Editor's Picks from The Economist

Wine pairing is a classic part of any fine dining experience. But what about a water pairing? A recent summit in Atlanta seeks to elevate the most basic beverage.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

Thinking about your mortgage as part of your investment portfolio might not seem intuitive. But, as our Buttonwood column argues, it should be thought of as an asset along with cash, stocks, and bonds.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

Friedrich Merz, leader of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union, had been expected to become Germany's new leader today, but he unexpectedly fell short of a majority in the initial parliament vote. Our profile of the politician considers his career and character.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

As tensions between China and America increase, Taiwan is caught in the middle. Could Donald Trump's isolationism lead to China’s dominance over the island?Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. The streaming era made binge-watching the cultural norm. Now, the same services are returning to a release format that favours delayed gratification.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Artificial Intelligence is improving at a remarkable pace, gaining a variety of new capabilities. Surprisingly, and perhaps alarmingly, one of them seems to be deception.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Nigel Farage’s return to the forefront of British politics could usher in an era of volatility that the country can ill afford.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. In the wake of market turmoil, Donald Trump has scaled back his attacks on Jerome Powell, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, but the reprieve may be temporary.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Clearly delineated lunch breaks may have fallen out of favour among office workers. Our "Bartleby" column finds reasons to resurrect the midday meal.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.