FT News Briefing

Cross-border EU banking deals reached their highest level since the 2008 financial crisis, and regulation reversals are hitting global electric-vehicle makers. Plus, soaring gold prices are affecting insurance coverage for precious metals storage, and how to make sense of recent AI-induced selloffs on Wall Street.

Mentioned in this podcast:
EU cross-border banking deals jump to highest since 2008 crisis
End of EV euphoria triggers $65bn hit for carmakers
Soaring gold price forces vaults to reduce insurance cover
Wall Street hunts next casualty from AI threat to white-collar work
Wall Street’s anything-but-tech trade shakes up US stock market
Credit: White House

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 Sonja Hutson. 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 the most watched business in the world. And the least understood. Streamed by millions every day, porn is everywhere. It shapes our culture, our relationships and even technology. Yet, nobody seems to know who really controls the business. The power brokers tend to lurk in the shadows, while their performers remain quite literally exposed.

In the new audiobook The Kink Machine: The Hidden Business of Adult Entertainment, from Pushkin Industries and the Financial Times, Financial Times journalists Patricia Nilsson and Alex Barker start digging into the porn industry and following where the money flows. Their reporting uncovers a shadowy power structure that includes billionaires, tech geniuses and the most powerful finance companies in the world.

A gripping exposé of how power operates behind the most taboo corner of the internet, Nilsson and Barker unravel a story about control, influence and an industry with staggering cultural reach that no one really wants to talk about — until now.

Here’s a preview of The Kink Machine. If you like what you hear, get The Kink Machine on Audible, Spotify, Pushkin.fm, or wherever you get audiobooks.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Trump administration plans to roll back some tariffs, Schroders agrees to a US takeover, and Americans paid 90 per cent of the cost of US President Trump’s tariffs last year. Plus, Goldman Sachs’ top lawyer will depart the company over Epstein ties, and how to buy a law firm when you’re not really allowed to.

Mentioned in this podcast:
Trump plans to roll back tariffs on metal and aluminium goods
Schroders boss reassured UK Treasury ahead of £9.9bn US takeover
Alphaville’s annotated thoughts on the Schroders takeover
US businesses and consumers pay 90% of tariff costs, New York Fed says
Top Goldman Sachs lawyer Kathy Ruemmler to resign over Epstein links
How to buy a law firm if you’re not allowed to buy a law firm

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 Fiona Symon and Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Kelly Garry. 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.

The US economy added 130,000 jobs in January, beating market expectations, and documents appear to contradict testimony Jes Staley gave about his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein. Plus, Bangladesh is holding its first elections since 2024's mass uprising.

Mentioned in this podcast:
Epstein trustee document contradicts Jes Staley testimony
US economy far outstrips expectations to add 130,000 jobs in January
After 17 years in exile, dynastic heir looks to lead Bangladesh
Find the latest season of Tech Tonic here: https://www.ft.com/tech-tonic

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 Fiona Symon, Victoria Craig and Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Kelly Garry. Additional help from 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.

US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick said he visited Jeffrey Epstein’s island with his family in late 2012, Cuba is struggling under the US fuel embargo, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is planning for elections in the spring. Plus, the FT’s Camilla Paladino says oil major BP isn’t getting enough credit for its turnaround.

Mentioned in this podcast:
Howard Lutnick says he visited Jeffrey Epstein’s island in 2012
Zelenskyy plans spring elections alongside referendum on peace deal
BP isn’t getting enough credit for its turnaround
BP becomes first oil major to suspend share buyback plan
Cuba runs out of jet fuel as Donald Trump squeezes oil 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 Fiona Symon, Victoria Craig and Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Kelly Garry. 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.