FT News Briefing

Rishi Sunak steps into the spotlight as the youngest and first ethnic minority prime minister of the UK, facing the challenge of stabilizing the Conservative Party. His unique background and communication style are reshaping British politics. Meanwhile, Chinese technology stocks are reeling from a sharp sell-off amid Xi Jinping's third term, with investors wary of new regulations and economic uncertainties. The podcast dives into the intertwining of leadership styles and market reactions in these two significant global narratives.

Boris Johnson's exit from the Tory leadership race sends shockwaves through UK politics. Profit warnings soar among FTSE-listed firms, the highest since 2008, revealing economic strains. Meanwhile, the airline industry grapples with significant jet shortages, impacting operations. Toyota, once a leader in hybrids, now faces hurdles transitioning to fully electric vehicles, struggling with its first model, the BZ4X. Their innovative leasing approach for EVs in Japan highlights an intriguing strategy amid market challenges and the quest for sustainability.

Sarah Germano, a US sports business correspondent at the Financial Times, dives into the evolving landscape of gender inclusion in sports. She discusses the introduction of a non-binary category at the Boston Marathon and the varied policies on transgender athlete participation across different sports. The conversation also touches on the delicate balance between fairness and inclusivity. Additionally, the podcast reflects on the lasting impact of Jane Austen's novels, exploring modern adaptations and her significance as a feminist icon.

Liz Truss's resignation has sparked a fierce battle for leadership within the Conservative Party, with potential successors such as Rishi Sunak and Penny Mordaunt emerging. The fallout is not just political; economic challenges loom as the UK faces a cost of living crisis that’s impacting everyday citizens. The podcast sheds light on the urgent need for the new Chancellor to restore market confidence amid rising energy costs and inflation, while personal stories reveal the struggles faced by many, especially younger homeowners.

Lauren Fedor, FT's Deputy Washington Bureau Chief, shares insights on the US midterm elections and the Republican Party's strategy to leverage inflation concerns. She explores how economic issues are dominating voter priorities, overshadowing topics like healthcare and abortion rights. The podcast also discusses early voting dynamics and contrasting campaign narratives from both parties, as well as the shifting political landscape in China under Xi Jinping, which affects global perceptions and economic interactions.

Netflix rebounds with 2.4 million new subscribers, surprising investors. Meanwhile, Russia employs Iranian drones in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, raising tensions. CVC Capital Partners is gearing up for a public listing, marking a bold shift from its traditionally private roots. This transition sparks discussions on accountability for performance in private equity. The political landscape complicates matters further, particularly with U.S. export controls impacting the chip manufacturing sector.

US stocks are on the rise thanks to strong earnings from major banks. Meanwhile, the UK chancellor has scrapped controversial tax cuts to stabilize the economy. Disney is in a standoff with France, warning that its future blockbusters might skip theaters due to strict local regulations. The clash centers on French cultural policies, which complicate Disney's release strategies amid a shifting media landscape. What does this mean for the future of cinema in France?

Xi Jinping is gearing up for his unprecedented third term, declaring a 'critical time' in China's history. Meanwhile, UK politics is in flux with Jeremy Hunt as Chancellor, facing pressure amidst economic instability. In the US, banks are enjoying robust profits from the Fed's interest rate hikes, although they grapple with potential credit risks. The podcast dives into the uncertain future of leadership in both China and the UK, reflecting on the broader global implications of these developments.

Shirin Neshat, a renowned contemporary Iranian artist, dives into the ongoing protests in Iran, sparked by a fight for women's rights following Masa Amini's death. She discusses the significance of the protests as the longest since the 1979 revolution and how her art, like the video installation 'Turbulent,' amplifies resistance. The discussion also shifts to groundbreaking advancements in drug research, highlighting lab-grown organoids as a potential solution to replace animal testing in medical developments.

Liz Truss may be gearing up for a significant shift on tax cuts, causing ripples in the financial markets. Meanwhile, the U.S. grapples with an 8.2% rise in consumer prices, stirring conversations about future Federal Reserve actions. Tensions escalate as new U.S. restrictions force semiconductor equipment makers to halt business with Chinese firms, raising concerns about economic warfare. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by global companies in China and Netflix's innovative ad-supported model boosting its subscriber base.