FT News Briefing
About
Available on
Community
1739 episodes
Elon Musk’s first big foray into politics was a success — he used his world-leading fortune and mass media platform to help Donald Trump regain the White House. But now, just weeks before Trump’s inauguration, some Republicans are pushing back against Musk’s influence. The FT’s Washington correspondent Joe Miller and US business and politics correspondent Alex Rogers join this week’s Swamp Notes to discuss how Musk is navigating a future in Washington. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Top Democrats warm to Elon Musk’s US government cost-cutting mission https://on.ft.com/40hxgYO Elon Musk’s fight with Maga reveals split on immigration within Trump’s circle https://on.ft.com/3PmA80i Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here https://ep.ft.com/newsletters/56a64b704f693a0300dfab7e/subscribe Swamp Notes is mixed by Samantha Giovinco and produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. CREDIT: Bannons_WarRoom/X READ A TRANSCRIPT OF THIS EPISODE ON FT.COM https://www.ft.com/content/8ec851a2-6b97-44fa-ba6c-3d1be68cb266 * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tesla’s annual vehicle deliveries declined for the first time in more than a decade, and China’s BYD hit a milestone. Crypto chief Do Kwon makes his first US court appearance to face criminal charges. The rerouting of global trade from China to ports elsewhere in Asia is shrinking the size of vessels, and climate change is redrawing Europe’s wine map. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Ex-crypto chief Do Kwon brought to New York to face fraud charges https://on.ft.com/4fYmkUV China’s electric-vehicle leader BYD posts record sales in 2024 https://on.ft.com/4iSFHBc Tesla’s annual deliveries drop for first time since 2011 https://on.ft.com/3BQd9Yw Shipowners switch to smaller vessels as world trade reroutes from China https://on.ft.com/420hdQu How climate change is redrawing Europe’s wine map https://on.ft.com/3W3Y6S1 The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. 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 https://www.ft.com/content/bd94d5fc-c0d6-4d07-be82-03a61a2e0a53 * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
The UK’s financial watchdog has failed to remove illegal crypto adverts, and in Japan, shareholder activists are waking companies up from decades of slumber. Plus, the number of active US venture capital firms has dropped by more than a quarter since 2021, and the FT’s Martin Wolf interviews European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde on the bloc’s economic recovery from Covid-19. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: FCA fails to hit firms after half of banned crypto adverts remain online https://on.ft.com/4gxRvrd Activists push Japan Inc to its ‘great tipping point’, says Suntory head https://on.ft.com/4gAWLKy Number of US venture capital firms falls as cash flows to tech’s top investors https://on.ft.com/4j1QlWz Martin Wolf interviews Christine Lagarde: Whither Europe? https://on.ft.com/41UjDA8 The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. 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 https://www.ft.com/content/cffd0b4f-577d-4dc7-a021-1ea556f7bf2d * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
US stocks dropped for the second straight trading session, the Biden administration said it will unleash almost $6bn in additional aid to Ukraine, and South Korea plans to inspect all B737-800 Boeing aircraft operated by domestic airlines after a passenger jet crashed. Plus, US asset managers are gobbling up business from their European rivals and the nightclub business is in decline. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: US stocks slip in broad pullback as investors cash in on 2024 gains https://on.ft.com/40chZbV US to send Ukraine $6bn in fresh military and budget assistance https://on.ft.com/3WnP56v South Korea to inspect all Boeing B737-800 aircraft after crash https://on.ft.com/3W0561X The relentless advance of American asset managers in Europe https://on.ft.com/40c6pgO Who killed the rave? Late-night dancing falls into global decline https://on.ft.com/3DEZxA0 The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. 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 https://www.ft.com/content/760c6ba0-75ee-4cce-bea8-69964e1276ad * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
Defaults on US credit card loans have hit the highest level since the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, and as payment fraud rises, banks and tech companies disagree on who should cover consumer losses. Syria’s caretaker government has said it could take up to four years for the country to hold elections. Plus, how Hitachi’s plan to monetize industrial data has revived its fortunes. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: US credit card defaults jump to highest level since 2010 https://on.ft.com/4iOmr89 Who should foot the bill for cyber scams? https://on.ft.com/3W1nBDs Syrian elections may not be held for 4 years, says de facto leader https://on.ft.com/4iWVZsP ‘Monetising data’: how Hitachi has soared with bets on AI future https://on.ft.com/4gCdCwG The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Persis Love, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. 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 https://www.ft.com/content/3aae4080-a2d9-4de2-95f0-55c8c17304ea * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are the Democrats doomed? Which world leaders are happiest to see Trump back in the White House? And why are investors flooding into American stocks? The FT’s US managing editor Peter Spiegel and global business columnist Rana Foroohar answer all of your questions after a wild year in US politics. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Trump team aims to bankrupt Iran with new ‘maximum pressure’ plan https://on.ft.com/3VNLiPp How ‘the mother of all bubbles’ will pop https://on.ft.com/3VNFKod Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here https://ep.ft.com/newsletters/56a64b704f693a0300dfab7e/subscribe Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. READ A TRANSCRIPT OF THIS EPISODE ON FT.COM https://www.ft.com/content/2715576e-66d8-433a-9621-02dea89839df * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
A number of cryptocurrency-focused hedge funds are outpacing their rivals, the Bank of England holds interest rates at 4.75 per cent, and Microsoft has partnered with a utility company to restart a controversial reactor at Three Mile Island. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Hedge funds cash in on Trump-fuelled crypto boom https://on.ft.com/3ZIx1oq Bank of England holds interest rates at 4.75% https://on.ft.com/4iJgY23 Behind the Money: How the AI boom is reviving Three Mile Island https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-money/id1376303362?i=1000680778363 The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. 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 https://www.ft.com/content/59fc0f0c-01ae-4eac-ba73-c3d2b73853b3 * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by a quarter-point but signals a slower pace of easing, and we look back at what central banks learned in 2024. The US Supreme Court says it will hear TikTok’s appeal against a divest-or-ban law, and Honda-Nissan talks aim to rescue Japan’s fragmented automotive industry. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Fed cuts rates by a quarter-point but signals slower pace of easing https://on.ft.com/3DmbWZn Five central banking lessons for 2024 https://on.ft.com/4gDjAwB US Supreme Court to hear arguments challenging law that could ban TikTok https://on.ft.com/49IiIEW Honda-Nissan merger talks mark Japan Inc’s new consolidate-to-survive mood https://on.ft.com/4gGFW0l The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Marine Saint, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. 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 https://www.ft.com/content/f6d3e227-ace1-430d-bc68-8d981e4aa692 * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
Argentina emerged from a severe recession in the third quarter, Microsoft buys twice as many of Nvidia’s chips as any of its largest rivals, KPMG narrows the gap with the other Big Four firms, and Huawei sets sights on becoming a big supplier to the electric car industry. Plus, pub chains express frustration over shortages of Guinness in the run-up to Christmas. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Microsoft acquires twice as many Nvidia AI chips as tech rivals https://on.ft.com/4fqJi6F Argentina’s economy exits recession in milestone for Javier Milei https://on.ft.com/3P1ji70 KPMG outpaces Big Four rivals as audit and tax units shine https://on.ft.com/4gfBLsw ‘A different animal’: inside Huawei’s nascent EV business https://on.ft.com/41HrG39 Diageo ‘better get brewing’, says Wetherspoons head amid Guinness shortage https://on.ft.com/49IVrme The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. 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 https://www.ft.com/content/d32312e4-2c9e-4e7c-9ed2-0e8e7377d2cc * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
Japan’s SoftBank unveils $100bn US investment plans, fervour around Nvidia cools as investors look to AI’s next winners, and Europe launches its most ambitious space programme in a decade. Plus, in Syria, Kurdish groups fear they may be worse off under a rebel-led government. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Japan’s SoftBank pledges $100bn investment in US https://on.ft.com/4frDUjv After Nvidia’s boom, what’s next for AI-related stocks? https://on.ft.com/3OXZh1d Europe signs €10.6bn Iris² satellite deal in bid to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink https://on.ft.com/3VGzvm0 Syria’s Kurds fear US betrayal under Donald Trump https://on.ft.com/3ZTdtyK Credit: AP Send us your questions for Swamp Notes! Write to ethan.plotkin@ft.com. The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Marine Saint, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. 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 https://www.ft.com/content/c19341eb-dd52-4c94-ab9a-4c292b9fb0d2 * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
Germany’s Olaf Scholz is expected to lose a confidence vote in parliament on Monday, and Arm and Qualcomm’s bitter legal feud over chip design licensing is heading to trial. The London Stock Exchange is on course for its worst year for departures since the financial crisis. Plus, investors’ appetite for juicy returns has triggered a big boom on Wall Street in complex financial products. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Olaf Scholz faces confidence vote — and hopes to lose it https://on.ft.com/49AaNcN Wall Street’s complex debt bonanza hits fastest pace since 2007 https://on.ft.com/3DddDIm London Stock Exchange suffers biggest exodus since financial crisis https://on.ft.com/3ZFLoJQ Chip groups Arm and Qualcomm square off in high-stakes US trial https://on.ft.com/3VF62sE ‘No political authority’: South Korea’s interim leader faces daunting task https://on.ft.com/49DSXp4 Send us your questions for Swamp Notes! Write to ethan.plotkin@ft.com. The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. 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 https://www.ft.com/content/f9e3b29a-341f-412d-9f25-281606158163 * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
Europe has been able to predictably lean on the US for decades. But Donald Trump used tariffs and other economic threats to test those assumptions in his first term, and he looks set to do so again. The FT’s EU correspondent Andy Bounds and US climate correspondent Aime Williams join to discuss how the EU is preparing (again) for a more confrontational America. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: EU strikes blockbuster trade deal with Mercosur https://on.ft.com/41xcMMI EU commissioner pitches ‘Europe first’ in response to Donald Trump https://on.ft.com/4izzkTe Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here https://ep.ft.com/newsletters/56a64b704f693a0300dfab7e/subscribe Questions about US politics for next week’s Swamp Notes? Email them to ethan.plotkin@ft.com. Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. READ A TRANSCRIPT OF THIS EPISODE ON FT.COM https://www.ft.com/content/d31bfb90-9042-4da3-8b0e-8492511a27d5 * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
HSBC is reviewing its retail banking operations outside the UK and Hong Kong, and the European Central Bank cut interest rates by a quarter-point to 3 per cent. The FT’s markets columnist Katie Martin provides a few insights for investing in 2025. Plus, human referees are set to be increasingly phased out as machines become more efficient at making critical decisions in sport. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: HSBC reviews retail banking outside UK and Hong Kong https://on.ft.com/3BstbHI Donald Trump election win sparks trading surge for banks and brokers https://on.ft.com/3ZSFSFn ECB lowers rates to 3% and paves way for more cuts https://on.ft.com/4ivFiVf In sport, the race is on to let technology decide who wins https://on.ft.com/41xO3rI Send us your questions for Swamp Notes! Write to ethan.plotkin@ft.com. The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. 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 https://www.ft.com/content/79b4b9ed-66d5-4c2b-bdcc-a0d5f146f850 * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
European Nato members are holding talks about increasing the alliance’s target for defence spending, Microsoft’s artificial intelligence head Mustafa Suleyman is building a team focused on consumer health, and US inflation ticked up to 2.7 per cent last month. Plus, new regulations on human rights are forcing global companies to address concerns about modern slavery and tackle problems in their supply chains. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Nato’s European members discuss 3% target for defence spending https://on.ft.com/4fc4iOq Microsoft’s Suleyman hires ex-DeepMind staff for AI health unit https://on.ft.com/3ZuWZeW US inflation rose to 2.7% in November https://on.ft.com/4gwJulB New rules sharpen investment focus on modern slavery https://on.ft.com/41pcMP1 Fifa set to confirm Saudi Arabia as host of 2034 World Cup https://on.ft.com/41sjVOm The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. 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 https://www.ft.com/content/97762508-4070-4e4f-9e72-5e4cc34de60c * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund prepares for a petrodollar windfall, while oil majors scale back their $18bn power generation push. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu begins testifying in a corruption trial, and public pension schemes and sovereign wealth funds plan to pour more money into private markets over the coming year. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Qatar’s $500bn wealth fund targets bigger deals as LNG windfall looms https://on.ft.com/3VzcjpL BP and Shell rein in electricity ambitions to escape ‘valley of death’ https://on.ft.com/3Bd878e Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in court to testify in corruption trial https://on.ft.com/3B9oym0 Public pension plans and wealth funds to invest more in private markets https://on.ft.com/3ZvUFnJ The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. 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 https://www.ft.com/content/1e491bd5-2b9e-4263-a90c-34757bb7bb69 * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hiring has fallen more sharply in the UK than in other big economies over the past year, Vanguard will break its advisory business into a separate unit, and Israel has taken more Syrian territory. Plus, we take a look inside Japan’s audacious bid to become a semiconductor superpower. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Hiring falling more sharply in UK than in other major economies https://on.ft.com/4grNYtP Israel draws furious reaction from Egypt after taking more Syrian territory https://on.ft.com/4gr5I8U Vanguard to accelerate wealth management drive in restructuring https://on.ft.com/3ZmrgMS Japan’s audacious bid to become a semiconductor superpower https://on.ft.com/41psBVW Christie’s has brought the dinosaur auction show to London https://on.ft.com/3D36PgC The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Josh Gabert-Doyon, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. 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. https://www.ft.com/content/0a3b9ede-eb1d-48d7-9fe7-f3da704a0e9a * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has resigned and fled the country and South Korean prosecutors have opened an investigation into the country’s president, Yoon Suk Yeol, on charges of treason and abuse of power. The EU and four South American countries have struck a blockbuster trade deal, and a US appeals court upheld a law requiring TikTok’s owner ByteDance to sell the platform or face a ban next year. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Assad flees Syria as rebels seize Damascus https://on.ft.com/4f5uRol Syrian rebels seize Damascus and topple Assad dynasty https://on.ft.com/3Bsiq8f South Korean president to be investigated for treason after failed coup https://on.ft.com/4gpKMPn EU strikes blockbuster trade deal with Mercosur https://on.ft.com/3B9VWci TikTok fails to halt law that could lead to US ban https://on.ft.com/41ulThv Credit: AP, Reuters The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. 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 https://www.ft.com/content/e637f70e-1227-44d4-b759-db22a09f02b8 * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
The next superpower will be a tech superpower, and to be that superpower you need to have some control over the semiconductor industry which is driving the AI revolution. But almost all advanced semiconductors are made in Taiwan — and it is under constant threat of a Chinese invasion. President Joe Biden’s Chips Act promises lavish subsidies to companies working to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to US soil. Will those subsidies survive once Donald Trump, the president-elect, is in the White House? In a new season of Tech Tonic the FT’s James Kynge, is in Phoenix, Arizona, the former heartland of American chip manufacturing. He speaks to those trying to revive the US chipmaking industry. Presented by James Kynge. Edwin Lane is the senior producer. The producer is Josh Gabert-Doyon. Executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Sound design by Breen Turner and Samantha Giovinco, with original music from Metaphor Music. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Tim Bradshaw. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
Donald Trump once called cryptocurrencies a “scam”. He’s long since changed his tune, and now, crypto enthusiasts are hoping he’ll catapult the industry into the financial mainstream. The FT’s digital markets correspondent Nikou Asgari and US legal and enforcement correspondent Stefania Palma join this week’s Swamp Notes to discuss what the industry could look like under a second Trump administration. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Crypto advocate Paul Atkins picked as SEC chair by Donald Trump https://on.ft.com/3ZFAVQa Bitcoin hits $100,000 as Trump era hopes grow https://on.ft.com/3ZGegCY Trump picks Musk ally David Sacks as crypto and AI tsar https://on.ft.com/4f4Zcn7 The grim ghost of crypto future https://on.ft.com/3ZDuNHZ Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here https://ep.ft.com/newsletters/56a64b704f693a0300dfab7e/subscribe Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. CREDIT: Washington Post, Bitcoin Magazine READ A TRANSCRIPT OF THIS EPISODE ON FT.COM https://www.ft.com/content/42a910e7-5fb5-4da6-af9b-0979fe6cb1ef * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
Large companies rushed to assess whether top employees have sufficient protection after the murder of a US insurance executive, investors have pumped almost $140bn into US equity funds since last month’s election, and oil producer group Opec+ significantly scaled back its plans for production in 2025. In Mexico, new president Claudia Sheinbaum is doubling down on a radical agenda in the face of tough US tariffs. Plus, Notre-Dame reopens this weekend. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Shooting of United Health executive a ‘wake up call’ on corporate security https://on.ft.com/4f1t6bL Michel Barnier resigns as French prime minister https://on.ft.com/4g1nMq6 Investors pour $140bn into US stock funds after Trump election victory https://on.ft.com/3Vk3EXR Opec+ extends oil production cuts in bid to support prices https://on.ft.com/3VsiwUb Mexico’s new president digs in with radical ideas as Trump threat looms https://www.ft.com/content/94bd9433-908a-437e-a9bc-a74349f4feb7 How Notre-Dame rose from the ashes https://on.ft.com/49mW18S Credit: Organ Media Foundation The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. 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 https://www.ft.com/content/b6e7b665-4b05-41c5-8c51-cb531e214f5d * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
Donald Trump has nominated cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins to chair the US Securities and Exchange Commission, and a dramatic attempt to impose martial law in South Korea by its president has backfired. The French parliament voted to oust Prime Minister Michel Barnier and a UK-led operation has uncovered a multibillion-dollar money laundering scheme. Plus, Google DeepMind has unveiled an artificial intelligence weather prediction model that outperforms traditional methods. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Donald Trump picks crypto enthusiast Paul Atkins for SEC chair https://on.ft.com/3BhgZJR ‘Revenge cycle’: South Korean crisis highlights deep political divide https://on.ft.com/3VpuTQV UK uncovers vast crypto laundering scheme for gangsters and Russian spies https://on.ft.com/3AZX95W French parliament votes to oust Michel Barnier’s government https://on.ft.com/3ZDOYpo Google DeepMind hits new milestone in AI weather forecasting https://on.ft.com/49olLBK The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. 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 https://www.ft.com/content/8cf5e911-7821-40b1-8112-ba0f5e1ef071 * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
The French government will face a no-confidence vote on Wednesday, South Korea’s president said he will lift his martial law order, and cryptocurrency ‘memecoins’ are having a moment. Plus, deaths in Africa’s Sahel region have risen since military juntas took over pledging to bring security in face of jihadi violence. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Michel Barnier ‘method’ at risk in raucous French parliament https://on.ft.com/41czUjF South Korea’s Yoon says he will lift martial law order https://on.ft.com/49oxekT Military juntas in Africa’s ‘coup belt’ fail to contain extremist violence https://on.ft.com/3D7j1g1 Squirrels, dogs and pygmy hippos: crypto’s multibillion-dollar ‘memecoin’ boom https://on.ft.com/3ZhfiUU The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. 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 https://www.ft.com/content/8cad16cb-b957-4775-872a-df8f977f3070 * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
Chief executives at Intel and Stellantis stepped down, OpenAI is considering including advertising in its artificial intelligence products and the US unveiled new export controls in an effort to curtail China’s semiconductor industry. Plus, how Shanghai’s ambition to be the ‘future of finance’ fell apart. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Intel chief Pat Gelsinger quits with US chipmaker in crisis https://on.ft.com/3ZelaxX Why Stellantis’ chief executive Carlos Tavares was axed https://on.ft.com/3CUzzbf OpenAI explores advertising as it steps up revenue drive https://spark.ft.com/editor/9350d075-1658-4d3c-8bc9-b9b3dfc29b26 US hits China’s chip industry with new export controls https://on.ft.com/4iukuxx How Shanghai’s ambition to be the ‘future of finance’ fell apart https://spark.ft.com/editor/fee4b7ca-5fee-430c-bccc-f79fd7a697af The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. 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 https://www.ft.com/content/f67626b4-51c7-420d-bbc1-f2713944f84f * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
US government lawyers are clamouring for jobs at corporate law firms ahead of Donald Trump taking office, and Hizbollah declares victory against Israel despite undergoing the most devastating battering in its history. Russian and Syrian warplanes intensify attacks on rebels, and Airbus struggles to capitalise on rival Boeing’s difficulties. Plus, in Ireland, the incumbent Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael appear on track to form a fresh coalition. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Government lawyers flock to corporate jobs as Trump threatens mass layoffs https://on.ft.com/3OxJdD5 What's next for Hezbollah? https://on.ft.com/3ZcmvoZ Lebanon’s displaced return to find ‘scorched earth’ after Israeli offensive https://on.ft.com/49wWo13 Russian and Syrian warplanes seek to blunt rebel advance from Aleppo https://on.ft.com/3OBXC1f Airbus struggles to capitalise on rival Boeing’s difficulties https://on.ft.com/3ZcbUdH Early election tallies suggest Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael set for fresh Irish coalition https://on.ft.com/3Ve7GBa The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Josh Gabert-Doyon, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. 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 https://www.ft.com/content/35fe4b38-a0cf-4dc3-89bc-858969739983 * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
Trump is returning to office with many of the same policies that characterised his last term. And for economists, none looms larger than the prospect of significant new tariffs. But are tariffs really as destructive as feared? After all, the Biden administration maintained most of them and the economy has remained strong. Today on the show, we put the question to Kimberly Clausing, a professor at UCLA, and formerly lead economist in the Biden administration's Office for Tax Policy. Soumaya Keynes writes a column each week for the Financial Times. You can find it here https://www.ft.com/soumaya-keynes Subscribe to Soumaya's show on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-economics-show-with-soumaya-keynes/id1746352576, Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/64rPqCkSSBkuSJpkMLRe9i?si=70c1cb4221e54c9a, Pocket Casts https://pca.st/6ysdzw0j or wherever you listen. READ A TRANSCRIPT OF THIS EPISODE ON FT.COM https://www.ft.com/content/48f55ab9-6f3a-45d7-bcd0-3d526973fde9 * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
French bond markets take a tumble, Russia threatens a hypersonic missile attack on Kyiv, and Ireland goes to the polls. Plus, Hong Kong’s crypto play. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Crime boss takes on Sinn Féin leader and Brussels veteran in Dublin election https://on.ft.com/4g6o7Yn Hong Kong plans crypto tax break for hedge funds and billionaire families https://on.ft.com/3OBge17 Vladimir Putin threatens to turn Kyiv targets ‘to dust’ https://on.ft.com/4g7pExo French bond yields surpass Greece’s for first time as budget worries swirl https://on.ft.com/3Ost95s The FT News Briefing is produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval, Josh Gabert-Doyon, Lulu Smyth, Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Ethan Plotkin, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. 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 https://www.ft.com/content/876a2e2f-14af-4eda-97c3-1f826ab4fc98 * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
Vivendi prepares to spin off Canal+ for a London listing. Christine Lagarde says trade wars threaten global GDP. Sir Alex Younger, former head of UK’s MI6, discusses Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump’s proposed director of national intelligence. Plus, Adani Group’s infrastructure projects in Kenya hit a roadblock. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: London’s snaring of France’s Canal+ to revive moribund listing market https://on.ft.com/3ZBeOKJ ‘Adios Adani!’ Bribery charges threaten group’s Africa ambitions https://on.ft.com/3OqpoOd The FT News Briefing is produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval, Josh Gabert-Doyon, Lulu Smyth, Ethan Plotkin, Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. 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 https://www.ft.com/content/c2ec98bc-7506-47b0-976a-f8347302c63c * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
Israeli and Lebanese leaders agree to a ceasefire, and Mexico hits back at US president-elect Donald Trump’s tariff plans. Plus, President Joe Biden is rushing to cement his legacy during his final weeks in office, and Russia’s rouble has plummeted to its lowest rate against the dollar since the first weeks of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Ceasefire deal reached in Israel-Lebanon war https://on.ft.com/3AXj3qk Mexico hits back as Trump’s tariff threat shakes markets https://on.ft.com/3Z1s5KS Biden aims to Trump-proof his legacy with policy blitz in final days https://on.ft.com/3ZlyBNY Rouble slides as new Russian sanctions stifle foreign trade https://on.ft.com/3BbS0aJ The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. 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 https://www.ft.com/content/11c725b7-0824-4d2d-8b12-e62323c22c4c * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
The US Department of Justice is seeking to drop two federal criminal cases against Donald Trump, and Robert F Kennedy Jr’s nomination for top health role is concerning the pharmaceutical industry. Plus, Italy’s UniCredit has launched a €10bn takeover bid for domestic rival Banco BPM, Brussels is planning to force Chinese companies to transfer intellectual property in return for EU subsidies and TikTok is creating an unlikely frontrunner in Romania’s presidential race. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: US special counsel Jack Smith moves to drop criminal cases against Donald Trump https://on.ft.com/3AY50ke Biotechs test IPO market despite concerns over Robert Kennedy’s health role https://on.ft.com/4g0dKoQ UniCredit makes €10bn offer for Italian rival Banco BPM https://on.ft.com/41248pe EU to demand technology transfers from Chinese companies https://on.ft.com/3CJjoxl How a pro-Putin TikTok star topped Romania’s presidential poll https://on.ft.com/3Or0OwG The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. 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 https://www.ft.com/content/958c30cf-59b1-4980-9c42-2b30386cd9f4 * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
Huawei is poised to launch its first flagship phone that can run its own apps, and Donald Trump’s nominee to run the Treasury is seen across Wall Street and Washington as a pragmatic pick. COP29 has produced a new global finance deal against considerable odds, and the FT’s Michael Stott warns that the US is being eclipsed by China in Latin America. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Huawei to launch flagship smartphone with breakthrough software https://on.ft.com/3CJ3gMf ‘Sigh of relief’: Wall Street welcomes Donald Trump’s pick of Scott Bessent for Treasury secretary https://on.ft.com/40YIa6z Climate multilateralism clings on, just https://on.ft.com/3CF8RTH Joe Biden loses to Xi Jinping in battle for Latin America https://on.ft.com/4i3eiwc Credit: BBC, AP The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. 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 https://www.ft.com/content/a475dec7-9c26-458d-b25e-0a1c0564ccb0 * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
