FT News Briefing

Episod

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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.
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  How a Russian forgery scheme evaded sanctions 22.09.2026 11min

  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 banksPolymarket starts European lobbying blitz to win over financial watchdogsMerz’s woes cast doubt over EU’s €2tn budget Philippines’ ube export ban threatens end of purple patchWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The 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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  Germany’s Merz vows to stay despite ‘disaster’ 21.09.2026 11min

  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 electionsJon Ossoff’s Georgia race stirs talk of 2028 US presidential auditionVolkswagen ejected from European blue-chip index in blow to crisis-hit carmakerWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Until 28th October you can save on a standard annual digital subscription at ft.com/briefingsaleThe 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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  Reform UK mega-donors stir controversy 18.09.2026 12min

  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 YorkReform UK’s mega-donor backed a friend’s libel claim. Now he controls her homeGlencore suspends senior executive in review of ties to iron ore traderOpenAI’s listing delay raises stakes for SoftBank’s $50bn data centre IPOWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. 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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  Fed interest rate rises are back 17.09.2026 11min

  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 2023EU asks China to voluntarily limit car exportsVon der Leyen to paint EU as the only port in a global geopolitical stormAI is transforming warfare. But not making it easier to winCredit: Federal ReserveWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. 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 billionaires bankroll Republican election push 16.09.2026 10min

  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 pushEU rebuffs Mark Carney’s ‘unique alliance’ with CanadaThe $1.6bn IPO that could draw millions of Nigerians to the stock marketWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. 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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  What an AI slowdown could mean for investors 15.09.2026 11min

  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 inflationTen-year Treasury yield hits 5% for first time since 2023Foreign investors prefer US stocks to Treasuries as debt worries growWhy delaying an AI doomsday would benefit investors tooChina tightens control of overseas travel in sweeping new lawWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. 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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  Fed and BoJ expect rate hikes as US bond market flails 14.09.2026 11min

  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 ratesScott Bessent fails to break ‘fever’ in US bond marketRussia strikes Ukrainian train line moments after foreign dignitaries passThe civil war in Data Centre AlleySubscribe to the FT: ft.com/briefingsaleWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. 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 hits $108 ahead of Iran’s meeting with Gulf states 11.09.2026 11min

  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 $107Iran and Gulf states to meet in push for Hormuz dealHouthis capture Red Sea port in blow to SaudisVirgin Media O2 owners target £600mn in cost cutsTime for the BricsWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. 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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  AI rewrites the venture capital playbook 10.09.2026 11min

  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 yenIMF ditched top candidate for chief economist job over Trump tariff remarksMoonshot capitalism: AI rewrites the venture capital playbookThe Dorchester hotel to sell Qatari sheikh’s car over unpaid £460,000 billWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. 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.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  DeepSeek mania spawns shadow market 09.09.2026 11min

  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 fundsDeepSeek fundraising frenzy spawns costly shadow marketOil nears $100 as US launches new strikes on Iranian tankers‘Mini-livers’ offer a new spin on regenerative medicineWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. 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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  Is the global maritime order breaking down? 08.09.2026 10min

  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 decideWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: 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 executive producer is Manuela Saragosa and 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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  A foldable iPhone: John Ternus’s first test as Apple CEO 07.09.2026 11min

  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 electionsJohn Ternus’s first test at Apple: selling a $2,000 foldable iPhoneTrump envoys hold talks with Zelenskyy in Kyiv after meeting Putin in MoscowEurope failing to deter Russia’s ‘hybrid’ war, warn defence officialsWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The 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 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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  Extended chat: Top US trade official defends Trump’s record 05.09.2026 19min

  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 top Trump trade officialTrump tariff tracker: US trade, markets and the economyWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Alex Higgins. Additional help from Kelly Garry, 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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  Top US trade official reveals ‘problem’ in UK negotiations 04.09.2026 12min

  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 officialDeutsche Bank led $1bn of troubled lending to Hollywood studio landlordNvidia to buy open-source AI platform Hugging Face for $13bnHugging Face attack is a wake-up call about the risks of AIFT Series: Big ChickenWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. 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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  Uber teams up with driver unions to fight robotaxis 03.09.2026 11min

  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 controlsUber allies with driver unions in bid to slow robotaxi rolloutChevron to double Venezuela oil production with $7bn pledgeWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. 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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  Russia secretly helping Iran develop supersonic missiles 02.09.2026 10min

  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 missilesUS launches further strikes on Iran as conflict flares upGlobal bond sell-off deepens amid inflation fears‘All it will take is one screw-up’: AI groups race to limit bioweapon risksWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson and Saffeya Ahmed. 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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  How viable is Trump’s oil deal with Venezuela? 01.09.2026 11min

  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 AICan Donald Trump’s 65bn-barrel deal revive Venezuela’s oil industry?London’s Tube finally escapes its mobile blackoutWant to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson and Saffeya Ahmed. 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.