FT News Briefing

Donald Trump has secured passage of his flagship tax and spending legislation and the US jobs market exceeded expectations last month. Plus, the future of the UK’s National Health Service could be in jeopardy, and Hong Kong residents cancel trips to Japan over a comic book’s earthquake prophecy. Mentioned in this podcast:What is in Donald Trump’s giant tax-cutting billUS economy surpasses expectations to add 147,000 jobs in JuneThe future of the NHS 10-year plan NHSHongkongers scrap Japan trips over comic book’s earthquake prophecyToday’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson and Katya Kumkova. Additional help from Blake Maples, Michael Lello, and Gavin Kallmann. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

European CEOs are lobbying against AI regulations, and trade officials are rushing to make deals before US President Donald Trump’s tariffs take effect again. Plus, the Pentagon suddenly stalled some weapon shipments to Ukraine, and the UK’s watered-down welfare reform bill could mean higher taxes.  Mentioned in this podcast:European CEOs urge Brussels to halt landmark AI ActUS narrows trade focus to secure deals before Donald Trump’s tariff deadlineUkraine summons top US diplomat after Washington halts some arms suppliesWhich UK taxes are expected to rise in the autumn Budget?Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson and Kasia Broussalian. Additional help from Blake Maples and Michael Lello. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

The UK government passed its welfare reform bill after making concessions, and Hong Kong’s stocks are beating out mainland China’s. Plus, Eurozone inflation rises to 2 per cent, and Europe turns to France to process rare earths.Mentioned in this podcast:Starmer guts UK welfare reforms to avoid Commons defeatHong Kong’s bull market leaves China behind Eurozone inflation rises to ECB’s 2% targetEuropean companies look to France for domestic rare earths sector Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, and Fiona Symon. Additional help from Kelly Garry and Michael Lello. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

Two of the biggest oil companies in the Middle East scale down their acquisition sprees, and Wall Street’s comeback has dramatically narrowed the gap with European stocks. Plus, the US is lifting sanctions on Syria, and Klarna makes some changes to its business model.Mentioned in this podcast:Gulf oil companies slow $60bn acquisition spree as crude prices fall US dollar suffers worst start to year since 1973 US stock market comeback tests investor faith in rotation to EuropeDonald Trump lifts most US sanctions on SyriaKlarna accelerates shift to digital bank ahead of second IPO attemptToday’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, and Ethan Plotkin. Additional help from Blake Maples, and Gavin Kallmann. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

The Trump administration is paving the way for more US bank mergers, and China’s online retail giants are losing some key customers. Plus, the race to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell is heating up, and the UK is trying to make financial advice more accessible. Mentioned in this podcast:Deal hunger stirs among US banksUS shoppers ditch Shein and Temu as Trump closes tax loopholeWhite House says decision on nominating next Fed chair not ‘imminent’UK launches biggest financial advice shake-up in more than a decadeToday’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Ethan Plotkin, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Alexander Higgins and Peter Barber. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

Some members of the UK's parliament fight back against proposed welfare cuts, and early intelligence suggests Iran’s uranium stockpile is still intact, officials say. Plus, the rise of sports gambling in Nigeria is being powered by social media influencers.Mentioned in this podcast:Early intelligence suggests Iran’s uranium largely intact, European officials sayA defeat Keir Starmer cannot affordKeir Starmer in talks with rebel MPs in bid to head off welfare revoltThe football betting influencers behind Nigeria’s not-so secret gambling boomSend me your questions for the Swamp Notes podcast: marc.filippino@ft.com. We may even play your voicemail on the show.Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Henry Larson, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Kelly Garry, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

Nato members decided on increased defence spending, the Federal Reserve is planning on cutting capital requirements for America’s biggest banks, and accounting firms are ready to open up to public markets. Plus, why US stocks are unfazed by the Israel-Iran conflict. Mentioned in this podcast:The US, Iran and marketsThe markets are silent — that is worryingFederal Reserve unveils plans to reduce capital rules imposed after 2008 crisisAccounting sector prepares for more IPOs after private equity bingeToday’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Blake Maples, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

US stocks almost hit record highs amid possible de-escalation in the Middle East, and Johns Hopkins University professor Vali Nasr analyses Iran’s future. Plus, the US Federal Reserve chair signalled no interest cuts this summer, and US states are sending delegates to the EU for advice on green policy. Mentioned in this podcast:Israel-Iran latest: JD Vance declares era of new Trump foreign policy doctrineThe war that will remake Iran’s Islamic republicIran at the precipiceJay Powell pushes back on calls for Federal Reserve rate cuts as soon as JulyRachman Review podcastUS states send delegates to EU for advice on green policyToday’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Fiona Symon, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Kelly Garry, and Gavin Kallmann. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

US president Donald Trump has said Israel and Iran have agreed a ceasefire, shifting priorities in the US are putting pressure on Nato members in Europe, and emerging markets defy US President Donald Trump’s trade war. Plus, the US has yet to find Iran’s uranium stockpile. Mentioned in this podcast:Donald Trump claims Israel and Iran have agreed ceasefireWhat happens to Nato if the US steps back?Where is Iran’s uranium? Search continues for 400kg stockpileEmerging markets defy investor gloom to outshine developed worldToday’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Blake Maples, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com