Behind the Money

AI music generators - platforms that use artificial intelligence to create new, original music from scratch - can make songs that are almost indistinguishable from human creations. For some musicians, they’re the next frontier in music-making technology. But for others, they represent a grave threat, flooding the world with low-grade AI music, stealing the jobs of working musicians, and even spelling the end of the creative process as we know it. Is this just technophobia, or is music facing AI annihilation?In a new two-part series of Tech Tonic, the FT’s pop critic Ludovic Hunter-Tilney explores the emerging world of AI music, and the impact it could have on the industry.Tech Tonic is presented by Ludovic Hunter-Tilney. The producers are Lulu Smyth and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Edwin Lane is the senior producer, Flo Phillips is the executive producer. Sound design by Breen Turner and Samantha Giovinco. Original Music by Metaphor Music. Manuela Saragosa and Topher Forhecz are the FT’s acting co-heads of audio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Claire Jones, the US economics editor at the Financial Times, offers keen insights into the political tumult facing the Federal Reserve. She discusses the Jackson Hole symposium, which was marred by personal attacks on board member Lisa Cook, the first Black woman in her position. Claire highlights the implications of increasing political pressure on the Fed's independence and examines how an aggressive interest rate cut could stoke inflation fears. Amidst a backdrop of legal challenges and even a fire alarm, the conversation remains riveting.

In this discussion, Tabby Kinder, an FT finance reporter specializing in technology and finance, breaks down Palantir's remarkable stock market ascent. She examines how a shift in Silicon Valley attitudes towards defense has fueled the company’s growth, tying its success to increased government spending on national security and space exploration. Kinder also delves into the ethical concerns surrounding Palantir's operations and the impact of its close ties with the U.S. government, all while questioning its soaring valuation.

In this discussion, Clara Murray, a data reporter at the Financial Times specializing in the tobacco industry, and Mari Novik, a leisure reporter, reveal how nicotine pouches have surged in popularity as cigarette sales decline. They explore the potential of these pouches as cognitive enhancers and a fresh revenue source for Big Tobacco. The conversation also tackles the marketing strategies targeting young adults, regulatory challenges, and the looming health concerns tied to this emerging trend.

Amelia Pollard and Costas Mourselas, both hedge fund correspondents at the Financial Times, dive into Bobby Jain's ambitious journey to create a hedge fund that can rival giants like Citadel. They discuss the various challenges he has faced, from attracting capital to navigating complex market conditions. The pair also analyze Jain's strategy of deploying multiple trading approaches and the obstacles that hindered his inaugural year. Can Jain overcome these hurdles and build a successful firm? The conversation sheds light on the competitive landscape of hedge funds.

Join James Daunt, the Chief Revival Architect and CEO of Barnes & Noble, as he shares his unconventional leadership strategies that resurrected the iconic bookstore chain during tough times. He discusses the transformative power of community-focused independent bookstores and their vital role in a digital age. Daunt emphasizes the importance of inclusive team culture and the shift towards written communication in effective leadership. He also highlights the dynamic interplay between bookstores and e-commerce giants like Amazon, showcasing the enduring love for books.

Sujeet Indap, Wall Street editor at the Financial Times, teams up with Ortenca Aliaj, Banking editor at the Financial Times, to delve into the fierce rivalry for junior talent between private equity and Wall Street banks. They discuss a controversial recruiting practice causing firms to target graduates earlier than ever. The conversation reveals insights into the shifting dynamics in finance, including the ethical concerns surrounding accelerated hiring and the impact of JP Morgan’s new policies on the future landscape of both sectors.

Explore the fascinating dynamics between Donald Trump and tech giants like Tim Cook, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elon Musk. Delve into whether Zuckerberg has quietly supported Trump and the current state of Musk's relationship with the president. Uncover how trade wars and alliances shape the future of technology in the U.S. and beyond. From Bezos’s strategic moves to the role of billionaires in politics, this discussion reveals the complex ties that influence the digital landscape.

Stephen Foley, US accounting editor for the Financial Times, delves into the scandal surrounding Boston Consulting Group’s involvement in Gaza. He scrutinizes the fallout from BCG’s controversial plan to 'relocate' Palestinians as part of a multimillion-dollar aid project. The discussion reveals internal communication breakdowns within BCG and raises crucial ethical questions about the consulting industry's role in sensitive geopolitical matters. Foley also emphasizes the need for strict compliance measures to safeguard against reputational risks in the field.

Claire Jones, the US economics editor for the Financial Times, unpacks the surprising resilience of the American economy amidst ongoing trade tensions. She discusses the implications of paused tariffs and the evolving dynamics of U.S. relations with China and Vietnam. The concept of 'Schrödinger's tariffs' highlights the delayed effects on markets, consumer prices, and inflation. Jones also warns of a cycle where rising tariffs could lead to self-fulfilling inflation, emphasizing the broader economic implications of these trade policies.