FT News Briefing

The world’s most famous investor says he plans to step down after six decades leading Berkshire Hathaway, and Chinese exporters are turning to third countries to get around 145 per cent US tariffs. Plus, local Nigerian oil companies are starting to replace foreign majors, and Israel calls up reservists to support its expanded operations in Gaza. Mentioned in this podcast: Warren Buffett to step down from Berkshire Hathaway after six decades Chinese exporters ‘wash’ products in third countries to avoid Donald Trump’s tariffs Israel vows to hit back against Iran and Houthis after airport attack Credit: CNBC The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Ethan Plotkin, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Katie McMurran, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US President Donald Trump has garnered a lot of criticism since he enacted his trade war. But there are people who still defend the tariffs, including Oren Cass, chief economist of the conservative thinktank American Compass. Cass is a contributor to the FT’s opinion pages, and he joins the FT’s US national editor and columnist Edward Luce to discuss why some conservatives still find value in tariffs. Mentioned in this podcast: Trump has no idea what he has unleashed Europe must choose between America and China Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here Swamp Notes is produced by Katya Kumkova. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amazon warned of the impact of Donald Trump’s global trade war and issued weaker-than-expected guidance for the second quarter, and Australians head to the polls this weekend caught in the crossfire of the US-China trade war. Plus, European banks had a great first quarter thanks to global market volatility. Mentioned in this podcast: Amazon falls after profit forecast misses expectations Australia: caught between a slowing China and a chaotic US UBS, Barclays and SocGen reap trading windfall from market turmoil The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Ethan Plotkin, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Michela Tindera, Josh Gabert-Doyon, Persis Love Katie McMurran, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Microsoft posted better than expected quarterly earnings on Wednesday, Spain is trying to figure out what caused a massive power outage, and the Conservatives are bracing for heavy losses in local England elections. Plus, the FT’s Claire Jones explains what we can take away from the latest US GDP reading. Mentioned in this podcast: US and Ukraine sign natural resources deal Microsoft shares jump after software giant’s earnings top forecasts US economy contracts at 0.3% rate as Trump tariffs prompt import surge Local elections: Tories braced for losses as England votes in five-party race How did Spain’s electricity grid collapse? The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Ethan Plotkin, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Michela Tindera, Katie McMurran, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump unveiled more tariff relief for some carmakers, and shares in a number of companies surged in Tokyo after a plan for carmaker Toyota Motor to take one of its subsidiaries private. Plus, Wall Street economists forecast that US GDP shrank in the first quarter, and contrary to some stereotypes, Generation Z is leading the charge back to the office. Mentioned in this podcast: Wall Street banks predict GDP contraction after US trade deficit hits record Donald Trump set to announce new car tariff climbdown in Michigan Japan shares surge after Toyota spurs hopes for wider corporate shake-up Gen Z is leading the charge back to the office The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Ethan Plotkin, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Katie McMurran, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The oil industry is bracing for its worst year since the pandemic, and Spain and Portugal are reeling from a massive power outage. Plus, the FT’s Emily Herbert explains why the flight into the Swiss franc is causing a headache for the country’s central bank. Mentioned in this podcast: Big Oil braced for worst year since pandemic as bumper profits recede Spain declares state of emergency in the wake of huge power outage Swiss franc surge sparks bets on return to negative interest rates The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Ethan Plotkin, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Flo Phillips, Katie McMurran, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canadians will head to the polls Monday to pick a prime minister, and a new US proposal to end the War in Ukraine would allow Russia to keep some of the territory it’s conquered. Plus, Hungary’s government may be funneling money to friendly news outlets, and major American companies are starting to speak up about Donald Trump’s trade war. Mentioned in this podcast: Canadians head to the polls to elect new prime minister Putin and Trump envoy hold ‘constructive’ meeting, Russian official says Trump and Zelenskyy hold ‘productive’ discussion at Pope’s funeral Hungary accused of illegal subsidies for pro-government media Consumer giants ring warning bells over Donald Trump’s trade war The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Ethan Plotkin, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Katie McMurran, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just a few weeks ago, US President Donald Trump was ready to levy tariffs on basically every nation. Today, many of those tariffs have been paused or tempered. Additionally, this week he promised he will not be firing Federal Reserve chair Jay Powell, despite his earlier criticism. Should we expect more backstepping from Trump in the face of economic data? And what do the voters think of it all? FT economics editor Sam Fleming joins alongside Jon McHenry, vice-president of the conservative pollster North Star Opinion Research. Mentioned in this podcast: Trump claims to have received call from Xi Jinping and to have cut ‘200 deals’ on trade Donald Trump says he has ‘no intention’ of firing Jay Powell Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here Swamp Notes is produced by Katya Kumkova. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apple plans to shift the assembly of all US-sold iPhones to India as soon as next year, factories in China have begun slowing production and furloughing some workers in the aftermath of US tariffs, and Alphabet shares rose after it reported first-quarter profit surged 46 per cent. Plus, the Trump administration wants to stamp out one of America’s enduring financial pastimes: writing paper cheques. Mentioned in this podcast: Alphabet shares jump as Google search boosts profits Apple aims to source all US iPhones from India in pivot from China A crucial earnings season Is Trump’s drive to kill the paper cheque a ‘no brainer’? Chinese factories slow production and send workers home as US tariffs bite The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Ethan Plotkin, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Katie McMurran, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen will on Thursday finalise plans for a new defence pact, US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent has accused the IMF and World Bank of “mission creep” and Boeing reported lower than expected losses. Plus, Tesla chief executive Elon Musk looks to right the electric-car company by reducing his role in the Trump administration. Mentioned in this podcast: UK and EU finalise plans for defence pact Musk drives Tesla calmly through investors’ red lights Scott Bessent accuses IMF and World Bank of ‘mission creep’ Boeing prepared to redirect orders destined for Chinese carriers Credit: Associated Press The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Ethan Plotkin, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Katie McMurran, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tesla’s first-quarter adjusted profits dropped 39 per cent and the IMF has downgraded outlooks for G7 nations and big economies such as China and India. Plus, we take a look at whether BP can turn things around to catch up with its rivals. Mentioned in this podcast: Elon Musk to prioritise Tesla over White House role as profits slump IMF warns of rising US recession risk and defends Fed policy Vladimir Putin offers to halt Ukraine invasion along current front line Will going back to basics restore BP’s fortunes? Donald Trump says he has ‘no intention’ of firing Jay Powell The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Ethan Plotkin, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Katie McMurran, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wall Street stocks dropped as President Donald Trump attacked Federal Reserve chair Jay Powell, Pope Francis passed away on Monday after leading the Catholic Church for 12 years, and more than half of nearly 1,500 business leaders support a shift to a renewables-based electricity system. Plus, Europe is now seeking to take advantage of China’s electric vehicle manufacturing expertise. Mentioned in this podcast: US stocks and dollar sink as Trump renews attacks on Fed chair Powell Pope Francis dies aged 88 Obituary: Pope Francis, reformer of modern Catholicism, 1936-2025 Europe helped teach China to make cars. Now the tables are turning Companies make plans to shift to green energy despite Trump-era rollbacks, survey shows The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Ethan Plotkin, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Katie McMurran, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luxury goods were supposed to be making a comeback this year. But US President Donald Trump’s trade war has complicated that and things are looking grim for the industry. The FT’s fashion editor Lauren Indvik explains where things stand with LVMH, Prada and others. Mentioned in this podcast: Donald Trump’s trade war shatters hopes of 2025 luxury revival The FT News Briefing is produced by Katya Kumcova, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Ethan Plotkin, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Andrew Georgiadis, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Swamp Notes is taking this weekend off so instead we wanted to share the latest episode from our fellow FT podcast, The Rachman Review. Nuclear talks between the US and Iran began last weekend in Oman, and are set to continue in the coming weeks. President Trump has warned that if the talks fail the US could take military action against the Islamic republic – an idea that Israel's government is pressing for. In this episode, we unpack what a new nuclear deal with Iran might look like – and how it could change the geopolitical picture in the Middle East. Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe. Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval. Sound design is by Breen Turner. https://www.ft.com/content/819a2246-96eb-4730-85f4-ebe39ac91a61 https://www.ft.com/content/771f3b6f-75f9-4978-8bdb-f7834b9e7d04 https://www.ft.com/content/68e7eeb4-4785-4ba4-b730-0a20f2fd55e0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

China’s imports of US liquefied natural gas have completely stopped for more than 10 weeks, and Japan’s chief trade negotiator leaves Washington without an immediate agreement after meeting Donald Trump. The European Central Bank has cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter-point to 2.25 per cent. Plus, astronomers have found signs of biological activity on a planet 124 light years from Earth. Mentioned in this podcast: Astronomers claim strongest evidence yet of extraterrestrial life Donald Trump weighs in on Japan trade talks but Tokyo team leaves without deal Donald Trump says Fed chair Jay Powell’s ‘termination cannot come fast enough’ ECB cuts rates to 2.25% amid Trump trade war China stops buying liquefied gas from the US Audio credit: C-SPAN Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Federal Reserve chair Jay Powell is warning that US tariffs are ‘likely’ to put at risk the central bank’s goals of keeping prices and unemployment in check, and chipmakers are reeling from a tough week. Plus, UK inflation fell more than expected to 2.6 per cent in March and the FT’s Aiden Reiter explains why emerging markets are doing surprisingly well in all this market volatility. Mentioned in this podcast: Trump tariffs put Fed’s jobs and inflation goals at risk, Powell says Unhedged: Emerging markets’ unexpected outperformance after “liberation day” ASML’s chipmaking machine orders disappoint amid tariff uncertainty UK inflation falls more than expected to 2.6% in March The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Ethan Plotkin, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Michela Tindera, Katie McMurran, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nvidia says it expects to take a $5.5bn blow as the US clamps down on the Silicon Valley group’s ability to export artificial intelligence chips to China, and PwC is exiting 12 countries. Plus, the junk bond market has basically ground to a halt, and India’s middle class is dealing with a debt crisis that could impact the country’s growth ambitions. Mentioned in this podcast: Nvidia to take $5.5bn hit as US clamps down on exports of AI chip to China Risky corporate borrowers shut out of bond market since Trump’s tariff blitz How India’s middle-class debt crisis is threatening growth PwC exits 12 countries in push to avoid scandals The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Ethan Plotkin, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Katya Kumcova, Saffeya Ahmed, Katie McMurran, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brussels is exploring legal options that would allow European companies to break long-term Russian gas contracts, and Goldman Sachs had a mixed first quarter. Plus, China’s President Xi Jinping is traveling around south-east Asia to make the case that Beijing is open for business, and Argentina just landed a $20bn deal with the IMF. Mentioned in this podcast: Xi Jinping warns ‘no winners’ from Trump trade war as he heads to Vietnam Argentina secures $20bn IMF deal by relaxing currency controls Goldman Sachs’ chief hopeful Trump will listen to corporate America EU explores legal options for ending Russian gas deals The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Ethan Plotkin, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Katie McMurran, Katya Kumcova, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US tariff exemptions on personal electronics may only be temporary, and big banks posted major earnings on Friday despite some economic headwinds. Plus, the European Union and the UK are getting closer to signing a defense pact, and the Trump Administration's pressure on universities could drive students and faculty overseas. Mentioned in this podcast: US tech tariff exemption will be temporary, says Lutnick JPMorgan chief Jamie Dimon warns of ‘considerable turbulence’ in US economy Warning lights flash for US consumer strength as credit defaults rise American academics seek exile as Trump attacks universities AI praise-giving tool promises ‘authentic’ insights UK and EU close ranks on defence amid Trump turmoil The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Ethan Plotkin, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US President Donald Trump’s global trade war has made a mess for the Federal Reserve. Despite an encouraging US consumer price index report this week, there are major concerns about the inflationary nature of Trump’s tariffs. Meanwhile, the Fed has cut growth forecasts. And if all that wasn’t enough, Trump is breathing down chair Jay Powell’s neck to cut interest rates. The FT’s US economics editor Claire Jones and economics commentator Chris Giles explain why the central bank is caught in a difficult position. Mentioned in this podcast: Jay Powell’s tariff dilemma: defend the economy or contain inflation Alphaville: An emergency rate cut from the Fed? US inflation falls more than expected to 2.4% in March Federal Reserve ‘absolutely’ ready to help stabilise market if needed, top official says Sign up for the FT’s newsletter Chris Giles on Central Banks Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here Swamp Notes is produced by Katya Kumkova. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.