FT News Briefing

Private equity’s workaround to buy law firms

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 goodsSchroders boss reassured UK Treasury ahead of £9.9bn US takeoverAlphaville’s annotated thoughts on the Schroders takeoverUS businesses and consumers pay 90% of tariff costs, New York Fed saysTop Goldman Sachs lawyer Kathy Ruemmler to resign over Epstein linksHow to buy a law firm if you’re not allowed to buy a law firmNote: 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.

A wacky US jobs report

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 testimonyUS economy far outstrips expectations to add 130,000 jobs in JanuaryAfter 17 years in exile, dynastic heir looks to lead BangladeshFind the latest season of Tech Tonic here: https://www.ft.com/tech-tonicNote: 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.

Should BP get more credit for its turnaround effort?

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 2012Zelenskyy plans spring elections alongside referendum on peace dealBP isn’t getting enough credit for its turnaroundBP becomes first oil major to suspend share buyback planCuba runs out of jet fuel as Donald Trump squeezes oil suppliesNote: 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.

Novo Nordisk hits back at copycat drugs

Gilts rebounded from earlier losses on Monday afternoon, and Novo Nordisk is suing US telehealth company Hims & Hers over ‘knock-off’ versions of its weight-loss drugs. Plus, France’s central bank chief is stepping down early, and US senators are pushing proposals to lift bank deposit insurance limits to avoid another Silicon Valley Bank debacle. Mentioned in this podcast:Gilts stabilise after cabinet voices support for Keir StarmerNovo Nordisk sues Hims & Hers over copycat weight-loss drugsNovo Nordisk faces more gloom from price cuts in crowded anti-obesity drugs marketFrench central bank governor to step down earlyCan the US crack the formula for ending bank runs?Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and produced by Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello 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.

Pressure mounts on Starmer even as top aide resigns

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff resigned amid controversy over the Mandelson scandal, and Japan’s conservative governing party have won a landslide victory in snap elections. Plus, top academics have dismissed Federal Reserve chair Kevin Warsh’s claim that an AI-induced productivity boom will create room for interest rate cuts. And, Syria has struck a deal that would give them control over major oil and gas fields offering a potential boost to its fragile economy. Mentioned in this podcast:Starmer battles to stay in Number 10 after dramatic exit of McSweeneySanae Takaichi’s LDP wins supermajority in Japan electionEconomists reject Kevin Warsh’s claim that AI boom will enable rate cutsSyria courts energy majors as it takes control of oilfieldsNote: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted by Victoria Craig, and produced by Julia Webster. 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.