FT News Briefing

The clash between the European Central Bank and UniCredit over shareholder plans and Russian ties sparks debate. TSMC faces the challenge of producing ever-smaller chips amidst geopolitical tensions. Companies are now grappling with workplace policies impacting women's health and abortion rights after recent Supreme Court decisions. As tech evolves, so do corporate responsibilities towards employee health, pushing for greater inclusivity and support in the workplace. This intersection of technology and social change is reshaping industry norms.

Explore the cutting-edge world of direct air carbon capture in Iceland, where engineers are turning CO2 into stone using renewable energy. Discover the innovative Orca facility, the largest of its kind, and the critical challenges of scaling this technology to combat climate change. The discussion also highlights hydrogen's potential as a sustainable fuel, showcasing its promise in the fight against global warming. Will these advances lead to real change or simply serve as a band-aid for polluters? Tune in for an enlightening journey into climate tech!

In this special episode of the FT News Briefing, listen to our four-part series on the US midterm elections. We go around the country to learn about some of the key issues on voters' minds, from inflation to election denialism. Think of it as your crash course for the election on November 8. Mentioned in this podcast:How abortion rights are upending the US midterm elections‘The headwinds are pretty strong’: Democrats’ midterms hopes falterDemocrats fear loss in Nevada as Hispanic voters turn to RepublicansHow Arizona became ground zero for election deniersThe FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson and Marc Filippino. The show’s editor is Jess Smith. Additional help by Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The podcast dives into the pressing climate crisis and the promise of technology as a potential savior. It explores groundbreaking innovations aimed at combating climate change, from carbon capture methods to the exciting potential of nuclear fusion. The discussion raises critical questions about whether these technologies can deliver in time or if they are simply speculative investments at a crucial juncture. Listeners are invited to consider the importance of embracing green technologies while confronting the ongoing challenges of climate action.

The US labor market shows signs of cooling, while the Bank of England makes a historic interest rate hike. A surprising return of Russia to the grain export deal from Ukraine adds to geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, Germany is reevaluating its dependency on China as businesses face challenges amid policy shifts. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's planned visit to Beijing is a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship, highlighting internal divisions and the need for a more cautious approach.

The Federal Reserve has made headlines by raising interest rates again, increasing fears about the economy's future. Meanwhile, a concerning trend of election denialism is surfacing ahead of the US midterms, particularly in Arizona. Candidates who echo false claims about the 2020 election challenge the integrity of the democratic process. As local election officials work under threat, the risks to American democracy become more apparent. This intersection of economic and political tensions sets the stage for a pivotal moment.

Interest rates are climbing as the Federal Reserve takes decisive action to combat inflation for the fourth time in a row. Pfizer is adjusting its sales forecast, banking on price increases for its Covid-19 vaccine despite waning demand. Meanwhile, Elon Musk juggles managing multiple companies, with Twitter presenting unique challenges in free speech and content moderation. Can he effectively navigate these pressures while keeping his diverse ventures afloat?

Biden demands more from oil companies, suggesting higher taxes to address soaring gas prices. Brazil's political landscape remains tense as Lula's victory over Bolsonaro stirs uncertainty about economic direction. Meanwhile, Renault and Nissan inch closer to a restructuring deal aimed at revitalizing their longstanding partnership, navigating cultural and competitive complexities. The dynamics of global energy, Brazil’s political polarization, and automotive alliances make for a riveting discussion.

Moscow's exit from the Black Sea grain deal is predicted to cause a spike in prices, raising concerns over global food security. Meanwhile, the financial landscape is shifting as banks offer higher interest rates to attract deposits. Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter is putting Wall Street under pressure, with banks navigating risky debt challenges. Compounding these issues, thousands of Chinese workers have fled an iPhone factory due to strict lockdowns. A fascinating mix of political and economic topics unfolds!

Cathy Schulman, an Academy Award-winning producer known for her work on films like Crash, discusses the groundbreaking film The Woman King, which features an all-female army led by a powerful Black woman. She shares insights on the challenges of funding and the importance of diverse narratives in Hollywood. Amiko Terrazono, a commodities correspondent, dives into the rise and fall of plant-based meat. They explore its initial hype, current market struggles, and potential innovations, questioning if these products can appeal to a broader audience.