FT News Briefing

Former US president Donald Trump was found guilty on 34 felony charges of falsifying business records on Thursday, a first for any current or former American president. However, with the Republican nomination all but secured, the conviction may do little to knock Trump’s reelection campaign off course. The FT’s US managing editor, Peter Spiegel, and US legal correspondent, Joe Miller, join this week’s Swamp Notes to explain why. Mentioned in this podcast:Donald Trump found guilty on all counts in ‘hush money’ trialTrump’s guilty verdict puts America’s political system on trialDonald Trump is a convicted felon. Will Americans still vote for him?Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter hereSwamp 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. Original music by Hannis Brown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has been found guilty of conspiring to buy the silence of a porn actor and Saudi Arabia is selling roughly $12bn worth of shares in its national oil company Saudi Aramco. Plus, European oil majors are left at a disadvantage in several areas when it comes to M&A. Mentioned in this podcast:Donald Trump found guilty on all counts in ‘hush money’ trialSaudi Arabia to sell $12bn worth of Aramco sharesWhy the European oil megamerger has not gushed forthThe FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help by Ethan Plotkin, 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Europe has only a fraction of the air defence capabilities needed to protect its eastern flank, BHP’s £39bn takeover bid for Anglo American has collapsed, and Israel bonds are a hot commodity in US municipalities. Plus, the FT’s Brooke Masters explains why private equity firms are pivoting towards profit sharing. Mentioned in this podcast:Nato has just 5% of air defences needed to protect eastern flankIsrael’s borrowing spree reaches Palm Beach as US municipalities pile inBHP’s £39bn pursuit of Anglo American collapsesHigher rates have changed the game for private equityThe FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help by 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hess shareholders approved a controversial takeover bid from Chevron, and South Africans vote today in the most contested election since the end of apartheid,Plus, the FT’s James Kynge argues that China is winning the tech war with the US. Mentioned in this podcast:South Africa’s ‘lost leader’ faces the end gameGeorgia adopts Russian-inspired ‘foreign agents’ lawTech Tonic podcastThe FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help by 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode features a truncated version of a recent Behind the Money podcast as it travels to Omaha, Nebraska for Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholder meeting. At this year’s event, there’s a lingering question over what will happen once Warren Buffett is no longer at the helm. Buffett has a successor in mind, and we explore the challenges they could face when taking over America’s “last great” conglomerate.Mentioned in this podcast:Behind the Money podcastBerkshire after Buffett: prized energy business faces upheavalThe FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help by Michela Tindera, 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The European Central Bank looks almost certain to be one of the first major central banks to cut rates, a tense dispute over Guyana is casting a shadow over Chevron’s bid to takeover Hess, and Thames Water pumped 14.2bn litres of sewage into the river Thames last year. Plus, the nuclear power industry is seeking to lure back thousands of retired engineers. Mentioned in this podcast:ECB is ready to start cutting interest rates, says chief economistBlow to $53bn Chevron-Hess deal as investors advised to abstainNuclear industry brings back ‘silver tsunami’ of retireesThames Water pumped 14bn litres of sewage into Thames in central London in 2023 The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help by Denise Guerra, 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

American voters still say the economy is their most important electoral issue, and a growing number are less than pleased with Joe Biden’s economic management. The FT’s deputy Washington bureau chief, Lauren Fedor, and the vice-president of North Star Opinion Research, Jon McHenry, join this week’s Swamp Notes to break down the results of the most recent FT-Michigan Ross poll. Mentioned in this podcast:Support for Joe Biden’s economic policies wanes amid inflation fears, FT poll findsFT-Michigan Ross poll: Biden’s election hopes fall as prices rise againSign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter hereSwamp 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. Original music by Hannis Brown. CLIPS: @atrupar on XRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elon Musk’s xAI has secured new backing from three Silicon Valley venture capital giants, women in Ukraine have increasingly stepped into roles men used to perform before Russia’s full-scale invasion, and the FT’s Soumaya Keynes explains why the UK’s Labour party benefits from being boring. Mentioned in this podcast:Elon Musk’s xAI secures new backing from Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia and TribeUkrainian women wanted in factories as men drafted into armyHow large might Labour’s ‘dullness dividend’ be?Introducing The Economics Show with Soumaya KeynesThe FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help by 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak has taken a huge gamble by announcing a July 4 election, record sales of artificial intelligence chips sent Nvidia’s revenue soaring 262 per cent in the past quarter Adani Group passed off low-quality coal as far more expensive cleaner fuel in transactions with an Indian state power utility, according to evidence seen by the Financial Times, and the first batch of genetically engineered non-biting mosquitoes will be released in Djibouti on Thursday.Mentioned in this podcast:Rishi Sunak calls July 4 UK electionNvidia’s revenue beats high expectations as AI chip demand climbsFederal Reserve officials were open to further US rate rises to quell inflationAdani suspected of fraud by selling low-grade coal as high-value fuelDjibouti looks to genetically engineered mosquitoes to quell urban malaria wave The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help by 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UK deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden went on a secret trip to the UAE, PwC is bracing for penalties over its audit of collapsed Chinese property developer Evergrande, and traders are anticipating huge swings in Nvidia shares after the company reports earnings on Wednesday. Mentioned in this podcast:UK launches charm offensive with UAE after relations sourPwC partners brace for Chinese punishment over Evergrande auditTraders brace for big swings in Nvidia sharesEU trade deficit with China shrinks to lowest level since 2021Follow Untold: Power for Sale on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyThe FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help by 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has dealt a shocking blow to the Islamic regime, and the public mood in advanced countries remains low as the cost of living crisis keeps households under pressure. Plus, the decision by the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to apply for arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is a huge setback for Israel. Mentioned in this podcast:The Rachman Review podcastA crushing blow for Israel and a massive gamble by the ICCPresident Ebrahim Raisi’s death deals blow to Iranian regimeConsumer confidence still below pre-pandemic levels despite economic reboundThe FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help by 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi crashed on Sunday, Niger is on the verge of becoming a regional oil major, and western countries are trying to replace a UN body that monitors compliance with international sanctions on North Korea. Mentioned in this podcast:Helicopter carrying Iran’s president crashesBorder dispute hinders Niger’s China-built oil pipelineRussia has stopped UN from monitoring North Korea sanctions. Who is watching Kim?The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help by Denise Guerra, 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special live recording of the FT News Briefing at the FT Weekend Festival in Washington, DC on May 4, 2024. Our wonderful colleagues played a friendly game of news trivia. How does your knowledge stack up? The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help by 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Biden once criticised Donald Trump’s trade war with China, but things look a lot different in an election year. The FT’s US climate reporter, Aime Williams, and US financial editor, Brooke Masters, join Swamp Notes to explain why the president announced such sweeping tariffs on Chinese goods this week, and how it could help him win votes. Mentioned in this podcast:Why Washington’s new tariffs on Chinese clean tech goods matterJoe Biden and Donald Trump battle to prove who can be toughest on ChinaSign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter hereSwamp 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. Original music by Hannis Brown. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com CREDIT: CBS News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US Supreme Court rejects an existential legal challenge to the country’s top consumer finance watchdog, a $10bn US property fund is running low on liquidity as investors demand their money back, and Russia and China agree to tighten military ties and deepen their economic partnership after talks in Beijing. Plus, central banks around the world are impatiently waiting for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates.   Mentioned in this podcast:US Supreme Court rejects challenge to top consumer finance agencyVladimir Putin and Xi Jinping vow to co-operate against ‘destructive and hostile’ USDangers of dollar nationalism hang over the world economyCan the strong dollar be tamed?Starwood’s $10bn property fund taps credit line as investors pull moneyThe FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help by Manuela Saragosa, 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US inflation report sent stocks to record highs and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot on Wednesday. Plus, the FT’s John Reed explains why India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is so popular. Mentioned in this podcast:US inflation falls to 3.4% in AprilSlovak premier Robert Fico shot and injuredNarendra Modi launches candidacy in India’s marathon electionHow to understand Modi’s IndiaCREDIT: Sansad TVThe FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help by Sam Giovinco, Breen Turner, Jyotsna Singh, 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Biden administration is encouraging Arab states to participate in a multinational force that could deploy in Gaza once the war ends, Anglo American plans to thwart BHP’s £34bn takeover bid by breaking itself up, and the US is sharply raising tariffs on Chinese imports from electric vehicles to solar cells. Plus, Singapore’s new prime minister has his work cut out. Mentioned in this podcast:US encouraging Arab states to join multinational postwar force in GazaAnglo American plans break-up to thwart £34bn BHP bidUS sharply raises tariffs on Chinese EVs and semiconductor importsLawrence Wong, Singapore’s next PM faces an ever trickier balancing actThe FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help by Mischa Frankl-Duval, 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The carmaker behind Fiat and Peugeot is in talks to invest in Indonesian nickel, the meme-stock movement came back to life, and Chinese authorities have kicked off plans to sell $140bn of long-dated bonds to stimulate the economy. Plus, what Russia’s new defence minister means for the country’s war effortMentioned in this podcast:GameStop soars in meme stock flashback as ‘Roaring Kitty’ reappearsWho is Andrei Belousov, Russia’s new defence minister? Stellantis in talks with Vale to invest in Indonesian nickel smelterChina fires starting gun on $140bn debt sale to boost economyThe FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help by 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tries to revive Conservative morale with a speech in London, four Chinese generative artificial intelligence start-ups have been valued at more than $1bn in the past three months, and US shale oil companies are under the spotlight over allegations of manipulating prices. Plus, the frontrunner in Mexico’s presidential election is promising more of the same.Mentioned in this podcast:Rishi Sunak to warn Britain ‘at a crossroads’ as he readies Tories for electionUS shale companies accused of collusion over oil priceFour start-ups lead China’s race to match OpenAI’s ChatGPTMexico’s presidential frontrunner defends sweeping legal reformsThe FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help by Denise Guerra, 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US Federal Reserve is fiercely independent, but that doesn’t mean politicians always treat it that way. The FT’s US national editor, Edward Luce, and acting US economics editor, Claire Jones, join this week’s Swamp Notes to explain how the central bank’s policy could affect the economy and therefore have an impact on the election result. Plus, why a second term for Donald Trump could put pressure on the Fed to play politics.Mentioned in this podcast:Trump’s dot plot for the FedJay Powell’s dilemma: the US economy is too strong to cut ratesGlobal inflation and interest rates tracker: see how your country comparesSign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter hereSwamp 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. Original music by Hannis Brown. CREDIT: US Federal ReserveRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.