Podcast · News

FT News Briefing

by Financial Times · English · News

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.

New episodes: Daily
Typical length: 12 min
Latest: 6 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

6 Oct 2026 · 11 minNew

The bond sell-off comes for corporate America

A sharp rise in US government borrowing costs this year is bleeding into the corporate debt market and Hong Kong’s de facto central bank questioned HSBC on why its new AI hub would be established in Singapore. Plus, Brazil’s currency, stocks and bonds jumped after rightwing presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro won a first-round victory, and insurers are preparing for multimillion-dollar claims stemming from AI agents going “rogue”. Mentioned in this podcast: Surge in borrowing costs hits corporate America Brazil’s markets surge as investors bet on Flávio Bolsonaro election win France:…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

5 Oct 2026 · 11 minNew

The Tories go back to basics

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch will solidify her role at the head of the party during this week’s conference, and corporate dealmaking was on the decline last quarter after the collapse of mega-deals. Plus, Estonia is moving troops to its border with Russia and Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government supports aggressive settler expansion in the run-up to the country’s elections. Mentioned in this podcast: Dealmaking slowdown threatens early end to M&A boom Estonia shifts troops closer to Russia in ‘active defence’ push Israelis rush to get new settlements past ‘starting line’…
3 Oct 2026 · 20 min

Unhedged: An ode to stock picking

We're bringing you a recent episode from our fellow FT podcast, Unhedged. Over the summer, the FT held a revamped version of its stock picking game – think fantasy football for the global equity markets. Some 13,000 people took part – a shocking number considering how unfashionable active fund management has become in the real world. Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong invite their FT Money colleague Nathan Brooker, who runs the competition, to discuss the psychology of stock picking, and whether it has a future in real life. Plus, Nathan shorts holiday spoilers, Katie shorts pesky kids, and Rob…
2 Oct 2026 · 15 min

Zelenskyy says Putin’s gloves are off

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government is searching for a British alternative to Palantir, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed his military leaders to abandon the rules of war, according to intelligence intercepted by Kyiv. Plus, Eurozone borrowing costs surged, and Brazil’s election pits the leftwing incumbent against a rightwing former president’s son. Mentioned in this podcast: Andy Burnham searches for UK alternative to Palantir Putin has told military leaders to abandon rules of war, Zelenskyy says Eurozone borrowing costs surge in global bond rout US sanctions…
1 Oct 2026 · 13 min

US Big Tech gets the most facetime with EU

One pilot of a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv stabbed the other and attempted to crash the aircraft. An FT analysis reveals US Big Tech companies have an outsized influence in Brussels. Plus, RSM, one of the world’s largest accounting firms, is exploring a possible initial public offering, and Nike is struggling to compete in China. Mentioned in this podcast: What we know about the Flydubai flight to Israel Big Tech out-lobbies European companies in Brussels Auditor RSM explores IPO to ward off private equity-backed rivals How Nike fell off the pace in China Want to get in touch? Email us at…
30 Sep 2026 · 13 min

Trump shrugs off AI regulation

UK businesses react to Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s speech to the Labour conference, US and French bonds are in hot water, and could an American ban on diesel exports backfire? Plus, US President Donald Trump has dismissed calls for stricter AI regulation, in a show of dominance over tech executives who he summoned to the White House. Mentioned in this podcast: UK bosses left in dark by Burnham and Healey’s emphasis on ‘cost of business’ Donald Trump held crunch talks on diesel export US 30-year Treasury yield hits highest since 2002 Vanguard warns France is ‘long-term degrading credit’ as…
29 Sep 2026 · 14 min

Nvidia turns to insurers to offset AI risks

UK chancellor John Healey has told the Labour Party conference that the economic conditions enjoyed by New Labour are “simply not there now”, Nvidia has held talks with insurance companies about shouldering the risks of lending against its chips, and oil prices and US Treasuries are locked in their tightest relationship since the first Gulf war in 1990. Plus, an oil field project in the Falkland Islands has put even more pressure on its relationship with neighboring Argentina, and Japanese convenience store chain FamilyMart has enlisted global pop megastar Lady Gaga to help offset the…
28 Sep 2026 · 11 min

Andy Burnham’s first Labour conference as prime minister

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham returns to the Labour conference to sell his vision, EU countries are considering a Nato-style joint response to Russia’s hybrid war, and foreign investors have been buying up Panama’s debt despite social unrest and threats from US President Donald Trump. Mentioned in this podcast: ‘Hope again’: Burnham returns to Labour conference to sell his vision EU countries consider Nato-style joint responses to Russian hybrid attacks Foreign investors bet Panama can shrug off social unrest and Trump threats Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT…
25 Sep 2026 · 13 min

Bond rout pushes US mortgage rates past 7%

Xi Jinping said the US and China should avoid being drawn into a “conflict” in remarks at the White House, and Brussels has warned Britain needs to raise tariffs on Chinese cars if it wants to avoid barriers that would hit crucial exports. Plus, dozens of foreign officials walked out of the UN General Assembly as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address, and the FT’s Kate Duguid explains what the bond market sell-off means for US mortgage rates and the health of the economy. Mentioned in this podcast: Xi Jinping says US and China must ‘coexist in peace’ in historic White…
24 Sep 2026 · 12 min

US Treasury yields soar

US Treasury yields soared on Wednesday, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran was prepared to negotiate with the US, and the FT’s Sam Fleming explains why the UK budget is in a tight spot. Plus, billions of dollars of Rosneft’s foreign earnings were funnelled through a Kremlin-backed money-laundering network, and Syria’s search for justice for Assad-era crimes could spark more unrest. Mentioned in this podcast: US Treasury yields soar most since ‘liberation day’ tariffs shook markets Treasury open to smaller fiscal headroom to reduce tax hikes The FT’s Budget dashboard: the data…
23 Sep 2026 · 11 min

Will Trump and Xi extend their trade truce?

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping will discuss a potential extension of their trade war truce this week, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham met Trump for the first time, and the cost of hiring an oil supertanker has passed $1.2mn a day for the first time on routes between the Middle East and Asia. Plus, billionaire financier Todd Boehly has secured the backing of the US government and Gulf power brokers with ties to the Trump family to bid for the international assets of Lukoil. Mentioned in this podcast: What happened to the US’s China hawks? What Xi Jinping wants from his summit with Donald Trump…
22 Sep 2026 · 11 min

How a Russian forgery scheme evaded sanctions

Standard Chartered, Citigroup and other international banks have handled billions of dollars from a Kremlin-backed fintech company that tricked its way into the global financial system, and Polymarket is lobbying to win over European financial watchdogs. Plus, Germany’s election might impact the EU’s budget. Mentioned in this podcast: Kremlin-backed forgery scheme moved $6.9bn through global banks Polymarket starts European lobbying blitz to win over financial watchdogs Merz’s woes cast doubt over EU’s €2tn budget Philippines’ ube export ban threatens end of purple patch Want to get in…
21 Sep 2026 · 12 min

Germany’s Merz vows to stay despite ‘disaster’

German chancellor Friedrich Merz faces a crisis of confidence as exit polls show his party missed the threshold for representation in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The right-wing Alternative for Germany won there instead. Plus, Volkswagen is getting the boot from the Eurostoxx50 index. And Georgia’s Senator Jon Ossoff attempts to revitalise moderate politics in the upcoming US midterms. Mentioned in this podcast: German chancellor Merz vows to stay on despite ‘disaster’ in regional elections Jon Ossoff’s Georgia race stirs talk of 2028 US presidential audition Volkswagen ejected from European…
18 Sep 2026 · 13 min

Reform UK mega-donors stir controversy

The Venezuelan government and the country’s opposition are close to reaching an agreement to transfer the central bank’s gold reserves, critics are scrutinising donations to UK Reform by crypto billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne, and Glencore has suspended one of its senior executives in the wake of an escalating scandal. Plus, OpenAI’s listing delay raises stakes for SoftBank’s $50bn data centre IPO. Mentioned in this podcast: Venezuela nears deal to move $4bn gold reserve to New York Reform UK’s mega-donor backed a friend’s libel claim. Now he controls her home Glencore…
17 Sep 2026 · 11 min

Fed interest rate rises are back

The Federal Reserve has raised rates for the first time since 2023, and the EU has asked China to restrict exports of hybrid cars as part of a deal to prevent a trade war. Plus, AI has revolutionized warfare. Mentioned in this podcast: Federal Reserve defies Donald Trump with first rate rise since 2023 EU asks China to voluntarily limit car exports Von der Leyen to paint EU as the only port in a global geopolitical storm AI is transforming warfare. But not making it easier to win Credit: Federal Reserve Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI…
16 Sep 2026 · 10 min

US billionaires bankroll Republican election push

US and Chinese experts meet to discuss mitigating AI risks despite an ongoing tech rivalry, and US megadonors are largely backing Republicans in this midterm election season. Plus, Prime Minister Mark Carney strikes out on his pitch for a “unique alliance” between Canada and the EU, and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery is expected to be Africa’s biggest IPO. Mentioned in this podcast: Can the US and China work together on AI risk? US billionaires line up to bankroll Republicans’ election push EU rebuffs Mark Carney’s ‘unique alliance’ with Canada The $1.6bn IPO that could draw millions of…
15 Sep 2026 · 12 min

What an AI slowdown could mean for investors

Tech stocks fell yesterday as markets reacted to ongoing talk of an AI apocalypse, industrial America is contending with a fresh wave of supply chain inflation, and foreign investors are now buying more US stocks than government bonds. Plus, China has implemented sweeping new controls on overseas travel for Chinese citizens. Mentioned in this podcast: US manufacturers hit by fresh burst of supply chain cost inflation Ten-year Treasury yield hits 5% for first time since 2023 Foreign investors prefer US stocks to Treasuries as debt worries grow Why delaying an AI doomsday would benefit…
14 Sep 2026 · 12 min

Fed and BoJ expect rate hikes as US bond market flails

US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent’s interventions in the American bond market haven’t worked so far, but could interest rate decisions from the Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan this week change things? Plus, Russia hit a Ukrainian train line moments after foreign dignitaries transited it, and the FT’s Zehra Munir explains how protesters cancelled a data centre project in Virginia. Mentioned in this podcast: Warsh and Trump on collision course as investors expect Fed to raise rates Scott Bessent fails to break ‘fever’ in US bond market Russia strikes Ukrainian train line moments after…
11 Sep 2026 · 11 min

Oil hits $108 ahead of Iran’s meeting with Gulf states

US long-term borrowing costs surged to their highest level in more than two decades, and Gulf foreign ministers plan to meet their Iranian counterpart to negotiate a deal temporarily managing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Plus, Brics – the developing world’s answer to the G7 – meets this weekend during a unique moment of opportunity to remake the global order. Mentioned in this podcast: Global bond sell-off reignites as oil jumps to $107 Iran and Gulf states to meet in push for Hormuz deal Houthis capture Red Sea port in blow to Saudis Virgin Media O2 owners target £600mn in cost…
10 Sep 2026 · 11 min

AI rewrites the venture capital playbook

US government bond yields jumped to their highest level in almost three years, and the Japanese yen has strengthened this week. Plus, the IMF ditched a top candidate for chief economist at the last minute, and AI is writing the playbook for venture capital. Mentioned in this podcast: US Treasury yields jump as plans for $6bn buybacks disappoint investors ‘I am the house now’: Bessent warns currency traders not to bet against yen IMF ditched top candidate for chief economist job over Trump tariff remarks Moonshot capitalism: AI rewrites the venture capital playbook The Dorchester hotel to…
9 Sep 2026 · 12 min

DeepSeek mania spawns shadow market

Anthropic declined to submit its latest model to Britain’s AI Security Institute for testing before release, Greece wants to become the next hedge fund hub, and crude prices jumped to nearly $100 a barrel after the US launched fresh strikes on Iranian oil tankers. Plus, as DeepSeek’s valuation climbs to more than $70bn, investors are clamouring to get a piece of the Chinese AI company through a secondary market. Mentioned in this podcast: Anthropic withheld latest AI model from UK testing agency How Greece is wooing hedge funds DeepSeek fundraising frenzy spawns costly shadow market Oil…
8 Sep 2026 · 11 min

Is the global maritime order breaking down?

Chinese tech giant Huawei faces a US racketeering trial. Bankers for Anthropic and OpenAI push for top-tier credit ratings. Plus, the EU signals greater openness to mega mergers. Mentioned in this podcast: Was Huawei’s rise built on crime? A US jury will decide Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing was produced by Josh Gabert-Doyon, Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Mischa Frankl-Duval. Our show was mixed by Breen Turner. Additional help from Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our…
7 Sep 2026 · 12 min

A foldable iPhone: John Ternus’s first test as Apple CEO

Alternative for Germany (AfD) is projected to surge to first place in regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt, John Ternus faces his first test as Apple CEO, and the US and Ukraine held talks on how to end the conflict with Russia. Plus, defence officials think Europe isn’t deterring Moscow’s “hybrid” war. Mentioned in this podcast: Far-right AfD surges in German state elections John Ternus’s first test at Apple: selling a $2,000 foldable iPhone Trump envoys hold talks with Zelenskyy in Kyiv after meeting Putin in Moscow Europe failing to deter Russia’s ‘hybrid’ war, warn defence officials Want…
5 Sep 2026 · 20 min

Extended chat: Top US trade official defends Trump’s record

US trade representative Jamieson Greer is President Donald Trump’s top trade official. He has played a critical role in negotiations between Washington and its trading partners. This includes recent talks with Canada, whose retaliatory tariffs against the US go into effect later this week. The FT's Aime Williams sat down with Greer for a wide-ranging interview. They covered everything from the trade war with Ottawa, friction points with the UK, to Trump’s expected meeting with China’s leader Xi Jinping later this month. Mentioned in this podcast: UK is failing to capitalise on Brexit, says…
4 Sep 2026 · 13 min

Top US trade official reveals ‘problem’ in UK negotiations

The US trade representative says the UK is choosing the EU over America and Deutsche Bank organised almost $1bn of loans to a Hollywood studio landlord now in default. Plus, Nvidia has agreed to buy AI model platform Hugging Face for $13bn, and a look at how chicken became the world’s favourite protein. Mentioned in this podcast: UK-EU alignment is ‘problem’ for US trade deal, says top Trump official Deutsche Bank led $1bn of troubled lending to Hollywood studio landlord Nvidia to buy open-source AI platform Hugging Face for $13bn Hugging Face attack is a wake-up call about the risks of AI…
3 Sep 2026 · 11 min

Uber teams up with driver unions to fight robotaxis

Auditors warned Guggenheim Partners about weak controls within its business, and Uber is teaming up with driver unions to try to slow the rollout of robotaxis. Plus, US oil major Chevron and Italy’s Eni are boosting investment in oil production in Venezuela. Mentioned in this podcast: KPMG warned Guggenheim unit over deficiencies in internal controls Uber allies with driver unions in bid to slow robotaxi rollout Chevron to double Venezuela oil production with $7bn pledge Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT…
2 Sep 2026 · 10 min

Russia secretly helping Iran develop supersonic missiles

An FT investigation found Russia has been secretly helping Iran develop advanced supersonic cruise missiles, the US launched fresh strikes on Iran, and the global bond sell-off deepened on Tuesday. Plus, AI groups are racing to address the risk that future models could help users create bioweapons. Mentioned in this podcast: Russia secretly helping Iran develop supersonic cruise missiles US launches further strikes on Iran as conflict flares up Global bond sell-off deepens amid inflation fears ‘All it will take is one screw-up’: AI groups race to limit bioweapon risks Want to get in touch?…
1 Sep 2026 · 12 min

How viable is Trump’s oil deal with Venezuela?

Wall Street banks are pushing large law firms to cut fees because of AI, and analysts say Donald Trump’s Venezuela oil agreement may not succeed in attracting investment from US companies. Plus, London’s Tube is set to finally roll out mobile coverage across its entire network by the end of the year. Mentioned in this podcast: Wall Street banks push Big Law to cut fees because of AI Can Donald Trump’s 65bn-barrel deal revive Venezuela’s oil industry? London’s Tube finally escapes its mobile blackout Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to…
31 Aug 2026 · 13 min

AI’s threat to consulting

Soaring demand for natural gas has pushed dealmaking to a decade high, the consulting industry is headed for an AI showdown with its own clients, and the Taliban wants to strike a minerals deal with the US. Plus, it’s Tim Cook’s last day as chief executive of Apple. Mentioned in this podcast: Scramble for gas assets pushes dealmaking to record high Controversial Venezuelan executive courts investors after Trump oil deal Consulting heads for an AI showdown — with its own clients The rise of physical AI: can robots save US manufacturing? Taliban sees room for mineral deals with US under Donald…
28 Aug 2026 · 11 min

EU policy could ice out closest trading partners

Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund has replaced the chief executive at one of the country’s flagship real estate mega-projects, and global issuance of zero-interest convertible bonds is on track for a record year. Plus, the EU’s closest economic partners are worried about Brussels’ increasingly protectionist policies, and Britain’s Prime Minister Andy Burnham sought to calm corporate nerves in an interview with the FT. Mentioned in this podcast: Saudi Arabia shakes up flagship real estate project Zero-interest convertible bonds set for record year EU industrial push strains ties with…

About FT News Briefing

FT News Briefing is a English news podcast from Financial Times. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Financial Times
Language: English
Category: News
New episodes: Daily
Typical length: 12 min
Latest episode: 6 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1438449989
Website: ft.com
Rights: Financial Times

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FT News Briefing

Latest episode

The bond sell-off comes for corporate America

Earlier episodes 29 most recent

The Tories go back to basics

Unhedged: An ode to stock picking

Zelenskyy says Putin’s gloves are off

US Big Tech gets the most facetime with EU

Trump shrugs off AI regulation

Nvidia turns to insurers to offset AI risks

Andy Burnham’s first Labour conference as prime minister

Bond rout pushes US mortgage rates past 7%

US Treasury yields soar

Will Trump and Xi extend their trade truce?

How a Russian forgery scheme evaded sanctions

Germany’s Merz vows to stay despite ‘disaster’

Reform UK mega-donors stir controversy

Fed interest rate rises are back

US billionaires bankroll Republican election push

What an AI slowdown could mean for investors

Fed and BoJ expect rate hikes as US bond market flails

Oil hits $108 ahead of Iran’s meeting with Gulf states

AI rewrites the venture capital playbook

DeepSeek mania spawns shadow market

Is the global maritime order breaking down?

A foldable iPhone: John Ternus’s first test as Apple CEO

Extended chat: Top US trade official defends Trump’s record

Top US trade official reveals ‘problem’ in UK negotiations

Uber teams up with driver unions to fight robotaxis

Russia secretly helping Iran develop supersonic missiles

How viable is Trump’s oil deal with Venezuela?

AI’s threat to consulting

EU policy could ice out closest trading partners

About FT News Briefing

More English news 6

Take it with you