FT News Briefing

Episoder

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  Martin Wolf on the US midterms: Is American democracy safe? 17.10.2026 43min

  As Americans prepare to vote in the November 3 midterm elections, FT chief economics commentator Martin Wolf asks what the result will mean for Donald Trump, the future of US democracy and America's place in the world. In the first of a six-part series of interviews with leading historians and political analysts, Martin speaks to the scholar and former Republican adviser Robert Kagan, who has spent a decade warning about Trump's authoritarian ambitions. They discuss how Trump has accumulated so much power, whether America's democratic institutions can still constrain him, and what might happen if Republicans lose control of Congress. Could these elections mark a turning point for American democracy or has the country already gone too far down the road towards authoritarianism?Watch the full episode now on the FT’s main YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinancialTimes or search for ‘Martin Wolf on the World’, wherever you get your podcastsHost: Martin WolfProducer: Mischa Frankl-DuvalSenior Producer: Laurence KnightExecutive Producer: Manuela SaragosaVideo Editor: Richard ToppingAudio engineering: Breen TurnerBroadcast engineers: Andrew GeorgiadisPodcast development: Laura ClarkeFT Global Head of Audio: Flo PhillipsRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Investors fret over AI debt 16.10.2026 12min

  UK Chancellor John Healey has dropped his strongest hint yet of higher taxes on banks, and Anthropic secured a credit rating one notch below investment grade earlier this year. Plus, investors are losing confidence that revenues from the AI boom will be sufficient to support the vast debt piles financing data centres.Mentioned in this podcast:Healey signals Budget bank tax raidAnthropic secured highest junk credit rating in JuneAnthropic tells investors quarterly revenue up nearly 50% to $16.8bn ahead of IPOInvestors dump data centre bonds as AI borrowers face ‘Darwin moment’Want to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcastsThe FT News Briefing is produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our video producer is Zachary Alfred. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Alex Higgins. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. 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.
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  Zelenskyy doesn’t mince words about Trump 15.10.2026 13min

  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized US President Donald Trump in an interview with the FT, US inflation jumped to 3.7% and leaked emails reveal that Freshfields law firm considered a carve-out of itsAI unit that would be worth billions. Plus, leading AI labs are responding to the alleged bugging incident at OpenAI and salmon producers are changing up the diet for their fish.Mentioned in this podcast:Ukraine to resume strikes on Russian refineries, Zelenskyy saysUS inflation jumps to 3.7% as Iran war drives up pricesFreshfields partners explore carve-out of AI unit worth ‘billions’, leaked emails revealUS arrests Saudi employee of OpenAI for allegedly bugging its officesHe linked Saudi Arabia to Silicon Valley. Then OpenAI found a bug wrapped in toilet paperSalmon producers start feeding chicken to fishWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcastsThe FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our video producer is Zachary Alfred. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Alex Higgins. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. 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.
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  France’s Marine Le Pen readies for fight with EU 14.10.2026 15min

  France’s far-right leader Marine Le Pen is gearing up for a fight with the EU if elected president next year, investors in Accenture cannot decide if AI will be an existential threat or an incredible boost, CoreWeave is chasing insurers’ vast pools of capital, and the US Treasury has fined Bank of America more than $1bn for “egregious and continued” money laundering and sanctions violations. Plus, can Saudi Arabia stop the Houthis?Mentioned in this podcast:France’s Marine Le Pen gears up for fight with EUWill Accenture survive or thrive in the age of AI?CoreWeave targets ‘unlimited’ insurance money to fund AI build-outBank of America fined $1.2bn over money laundering failuresMilitary briefing: can Saudi Arabia stop the Houthis?Want to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcastsThe FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our video producer is Zach Alfred. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Alex Higgins. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. 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.
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  An election supercycle could push Europe to the right 13.10.2026 12min

  The IMF is warning that the world’s leading economies need to take “urgent” action to rebuild their public finances, Pakistan is stuck in a tricky place as its ally Saudi Arabia fights off the Houthis, and Mark Zuckerberg says Meta has caught up with rivals at the “frontier” of AI. Plus, a number of elections in Europe could fundamentally shift the EU, and the UK has imposed new sanctions on Iran over a security incident at a RAF base.Mentioned in this podcast:Top economies heading for biggest budget deficits since Covid, IMF warns Pakistan’s hard choice on Saudi Arabia’s warRiyadh defiant as Houthis launch new missile strikes on Saudi ArabiaMark Zuckerberg says Meta has reached AI ‘frontier’The election supercycle set to drag Europe rightUK imposes new sanctions on Iran over RAF Fairford incidentIndia’s Narendra Modi faces ‘bitter pill’ as Cockroach protests mountWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcastsThe FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our video producer is Zachary Alfred. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Alex Higgins. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. 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.
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  Houthis attack Riyadh airport 12.10.2026 13min

  The Iran-backed Houthis have struck Riyadh airport in Saudi Arabia multiple times this week, US president Donald Trump claims an “energy ceasefire” between Russia and Ukraine, and AI companies are pulling back new debt issuance. Plus, US bank earnings this week suggest the good times may be over.Mentioned in this podcast:US threatens to block arms for Ukraine over attacks on Russian refineriesUkraine’s allies vow to pressure Moscow as Trump claims ‘energy ceasefire’ in placeMissile strike on Riyadh airport kills 12 and injures hundredsHouthis show military reach with deadly missile strikes on RiyadhAI borrowing slows as investors grow wary of debt bingeWall Street’s record-breaking trading streak set to coolWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected] to the FT: ft.com/briefingsaleNote: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcastsThe FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Alex Higgins. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. 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.
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  SoftBank wants Gulf money to expand AI bet 09.10.2026 12min

  SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son is seeking to raise as much as $100bn from Gulf investors to further his massive bet on AI, the Flydubai co-pilot who tried to hijack a flight to Tel Aviv expressed misogynistic views online, and Donald Trump has said Washington will not strike Iran ahead of the US midterm elections. Plus, two Latvian men allegedly trespassed at a UK military base, and two crypto groups with links to a Trump family-backed company are embroiled in a $141mn legal battle.Mentioned in this podcast:SoftBank seeks $100bn from Gulf to expand massive AI betThe online life of the Flydubai attackerDonald Trump says US ‘will not be attacking Iran’ before midterm electionsOil prices jump on tanker attacks and slowing flows through Strait of HormuzEasyJet doubles winter flight cuts amid rising costsTwo Latvian nationals arrested on suspicion of trespass at RAF baseCrypto companies linked to Trump-backed firm in $141mn legal battleWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcastsThe FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. 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.
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  Oil companies are full speed ahead in the Middle East 08.10.2026 11min

  Oil executives expressed their appetite for investing in the Middle East despite the war, the conflict has blown a near-£12bn hole in Britain’s public finances, and big investors are “bottom fishing” among beaten-down assets, including Italian bonds and corporate debt. Plus, China is building data centres at rapid speed across Inner Mongolia and a measure of credit risk at Elon Musk’s SpaceX rose to a record high.Mentioned in this podcast:Oil majors look beyond Middle East war to access region’s vast reservesIran war blows near-£12bn hole in Britain’s public financesBig investors ‘bottom fish’ in Eurozone bond markets after France sell-offChina races to build AI data centres across energy-rich hinterlandSpaceX credit risk jumps on worries over its borrowing spreeWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcastsThe FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. 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.
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  Skydance’s debt pile takes the spotlight 07.10.2026 13min

  Paramount Skydance is tackling a huge pile of debt following its takeover of Warner Bros Discovery, oil tanker captains are being paid rates equivalent to $100,000 a month for travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, and the UK’s tax authorities probed Manchester City in 2018. Plus, the battle for control of the $265bn Tata Group hinges on India’s motorbike billionaire, and Brussels is considering taxing big US tech companies through a broad levy on large corporations.Mentioned in this podcast:Debt in the spotlight as Paramount closes $111bn deal for Warner BrosShips’ captains paid $100,000 a month to transit Strait of HormuzHMRC opened probe into Man City’s tax affairs in 2018India’s motorbike billionaire steering tussle at TataBrussels looks to capture Big Tech through tax on large corporationsWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcastsThe FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. 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.
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  The bond sell-off comes for corporate America 06.10.2026 10min

  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 AmericaBrazil’s markets surge as investors bet on Flávio Bolsonaro election winFrance: between the bond market and the barricadesInsurance claims to test Altman and Amodei liability for ‘rogue’ AIHong Kong quizzes HSBC over Singapore AI hub decisionWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcastsThe FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. 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.
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  The Tories go back to basics 05.10.2026 10min

  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 boomEstonia shifts troops closer to Russia in ‘active defence’ pushIsraelis rush to get new settlements past ‘starting line’ before electionWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcastsThe FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. 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.
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  Unhedged: An ode to stock picking 03.10.2026 20min

  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 throws active investors some love.The FT’s next stock picking game launches on Monday October 5. Entry is free to all FT subscribers aged 18 or over. Registrations will remain open for a number of weeks after the launch date. To participate, go to: https://stockpickinggame.ft.comFor a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Zelenskyy says Putin’s gloves are off 02.10.2026 14min

  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 PalantirPutin has told military leaders to abandon rules of war, Zelenskyy saysEurozone borrowing costs surge in global bond routUS sanctions Kremlin-backed fintech A7 for allegedly assisting IranScandal and succession in the House of BolsonaroWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcastsThe FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. 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.
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  US Big Tech gets the most facetime with EU 01.10.2026 12min

  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 IsraelBig Tech out-lobbies European companies in BrusselsAuditor 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 [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcastsThe FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. 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.
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  Trump shrugs off AI regulation 30.09.2026 13min

  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 exportUS 30-year Treasury yield hits highest since 2002Vanguard warns France is ‘long-term degrading credit’ as yields riseDonald Trump says US tech bosses agreed to ‘self-regulation’ of AI risksAnthropic warns of ‘existential risks to humanity’ in IPO prospectusOpenAI axes next model citing safety issuesCredit: CNBCWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcastsThe FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. 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.
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  Nvidia turns to insurers to offset AI risks 29.09.2026 13min

  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 country’s acute labour shortage.Mentioned in this podcast:Burnham to set out plan to break ‘politics as usual’ by tackling UK’s biggest issuesBlair-era money is ‘not there now’, Healey warns LabourNvidia turns to insurers to spread the risk of AI buildoutNvidia launches record $150bn share buybackOil price and US Treasury yields in tightest relationship since 1990Oil raises the stakes in Argentina’s push against the Falklands Lady Gaga tells Japanese people to work for FamilyMartCredit: Oricon, Labour partyWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcastsThe FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. 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.
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  Andy Burnham’s first Labour conference as prime minister 28.09.2026 10min

  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 visionEU countries consider Nato-style joint responses to Russian hybrid attacksForeign investors bet Panama can shrug off social unrest and Trump threatsWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcastsThe FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. 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.
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  Bond rout pushes US mortgage rates past 7% 25.09.2026 12min

  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 House visitUS mortgage rates breach 7% as affordability pressures mount EU urges UK to raise tariffs on Chinese cars to avoid ‘made in Europe’ barriersSubway rival bets hot sandwiches will sell in UK’s ‘cold and rain’Credit: United Nations, White HouseWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcastsThe FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. 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.
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  US Treasury yields soar 24.09.2026 11min

  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 marketsTreasury open to smaller fiscal headroom to reduce tax hikesThe FT’s Budget dashboard: the data confronting Chancellor John HealeyRosneft billions fed Kremlin-backed money laundering networkSyria: a dangerous search for justiceCrime and punishment in the Middle EastCredit: PBSWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcastsThe FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. 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.
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  Will Trump and Xi extend their trade truce? 23.09.2026 10min

  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 TrumpDonald Trump rejects ‘globalist scheme’ in blow to Andy Burnham’s plan for AI guidelinesOil tanker costs hit record $1.2mn a day as Iran war disrupts shippingUS government and Gulf billionaires back Todd Boehly bid for Lukoil assetsWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcastsThe FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. 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.