs that are crippling Chinese factories. Manufacturing slowdowns in China are leading to worker furloughs and order cancellations. Meanwhile, Alphabet's profits soar by 46%, showing resilience amid economic challenges. The Trump administration's push to eliminate paper cheques raises questions about payment methods in the U.S., balancing the convenience of digital payments with traditional practices.

40 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 11min
Bessent takes aim at the IMF
A new defense pact between the UK and EU promises enhanced collaboration. Sir Keir Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen are finalizing these crucial plans. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticizes the IMF and World Bank for 'mission creep,' calling for a return to core missions. Meanwhile, Boeing is redirecting orders amid financial recovery, while Tesla faces struggles under Elon Musk's leadership as he seeks to stabilize the company amidst investor concerns.

59 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 12min
BP’s race to cut costs
Tesla faces a significant profit drop, prompting discussions about the company's priorities amid economic challenges. The IMF has revised its growth forecasts for major economies, raising concerns about global economic stability. BP is under pressure from Elliott Management to boost cash flow as it seeks to regain footing in a competitive oil market. Meanwhile, political tensions ebb as Putin suggests halting military actions in Ukraine, showcasing the unpredictable dynamics influencing international finance.

50 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 12min
The Catholic Church after Pope Francis
Wall Street reacts to Donald Trump's latest criticisms of the Federal Reserve. The passing of Pope Francis marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church, prompting discussions on his legacy and the future of the papacy. Meanwhile, Europe's automotive industry is shifting strategies as it learns from China's electric vehicle expertise, facing both opportunities for collaboration and geopolitical challenges. Business leaders show strong support for transitioning to renewable energy despite recent regulatory uncertainties.

78 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 8min
How tariffs are affecting luxury goods
Lauren Indvik, the FT's fashion editor, delves into the rocky landscape of the luxury goods industry amid current economic turbulence. She highlights how Trump’s trade policies and tariffs have disrupted growth, making 2025 ambitions look bleak. The conversation reveals divergent financial fates among brands like LVMH and Kering, and she discusses shifts in consumer behavior, particularly in China. Additionally, the podcast touches on brands reevaluating their supply chains, moving away from China to adapt to new challenges.