FT News Briefing

The Israeli government approved the US-brokered deal for a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza, the US Treasury has intervened in Argentina’s currency market, and Danish offshore wind developer Ørsted plans to cut about a quarter of its workforce. Plus, the FT’s Katie Martin explains why the good vibes in the markets are really just investors running on fumes. Mentioned in this podcast:Israeli government approves Gaza ceasefire deal and hostage releaseØrsted to cut quarter of workforce after US setbacksUS Treasury intervenes in Argentina’s currency marketBrace for a market melt-upToday’s FT News Briefing was produced by Josh Gabert-Doyon, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Our show was mixed by Kent Militzer. Additional help from Michael Lello and David da Silva. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has said Israel and Hamas have agreed the first step in his plan for a Gaza ceasefire, and Washington wants its companies exempt from EU climate rules. Plus, Chinese customs agents are going after a wide range of US semiconductor tech, and central bankers around the world are facing criticism for a widely used monetary tool. Mentioned in this podcast:Donald Trump says Israel and Hamas have agreed first phase of Gaza peace planUS demands EU dismantle green regulations in threat to trade dealChina launches customs crackdown on Nvidia AI chipsThe populist shadow hanging over central banks and QEThe FT News Briefing has been nominated for Signal’s listener’s choice award for best Daily Podcast. Vote for us here! Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Ethan Plotkin, Fiona Symon, Lucy Baldwin, and Marc Filippino. Our show was mixed by Alex Higgins. Additional help from Michael Lello. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A UBS fund has 30 per cent of its portfolio tied to the failed First Brands Group, and carmakers across much of the world are scaling back on electric vehicle plans. Plus, international investors are returning to China’s start-up scene, in addition to assets across emerging markets. Mentioned in this podcast:UBS fund holds 30% exposure linked to First BrandsWhy carmakers are falling back in love with petrolGlobal investors stage cautious return to Chinese start-upsEmerging markets roar back with biggest stock rally in 15 yearsThe FT News Briefing has been nominated for Signal’s listener’s choice award for best Daily Podcast. Vote for us here! Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Fiona Symon, Ethan Plotkin, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Kelly Garry and Michael Lello. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EU governments have agreed to limit the travel of Russian diplomats, analysts are worried about a flurry of circular AI deals, and France lost another prime minister after less than a month in office. Plus, why the weaker dollar is helping big US exporters, while domestic-focused companies lose out.Mentioned in this podcast:EU to curb Russian diplomats’ travel as suspected spy attacks mountOpenAI targets 10% AMD stake via multibillion-dollar chip dealFrance in fresh political and market turmoil after prime minister resignsMultinationals race ahead as dollar slump divides US stock marketToday’s FT News Briefing was produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, and Lulu Smyth. Additional help from Alexander Higgins, Michael Lello and David da Silva. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israel and Hamas head into crunch-time negotiations in Cairo, and Japan’s prospective new prime minister will have work to do to bring her party back together. Plus, Europe is facing a flood of cheap Chinese textile imports, and investors are piling into an unproven technology to power the US artificial intelligence boom. Mentioned in this podcast:Israel and Hamas prepare for crunch ceasefire talksJapan gears up for ‘Takaichi trade’ as first female leader prepares for powerChina reroutes clothes exports to Europe after US tariffs upset tradeUS and investors gambling on unproven nuclear technology, warn expertsBillionaire beef baron warns US not producing enough to satisfy protein crazeToday’s FT News Briefing was produced by Ethan Plotkin, Victoria Craig, Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Alex Higgins and Peter Barber. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Description: The US will provide Ukraine with new intelligence, the American company behind Fico homebuyer credit scores is shaking up the mortgage industry, and Tesla’s global deliveries hit a new record in the third quarter. Plus, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman has sidelined hardliners and sought to remake Islam in a country long seen as exporting radicalism. Mentioned in this podcast:US to provide intel to guide Ukrainian long-range missile attacks on RussiaCredit bureaus snubbed in ‘Fico’ plan to sell mortgage scores direct to usersTesla sales hit record as US buyers rush to beat end of tax creditsHow Mohammed bin Salman curbed Saudi Arabia’s clericsToday’s FT News Briefing was produced by Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Blake Maples, Michael Lello and David da Silva. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sales of Chinese electric-car maker BYD fell for the first time in 19 months in September, the US government shutdown is not likely to affect interest rates, and a fresh bout of jitters is shaking Argentina’s financial markets. Plus, a nascent solar revolution is taking hold in Africa’s largest oil-producing nation, Nigeria. Mentioned in this podcast:BYD monthly sales fall for first time since early 2024US government shutdown unlikely to prompt deeper Fed cutsArgentine assets hit by fresh selling amid worries over US bailoutSolar shines in the rush for power in Africa’s largest petrostateThe FT News Briefing has been nominated for Signal’s listener’s choice award for best Daily Podcast. Vote for us here! Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Fiona Symon, Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Kelly Gary, Michael Lello and David da Silva. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show’s theme music 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 government has shut down after Democrats and Republicans failed to agree on a spending deal before the October 1 deadline, and Sir Keir Starmer has tried to revive his floundering premiership by urging his Labour party to launch a “patriotic” fight against Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. Plus, US President Donald Trump is launching a direct-to-consumer drug sales programme, and Spotify is appointing co-CEOs to replace Daniel Ek. Mentioned in this podcast:Donald Trump announces direct-to-consumer ‘TrumpRx’ drug sales programmeWhat happens if the US government shuts down?Starmer urges Labour to launch ‘patriotic’ fight against ReformSpotify CEO Daniel Ek to step down as music streamer splits roleListen to Political Fix here: https://podfollow.com/975569919 The FT News Briefing has been nominated for Signal’s listener’s choice award for best Daily Podcast. Vote for us here! Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Fiona Symon, Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Kelly Garry, Michael Lello and David da Silva. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elon Musk’s business empire has been hit by a wave of senior departures over the past year, video games maker Electronic Arts is being taken private by a Saudi Arabia-backed consortium, and Downing Street has opened the door for Labour to break its election promises and raise taxes in the Budget. Plus, the euro’s biggest rally since 2017 has further to run, Wall Street banks are predicting. Mentioned in this podcast:Elon Musk hit by exodus of senior staff over burnout and politicsVideo games maker Electronic Arts strikes $55bn deal to go privateLabour refuses to rule out manifesto-breaking tax risesEuro’s rally has further to run, Wall Street banks predictThe FT News Briefing has been nominated for Signal’s listener’s choice award for best Daily Podcast. Vote for us here! Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Fiona Symon, Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Kent Militzer, Michael Lello and David da Silva. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Trump administration’s financial regulator is preparing to change five decades of corporate reporting practice, and the US government is once again on the brink of a shutdown. Plus, Denmark is closing its airspace to drones after a series of incursions, and drive-throughs are the latest craze sweeping the coffee world. Mentioned in this podcast:Let the market decide how often companies reportTrump to meet lawmakers with government shutdown days awayDenmark bans civil drones for a week after sightings over military basesThe rise of drive-through US coffee chains with a need for speedWhy Japan is sprucing up its shabby officesToday’s FT News Briefing was produced by Ethan Plotkin, Victoria Craig, Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Alexander Higgins and Peter Barber. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The FT News Briefing has been nominated for Signal’s listener’s choice award for best Daily Podcast. And we need your help in order to win. Please vote for us by clicking the link. Also vote for our other FT podcasts who have been nominated for a Signal award, Behind the Money and Tech Tonic. We promise the whole process will take less than five minutes.Vote for the FT News Briefing Vote for Behind the Money Vote for Tech Tonic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oracle, private equity group Silver Lake and Abu Dhabi’s MGX will control roughly 45 per cent of TikTok USA, Germany’s chancellor has called for Europe to use frozen Russian assets to create new loan to finance Ukraine’s war effort, and a landmark trial finds former French president Nicolas Sarkozy guilty of criminal conspiracy. Plus, can a US bailout save Argentina’s president from deepening political problems?Mentioned in this podcast:TikTok US to be valued at $14bn after Trump’s deal, White House saysEuropean officials fear Trump is preparing to blame them for Ukraine failureGermany’s Merz backs using frozen Russian assets for UkraineNicolas Sarkozy sentenced to 5 years in prison in Libya corruption trialCan a US bailout save Argentina’s Javier Milei?Until 29th October, you can save 40% on a standard annual digital subscription at ft.com/briefingsaleToday’s FT News Briefing was produced by Persis Love, Victoria Craig, Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Blake Maples, Michael Lello and David da Silva. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BNP Paribas has relaxed a policy that blocked it from financing “controversial weapons”, US debt investors have raised the alarm over lax lending standards in credit markets, and Italy is considering a freeze in its retirement age of 67. Plus, Singapore and Hong Kong want to become major players in the gold market. Mentioned in this podcast:BNP Paribas drops pledge not to finance ‘controversial weapons’US debt investors raise alarm over lending standardsItaly weighs freezing its retirement age at 67Singapore and Hong Kong shoot for place in gold firmamentUntil 29th October, you can save 40% on a standard annual digital subscription at ft.com/briefingsaleToday’s FT News Briefing was produced by Fiona Symon, Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Blake Maples, Michael Lello and David da Silva. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The boss of Eli Lilly has branded the UK “probably the worst country in Europe” for drug prices, US President Donald Trump hit out at the UN at a speech at the global body’s General Assembly, and the Federal Reserve has scope to cut interest rates another three times, the OECD has said. Plus, the biggest US-listed companies keep talking about artificial intelligence, but few appear to be able to describe how the technology is changing their businesses for the better. Mentioned in this podcast:Eli Lilly boss brands UK ‘worst country in Europe’ for cheap drug pricesCan the UN save itself from irrelevance?Federal Reserve has room for three more rate cuts as US growth slows, says OECDUK set for highest inflation in G7, says OECDAmerica’s top companies keep talking about AI — but can’t explain the upsidesUntil 29th October, you can save 40% on a standard annual digital subscription at ft.com/briefingsaleCREDIT: PBS and the White HouseRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nvidia said it planned to invest up to $100bn in OpenAI to support a massive build-out of artificial intelligence data centres, Oracle’s Safra Catz is stepping down as chief executive and the US is considering a “large and forceful” intervention to support Argentina through a bout of severe market volatility. Plus, shares in Indian IT companies fell after US President Donald Trump sharply raised the application fee for H-1B visas. Mentioned in this podcast:Nvidia to invest up to $100bn in OpenAIOracle splits CEO role as Safra Catz steps downTikTok algorithm to be overseen by Oracle in Trump dealUS offers financial lifeline to Argentina’s Javier MileiIndian IT shares fall over fears from Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa feeUntil 29th October, you can save 40% on a standard annual digital subscription at ft.com/briefingsaleToday’s FT News Briefing was produced by Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Alex Higgins and David da Silva. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US companies may have to pay billions in new fees to hire foreign workers, and US tech groups are losing a political battle in Brussels to gain access to the EU’s financial data market. Plus, the UK joined Canada and Australia in recognising a Palestinian state on Sunday, and a Chinese retail giant is facing some growing pains on its European expansion plans. Mentioned in this podcast:Trump’s H-1B visa fee to hit US employers with $14bn annual billEU to block Big Tech from new financial data sharing systemUK, Canada and Australia recognise Palestine as an independent stateWill Benjamin Netanyahu annex the West Bank?China’s rival to Amazon battles to go global after failed UK bidsUntil 29th October, you can save 40% on a standard annual digital subscription at ft.com/briefingsaleToday’s FT News Briefing was produced by Ethan Plotkin, Victoria Craig, Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Alexander Higgins and Peter Barber. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Deutsche Bank chief executive Christian Sewing is set to be named as a defendant in legal proceedings, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump did their best to present a united front, and the Bank of England kept interest rates steady. Plus, Nvidia has agreed to invest $5bn in its struggling rival Intel. Mentioned in this podcast:Deutsche Bank chief Christian Sewing set to face multimillion-pound lawsuitTrump and Starmer at Chequers as it happened: leaders present united front after lavish state visitBoE holds interest rates at 4% and slows ‘quantitative tightening’Nvidia to invest $5bn in rival IntelCREDIT: CBS NewsToday’s FT News Briefing was produced by Josh Gabert-Doyon, Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Kent Militzer, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Federal Reserve has cut interest rates for the first time this year and China is banning its tech companies from buying AI chips made by Nvidia. Plus, how did the Swiss National Bank become one of the world’s top investors in US tech? Mentioned in this podcast:Federal Reserve cuts rates by quarter point and signals more to comeChina bans tech companies from buying Nvidia’s AI chips Switzerland’s US tech ‘whale’ Protesters against Trump state visit march through London Credit: ReutersToday’s FT News Briefing was produced by Fiona Symon, Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Kelly Garry, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 The UK and US are set to announce deeper co-operation on digital assets such as cryptocurrencies, a UN commission concluded that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, and Mario Draghi has warned that the EU’s economic competitiveness is on the retreat due to “inaction” by Brussels. Plus, Donald Trump’s administration is shifting the balance of power from shareholders to company bosses.Mentioned in this podcast:UK set to announce closer co-operation with US on cryptocurrenciesIsrael launches ground invasion of Gaza CityEU economy falls behind global rivals due to ‘complacency’, warns Mario DraghiDonald Trump tilts balance of power from investors to CEOsToday’s FT News Briefing was produced by Katya Kumkova, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Kelly Garry and Michael Lello. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lisa Cook can remain a Federal Reserve governor for now, the US and China seem to be making progress in their trade talks, and the US and UK promised to boost financial ties ahead of a state visit by President Donald Trump. Plus, Gen Z is toppling governments across Asia.Mentioned in this podcast:Lisa Cook can stay at Fed ahead of rates decision, appeals court rulesUK and US pledge to boost financial ties ahead of Trump state visitDonald Trump signals US and China have struck TikTok dealThe Gen Z revolution spreading in AsiaToday’s FT News Briefing was produced by Fiona Symon and Sonja Hutson. Additional help from Blake Maples, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.