FT News Briefing

European power prices hit record high as Russia curtails gas supplies, foreign investors have dumped a record $33bn of Indian shares since October, and the FT’s chief economics commentator Martin Wolf discusses the global economy.Subscribe to the FT News Briefing on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyMentioned in this podcast:European power prices hit record high as Russia curtail gas suppliesForeign investors dump record $33bn of Indian stocks since OctoberPolicy errors of the 1970s echo in our times The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson and Marc Filippino. The show’s editor is Jess Smith. Additional help by Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week, we return to one of our favourite episodes, to ask the question: what does it mean to defy death? Rock climber Leo Houlding tells us about his terrifying family holidays, scaling vertical cliff-faces with his two young kids. We also explore radical life extension with science writer Anjana Ahuja. How close are we scientifically to extending the human lifespan to 150 or 200? What are the implications when we get there? And do we really want to live forever? Links from the episode: — Leo Houlding’s extreme family holiday in Wyoming’s wild west:   — Anjana Ahuja on whether we can live forever:  — Inside the life extension market, with Tiffanie Darke:  Want to say hi? Email us at ftweekendpodcast@ft.com. We’re on Twitter @ftweekendpod, and Lilah is on Instagram and Twitter @lilahrap. If you want a great discount on an FT subscription or a $1/£1/€1 month-long trial, we’ve got you:  Mixing and sound design by Breen Turner, with original music by Metaphor music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The US Supreme Court cut back the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, US stocks lost $9 trillion in the first half of 2022, and frustration with China’s zero-Covid policy is pushing its middle class to try to leave the country. Subscribe to the FT News Briefing on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyMentioned in this podcast:US Supreme Court curbs EPA’s power to regulate greenhouse gas emissionsUS stocks on course for worst first-half slump in more than 50 yearsCovid in China: Xi’s fraying relationship with the middle classThe FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson and Marc Filippino. The show’s editor is Jess Smith. Additional help by Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Chinese stocks are set for their largest monthly rise since 2020, Meta frustrates app developers by charging for VR apps, and Revlon’s bankruptcy filing sheds light on what it takes to stay relevant in the beauty industry. Subscribe to the FT News Briefing on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyMentioned in this podcast:Chinese stocks set for largest monthly rise since 2020Meta sparks anger by charging for VR appsHow the beauty industry left Revlon behindStatutory inquiry into Captain Tom charity launchedThe FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson and Marc Filippino. The show’s editor is Jess Smith. Additional help by Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A former White House aide testified that former President Donald Trump tried to commandeer his limousine on January 6, an independent report advises the UK to suspend use of live facial recognition over privacy concerns, and environmentalists are concerned about the impact of global timber trade disruption. Plus, access to mail-order abortion pills is shaping up to be the next legal battleground.  Subscribe to the FT News Briefing on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyMentioned in this podcast:UK should immediately ban use of live facial recognition, warns report Ukraine war hits global timber trade and adds to risks for forestsAbortion pills in demand after reversal of Roe vs Wade The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson and Marc Filippino. The show’s editor is Jess Smith. Additional help by Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Russia is on course to default on its debt for the first time since 1998, and Credit Suisse has become the first domestic bank to be found guilty of a corporate crime after a court found the lender failed to stop the laundering of Bulgarian drug money. UK travel chaos could widen this summer as travel unions threaten strike activity. Subscribe to the FT News Briefing on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyMentioned in this podcast:Russia set for first debt default since 1998 as payment deadline passesCredit Suisse found guilty over Bulgarian drug money failingsIs Britain headed for a summer of strikes?US company spending on private jets for personal use hits 10-year highThe FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson and Marc Filippino. The show’s editor is Jess Smith. Additional help by Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Nato is to agree an overhaul of its battle plans to offer better protection to the alliance’s eastern flank, and there is some debate on how to soften the economic blow of the UK leaving the European Union. Plus, a listener wants to know: Is the UK justified in spending more on science and tech education and less on the arts? Mentioned in this podcast:Nato to agree overhaul to bolster Baltic defences against Russian threatThe deafening silence over Brexit’s economic falloutA tale of two cultures: must Britain choose between science and the arts?The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson and Marc Filippino. The show’s editor is Jess Smith. Additional help by Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week we speak with Michael R. Jackson, playwright of A Strange Loop, which just won the Tony award for Best Musical and Best Book. Jackson is a queer, black writer whose musical is about a queer, black writer writing a musical about a queer, black writer.. Hence the strange, but incredibly entertaining loop. Then, we learn about the dark side of Copenhagen's world-famous fine dining restaurant scene from Imogen West-Knights. Denmark seems to be turning a blind eye to abuses in its hottest – and extremely lucrative – hospitality industry.  --------------Want to say hi? We love hearing from you. Email us at ftweekendpodcast@ft.com. We’re on Twitter @ftweekendpod, and Lilah is on Instagram and Twitter @lilahrap. --------------Links and mentions from the episode: – Imogen’s article ‘Fine dining faces its dark truths in Copenhagen’: .  – Lilah’s article ‘How far does a chef have to go to be truly good?’:  – Michael’s musical A Strange Loop is on Broadway at the Lyceum Theatre.– Imogen is on Twitter @ImogenWK, and Michael is @TheLivingMJ.—-------------Special offers for Weekend listeners, from 50% off a digital subscription to a $1/£1/€1 trial are here:  --------------Original music by Metaphor Music. Mixing and sound design by Breen Turner and Sam Giovinco.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The EU recognizes Ukraine as an official candidate for membership, Russian businessmen look to work with Iran to skirt US sanctions, and the FT’s Hot Money podcast reveals Visa and Mastercard are the secret regulators of the porn industry. Plus, the US bans Juul e-cigarettes from being sold. Subscribe to the FT News Briefing on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyMentioned in this podcast:EU leaders formally agree to grant Ukraine candidate member statusSanctions-hit Russian businessmen seek tips from IranPornhub owner MindGeek loses top two executivesSubscribe to the Hot Money podcastEU press conference audio courtesy of the European CouncilThe FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson and Marc Filippino. The show’s editor is Jess Smith. Additional help by Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

US stocks stay fairly flat after Fed Chair Jerome Powell testifies in Congress, a Ukrainian-made drone hits an oil refinery in Russia, and the International Energy Agency says investing $25 billion annually could lead to universal electricity access in Africa by the end of the decade. Mentioned in this podcast:Jay Powell warns US recession is ‘certainly a possibility’‘Kamikaze’ drone strike hits oil refinery in southern RussiaAfrica needs $25bn a year of investment to boost energy provision, says IEA chiefThe FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson and Marc Filippino. The show’s editor is Jess Smith. Additional help by Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The S&P 500 rose by 2.4% on Tuesday, Russia is threatening Lithuania over enforcing EU sanctions, and the global food shortage reignites the debate on using crops for biofuel. Plus, Kellogg is Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com off into three separate companies. Mentioned in this podcast: S&P 500 bounces 2.4% after sharp weekly declineRussia warns Lithuania of serious consequences over Kaliningrad rail ‘blockade’Food vs fuel: Ukraine war sharpens debate on use of crops for energyKellogg’s to split into three separate food businessesThe FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson and Marc Filippino. The show’s editor is Jess Smith. Additional help by Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

China is the leader in initial public offering fundraising this year, Jeff Bezos’s superyacht ignites a debate about who cities are for, and New Zealand’s housing market could hold some clues for what to expect in countries starting to raise their interest rates. Mentioned in this podcast:China IPO fundraising doubles US total to top global ranksJeff Bezos vs the bridge: Rotterdam’s dilemma over billionaire’s superyachtNew Zealand’s housing price boom cools as rate rises biteThe FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson and Marc Filippino. The show’s editor is Jess Smith. Additional help by Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Passively managed index funds have overtaken actively managed funds’ ownership of the US stock market for the first time and Brazil is cracking down on fake news on social media sites in the run-up to this October’s election. Plus, the FT’s Patrick McGee interviewed the chief executive of Epic games about his ambitions for the metaverse. Mentioned in this podcast:Passive fund ownership of US stocks overtakes active for first timeSocial media platforms crack down on fake news ahead of Brazil electionTim Sweeney: Epic will fight Apple and Google to keep the metaverse openTravis Scott concert audio courtesy of Travis Scott YouTube channel The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson and Marc Filippino. The show’s editor is Jess Smith. Additional help by Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Last month, Andy Warhol's "Shot Sage Blue Marilyn" sold for $195mn, making it the second most expensive piece of art to sell at auction, ever. And as prices keep going up, the art market — auction houses, gallerists, dealers, collectors — want to keep it that way. On the heels of a ‘stonking’ art season, we invite two heavy hitters into the studio to walk us through it: arts editor Jan Dalley and art market columnist Melanie Gerlis. Then, Christie's head of 20th- and 21st-century art, Alex Rotter, pulls back the curtain on these record-breaking sales. --------------Want to say hi? We love hearing from you. Email us at ftweekendpodcast@ft.com. We’re on Twitter @ftweekendpod, and Lilah is on Instagram and Twitter @lilahrap. --------------Links and mentions from the episode: – Melanie’s article ‘Art Basel’s Swiss fair defies gloomy economy with soaring sales’:  – Melanie’s auction season roundup:  – Columnist John Gapper on how ‘The art market cannot get enough Andy Warhol Marilyns’:  – Jan’s most recent art column, on whether we should send art back to Russia:  – Robert Armstrong’s profile of Larry Gagosian:  – Melanie’s books are called The Art Fair Story and Art as an Investment? – Melanie is on Twitter @mgerlis, and Alex is on Instagram @rottweilernyc.—-------------Special offers for Weekend listeners, from 50% off a digital subscription to a $1/£1/€1 trial are here:  --------------Original music by Metaphor Music. Mixing and sound design by Breen Turner and Sam Giovinco.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Stocks fall following rate rises in the US, UK and Switzerland and Russia restricts gas flow to Germany, and Covid hospitalisations are up in Europe.  Subscribe to the FT News Briefing on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyMentioned in this podcast:Wall Street stocks tumble as UK and Switzerland follow Fed with rate risesGermans told to conserve energy as Russia cuts gas flows to EuropeCovid hospitalisations rise in Europe as sub-variants fuel new waveThe FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson and Marc Filippino. The show’s editor is Jess Smith. Additional help by Peter Barber, Michael Lello, and Gavin Kallmann. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark policy rate by 0.75 percentage points for the first time since November 1994, and the European Central Bank says it will speed up work on a new policy tool to counter surging borrowing costs. Plus, billionaire investor Ray Dalio talks about the connections he's found between the rise and fall of markets and the rise and fall of nations.Subscribe to the FT News Briefing on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyMentioned in this podcast:Fed raises rates by the most in decades to tame scorching inflationECB to design new bond-buying plan to tackle market turmoilThe Rachman Review with Ray Dalio The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson and Marc Filippino. The show’s editor is Jess Smith. Additional help by Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The World Trade Organization is facing a credibility crisis during its first meeting since 2017, the increased value of the US dollar is hurting American companies, and Ukraine lays out a weapons shopping list ahead of its meeting with western defence ministers today.Subscribe to the FT News Briefing on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyMentioned in this podcast:The WTO’s lonely struggle to defend global tradeRise in dollar to 20-year high costs US companies billions in earnings Military briefing: which weapons has Ukraine received and how many more does it need?Apple scores deal for Major League Soccer streaming rights worth $2.5bnThe FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson and Marc Filippino. The show’s editor is Jess Smith. Additional help by Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

US stocks dipped into bear market territory, two major cryptocurrency players blocked withdrawals, and British prime minister Boris Johnson published legislation to make sweeping changes to trading rules for Northern Ireland. Plus, hundreds of Japanese companies have left Tokyo for the countryside —  will it have a lasting effect?Note: We wanted to apologize to our listeners for not publishing a show on Monday, June 13. This was due to a technical error.Subscribe to the FT News Briefing on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyMentioned in this podcast:US stocks trade in bear market territory as sell-off acceleratesBitcoin tumbles after crypto lender Celsius blocks all redemptionsWhat does Northern Ireland protocol bill do and why is it contentious?The great Tokyo exodusThe FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson and Marc Filippino. The show’s editor is Jess Smith. Additional help by Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week, we explore new scientific research behind: pigs! They have far more sentience and complexity than we give them credit for. Chief features writer Henry Mance joins to discuss how pigs and other animals think and feel, and the bigger questions around how we farm and eat them. Then, we look at a New York City architectural phenomenon: skinnyscrapers. Architecture critic Edwin Heathcote tells us about these new, super-thin towers that shoot up more than a quarter of a mile into the sky. How does a city’s architecture reflect its identity?--------------Want to say hi? We love hearing from you. Email us at ftweekendpodcast@ft.com. We’re on Twitter @ftweekendpod, and Lilah is on Instagram and Twitter @lilahrap. --------------Links and mentions from the episode: – Henry Mance’s article: ‘What cutting-edge science tells us about pigs’:   – Henry’s book is called How To Love Animals: In A Human-Shaped World– Edwin Heathcote on 111 W 57th and Manhattan’s skinnyscrapers:  – Henry Mance is on Twitter @henrymance, and Edwin is at @edwinheathcote.—-------------Special offers for Weekend listeners, from 50% off a digital subscription to a $1/£1/€1 trial are here:  --------------Original music by Metaphor Music. Mixing and sound design by Breen Turner and Sam Giovinco.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

US consumer prices are set to have registered another large monthly advance, the European Central Bank has paved the way for a series of rate rises, and China is offering coronavirus vaccine insurance in an effort to win over sceptics and boost the vaccination rate. Mentioned in this podcast:ECB plans quarter-percentage point rate rise in July as ultra-loose policy endsChina offers Covid vaccine insurance to win over jab scepticsThe FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson and Marc Filippino. The show’s editor is Jess Smith. Additional help by Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.