FT News Briefing

Iran accused the US of “flagrant” violations of their ceasefire, BP has ousted its chair Albert Manifold following “serious concerns” over his behaviour, and two top European central bankers laid the groundwork for a likely interest rate rise in June. Plus, dealmaking in the mid-cap part of the UK market has sprung to life. Mentioned in this podcast: Iran accuses US of ‘flagrant’ ceasefire violations as back-channel talks continue BP removes chair Albert Manifold over ‘serious concerns’ about his conduct Top ECB policymakers lay groundwork for June rate rise Merger spirits could lift the UK’s languishing mid-caps Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Sonja Hutson and Fiona Symon. Our show was mixed by Sam Giovinco. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann. Our executive producer 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.

In more than two-thirds of the world, the average number of children born to each woman has fallen below the “replacement rate”. Employment, home ownership and education are still big factors. But increasingly, so are mobile phones. Mentioned in this podcast: Why birth rates are falling everywhere all at once Credit: The Columbus Dispatch Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted by Victoria Craig, and produced by Marc Filippino. Our show was mixed by Sam Giovinco. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann. 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.

The FT News Briefing presents a special episode from Slate's "What Next" podcast. As wealth disparity continues to grow, politicians in New York and California have suggested raising revenue through taxes aimed at their wealthiest residents. But the proposals have set off an upper-class uproar – and now, it’s a stand-off between the country’s billionaires and its most progressive politicos. Guest: Stephanie Ruhle, anchor of MS NOW’s The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle. Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. You can listen to past episodes of What Next, or follow Slate on YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The blockbuster listings of SpaceX, Anthropic and OpenAI are set to prompt an unprecedented wave of buying and selling, and a court in Ankara has ruled to remove the leadership of Turkey’s biggest opposition party. Plus, we’ll look at why US President Donald Trump is turning up the pressure on Cuba. Mentioned in this podcast: ‘Fast entry’ SpaceX, OpenAI and Anthropic IPOs to ignite Wall Street trading frenzy Turkey court removes leader of opposition as Erdoğan tightens grip Donald Trump turns up the heat on Cuba US charges Cuba’s former president Raúl Castro with murder Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Katya Kumkova and Saffeya Ahmed. Our show was mixed by Sam Giovinco. Additional help from Michael Lello. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nvidia will return more than $80bn to shareholders, and Donald Trump attracted ire this week with the creation of a $1.8bn “anti-weaponisation fund”. Plus, OpenAI is getting ready to go public, and Africa’s Ebola outbreak has health officials worried about pandemic preparedness. Mentioned in this podcast: Nvidia to return more than $80bn to shareholders as it reaps rewards of AI boom China banned Nvidia’s gaming chip during Jensen Huang’s visit How will Trump deploy his $1.8bn ‘anti-weaponisation’ fund’? OpenAI readies IPO filing to list as soon as September DR Congo races to halt spread of Ebola Lethal Ebola virus outbreak triggers urgent international quest for vaccine Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Katya Kumkova, Saffeya Ahmed, Fiona Symon. Our show was mixed by Sam Giovinco. Additional help from David da Silva. Our executive producer 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 are discussing whether former leaders could represent the bloc in potential negotiations with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and rising fuel prices have triggered deadly protests across Africa. Plus, we look back at US Federal Reserve chair Jay Powell’s legacy as head of the central bank. Mentioned in this podcast: EU mulls Angela Merkel or Mario Draghi as possible Vladimir Putin whisperer Protests spread in Africa as fuel crisis deepens Powell, Trump and the battle for the Federal Reserve Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Katya Kumkova, Saffeya Ahmed, and Fiona Symon. Our show was mixed by Sam Giovinco. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley 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.

A California court threw out Elon Musk’s case against Sam Altman and OpenAI, the global bond sell-off rages on, and a $420bn power behemoth was born after NextEra Energy struck a deal with its rival Dominion Energy. Plus, the FT’s Raya Jalabi travels to Christian villages in southern Lebanon where residents fear they’re under an indefinite occupation by Israeli forces. Mentioned in this podcast: Elon Musk’s case against OpenAI dismissed after just two hours of jury deliberations Global bonds tumble on fears of inflation shock from Iran war Bonds extend sell-off on inflation fears NextEra strikes megadeal with Dominion to create $420bn US utility Israel seizes 1,000 sq km under Benjamin Netanyahu’s war strategy The Christian villages under Israeli occupation in Lebanon Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Katya Kumkova and Saffeya Ahmed. Our show was mixed by Sam Giovinco. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley 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.

The cost for companies to circumvent shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is reaching record levels, and the world is bracing for an energy cliff edge this summer as the US-Iran war continues. But the war hasn’t deterred investment firms from betting on the Middle East, and we have an update on the UK’s political turmoil. Mentioned in this podcast: Sweeping the strait: the companies gearing up to clear the Gulf of mines Gulf freight rates jump as shipping companies turn to trucks to move cargo What life is like on the stranded ships of the Gulf Iran energy crisis enters new phase as peak summer season looms Investment firms look beyond Iran war to expand in Middle East Labour reopens Brexit debate Is being prime minister now an impossible job? Political Fix podcast Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted by Victoria Craig, and produced by Katya Kumkova and Saffeya Ahmed. Our show was mixed by Alex Higgins. Additional help from Peter Barber. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley 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.

Democrats are looking for a bit of a rebrand after losing the White House and both houses of Congress in 2024. They have an opportunity this November to test out some new types of candidates. In a critical swing district in Pennsylvania, the party establishment has coalesced around a progressive, blue-collar candidate named Bob Brooks. The other frontrunner in the race, Ryan Crosswell, represents a very different vision for winning over swing voters. He’s a former Republican and former federal prosecutor who’s more centrist. Host Sonja Hutson travels to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to interview the candidates and ask party activists where they fall in the electability debate. Listen to all episodes of The Bethlehem Project here. Mentioned in this podcast: Dousing the DC ‘dumpster fire’: Democrats battle over party’s future The Bethlehem Project is hosted and produced by Sonja Hutson and edited by Marc Filippino. The show was mixed by Sam Giovinco. Lauren Fedor contributed reporting. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Opponents are lining up to potentially challenge UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chinese President Xi Jinping says his country will ‘open wider’ for American tech, and Saudi Arabia is considering a Middle Eastern non-aggression pact with Iran. Plus, what does one city in Pennsylvania tell us about the intersection of US politics and the economy? Mentioned in this podcast: Starmer braces for leadership challenge by Burnham Xi Jinping tells Nvidia, Tesla and Apple CEOs that China will ‘open wider’ Saudi Arabia floats Middle Eastern non-aggression pact with Iran AI chipmaker Cerebras surges more than 100% in Wall Street debut The Bethlehem Project: US politics and economics through the lens of one city Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Katya Kumkova, Saffeya Ahmed, and Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Sam Giovinco. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann and Michael Lello. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley 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.

The US Senate confirmed Kevin Warsh as the next chair of the Federal Reserve yesterday, and the Bank of England is set to water down its rules on stablecoins. Plus, the popularity of Germany’s AfD party is growing after its criticism of the Iran war. Mentioned in this podcast: Senate confirms Kevin Warsh to succeed Jay Powell as Fed chair Bank of England set to water down stablecoin rules after industry pressure Germany’s far-right AfD sees surge in support after it criticises Donald Trump’s Iran war How could a Starmer leadership challenge play out? Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted by Sonja Hutson, and produced by Katya Kumkova, Saffeya Ahmed, and Marc Filippino. Our show was mixed by Sam Giovinco. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley 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.

UK gilt investors are weighing in on who they would like to see replace Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and the fund raising for Blue Owl is running dry. Plus, the US economy is hurting due to high inflation and eBay says no thanks to GameStop’s takeover bid. Mentioned in this podcast: Who do gilt investors want to lead Britain? UK borrowing costs surge as Starmer leadership crisis rattles bond Fuel, munitions and food: Trump’s Iran war rips across US economy US inflation jumps to 3.8% as Trump’s Iran war sends petrol prices soaring Blue Owl retail fundraising evaporates amid private credit concerns Ebay rejects $56bn GameStop bid as ‘neither credible nor attractive’ Get in touch with us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Katya Kumkova, Saffeya Ahmed, and Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Sam Giovinco. Additional help from Michael Lello. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley 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.

US President Donald Trump says the Iran ceasefire is on “life support”, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is fighting to save his premiership after the Labour party's disastrous showing in last week's UK local elections. Plus, we preview this week’s summit between Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping, and examine how business in the Gulf is holding up through the Iran war. Mentioned in this podcast: Donald Trump says Iran ceasefire is on ‘life support’ Starmer battles to stay in Number 10 as scores of Labour MPs urge him to quit How the war hit the Gulf dealmaking machine A weakened Trump arrives in Xi’s court The Rachman Review podcast Credit: Associated Press We want to hear from you! What do you like about FTNB? What would you like to hear more of? Reach out to us at podcasts@ft.com Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Katya Kumkova, Saffeya Ahmed, and Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Sam Giovinco. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley 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.

A gas shipment made it through the Strait of Hormuz as European oil majors cash in billions from the US-Israeli war on Iran, airlines across Europe are cutting prices for summer flights despite a potential jet fuel shortage, and bond giant Pimco says the war could prompt the Federal Reserve to raise rates. Plus, the FT’s Lucy Fisher explains what to expect from a make-or-break speech by UK prime minister Keir Starmer today. Mentioned in this podcast: Qatari gas shipment clears Strait of Hormuz after Pakistan-Iran talks Euro oil majors make billions off war Coal shipments jump as countries seek alternatives to disrupted gas supplies Airlines cut prices to entice holiday bookers worried about jet fuel Iran war could prompt Federal Reserve to raise rates, Pimco says Starmer faces fight for survival as calls to resign escalate Britain’s elections in maps and charts Political Fix podcast Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted by Victoria Craig, and produced by Katya Kumkova, Marc Filippino and Saffeya Ahmed. Our show was mixed by Alex Higgins. Additional help from Peter Barber. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley 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.

It’s been a dreadful night for Labour as council seats across the country have turned from red to turquoise. The Conservatives have not fared much better with Reform UK the big winner so far. With results still coming in, host Lucy Fisher discusses the fracturing of the vote and the future for beleaguered Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with the FT’s deputy political editor Jim Pickard, Northern England correspondent Jen Williams and political columnist Stephen Bush. Have a question for the panel? We’re planning a question and answer episode on Monday May 11. Email your questions to politicalfix@ft.com Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, and Bluesky: @lucyfisher.ft.com; Jim @PickardJE; Stephen @stephenkb & @stephenkb.bsky.social and Jen @JenWilliamsMEN and @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social Want more? UK elections: Labour suffers heavy losses as Reform surges Four things we learnt in the UK elections Scale of defeat should shake ‘big two’ parties into serious action Keir Starmer defies calls to quit after heavy Labour council losses UK local and devolved elections: Hour-by-hour guide to key results In Labour’s bleak moment, Andy Burnham relishes his own Sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers were Andrew Giorgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s global head of Audio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big Tech groups are expected to generate the smallest amount of cash in more than a decade this year, and investors are dumping Indian assets. Plus, GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen, has set his sights on his next project: a huge leveraged buyout of eBay. Mentioned in this podcast: Big Tech’s $725bn AI spending spree sends cash flows to decade low Investors dump Indian assets as energy shock sends rupee sliding Can the meme stock king pull off audacious eBay swoop? Political Fix podcast Credit: CNBC Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Katya Kumkova, Saffeya Ahmed, and Victoria Craig. Our show was mixed by Sam Giovinco. Additional help from Michael Lello and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley 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.

US fuel exports have surged to a record level, and hedge funds had their best month since 2020. Plus, Samsung Electronics is locked in a feud with its workers over how to share the spoils of the AI-driven semiconductor boom, and LVMH is considering selling some of its iconic brands. Mentioned in this podcast: US fuel exports hit record in boon for oil companies and threat to Trump LVMH goes from buyer to seller as luxury’s winter drags on Tech rally hands hedge funds biggest gains since 2020 Samsung workers demand bigger slice of surging AI profits Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Katya Kumkova, Saffeya Ahmed, and Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley 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.

Global oil reserves plunged at a record pace in April and the SEC said it was proposing to allow public companies to file earnings reports every six months. Plus, the US will start reviewing some AI models over national security concerns and HSBC’s profits took a major hit from “fraud-related” exposure. Mentioned in this podcast: SEC moves to scrap quarterly reporting requirement Global oil reserves plunge at record pace as Middle East war strains supplies HSBC profits hit by $400mn ‘fraud-related’ exposure Google, xAI and Microsoft agree to US national security reviews of new AI models Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Katya Kumkova, Saffeya Ahmed, Fiona Symon, and Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Sam Giovinco. Additional help from Michael Lello and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley 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.

The US and Iran traded fire in the Strait of Hormuz, and Anthropic formed a more than $1.5bn joint venture with Wall Street groups including Blackstone, Hellman & Friedman and Goldman Sachs. Plus, the FT’s Anna Nicolaou explains whether Disney’s chief executive can handle the latest challenge thrown by the Trump administration. Mentioned in this podcast: US to ‘guide’ stranded ships out of Strait of Hormuz, says Trump Blackstone and Goldman among backers for $1.5bn JV with Anthropic Trump vs Kimmel: inside Disney chief Josh D’Amaro’s baptism of fire ‘Plastic shock’ hits Asia as Iran oil crisis strangles supplies Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Katya Kumkova and Saffeya Ahmed. Our show was mixed by Sam Giovinco. Additional help from Michael Lello. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley 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.

We tally the impact of war on industries around the globe as the conflict in Iran stretches into its third month. Plus, Britain braces for voters to deliver a potentially seismic change to the political system. And, though many industries are preparing to deal with shortages caused by the Strait of Hormuz closure, the US and Europe have a glut of milk. Mentioned in this podcast: Airlines slash flights as fuel shortage fears mount UAE fertiliser giant resorts to trucks to shift product out of Gulf Detroit carmakers warn of $5bn commodities shock due to Iran war Exxon and Chevron defy Trump pressure to boost oil production Oil market one month from crunch point as global stockpiles dwindle Trump’s war in Iran leaves US with sharpest fuel shock in G7 Political Fix: Labour braces for ballot box bloodbath The land of milk and no money: UK farmers are in a fix Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted by Victoria Craig and produced by Marc Filippino and Saffeya Ahmed. Our show was mixed by Alex Higgins. Additional help from Peter Barber. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley 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.