FT News in Focus

The Trump administration has suspended military aid to Pakistan, saying it is frustrated over Islamabad’s inability to tackle Islamist militants on the Afghan border. What will be the consequences of the move and what does it tell us about US strategy in the region? Jyotsna Singh puts the question to the FT's Farhan Bokhari and Kiran Stacey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two of the big US banks predict a new corporate tax cut will mean higher investment, better pay and cheaper prices for their services. The FT's Ben McLannahan and Alistair Gray discuss what fourth-quarter results from JPMorgan and Wells Fargo suggest for the rest of the sector.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What went well, and what didn't at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas? Ravi Mattu discusses the big themes, and the successes and the disappointments of this year's tech jamboree, with the FT's Tim Bradshaw. Music by David Sappa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Widespread unrest across Iran has exposed the faultlines between the country's reformist president and the hardline clerical establishment, says the FT's Najmeh Bozorgmehr in this report from Tehran. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week sees the introduction of Mifid II, a gigantic piece of EU legislation that aims to improve transparency across the financial services sector. Patrick Jenkins talks to the FT's Hannah Murphy about the implications of the new rules for banks and investors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two unlikely partners - controversial entrepreneur Patrick Byrne and economist Hernando de Soto - have joined forces to create a registry of informal property records using blockchain technology, making the records easier to trace and harder to forge. They join the FT's John Authers to discuss their new venture.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah Neville reports on a pioneering experiment at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in the UK, which has shown the benefits of integrating people with dementia into the community and listening to their voices to gain a better understanding of the disease. https://www.wyp.org.uk/creative-engagement/older-people/theatre-and-dementia/Wendy's blog: https://whichmeamitoday.wordpress.com/Donate at: www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/financial-times/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From US tax reform, to media mergers and activist investors, what were the big corporate themes of 2017? Daniel Thomas discusses the best stories of the year with Brooke Masters, the FT's companies editor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

European governments made big cuts to public services in response to the recession that followed the financial crisis. What impact have these cutbacks had on public health? Darren Dodd discusses the findings of a recent study on the subject with Ben Franklin, one of its authors, and the FT's Sarah Neville.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

South Africa’s ruling African National Congress has elected a new leader, Cyril Ramaphosa. The former union leader campaigned on a promise to root out corruption and rescue the party that defeated apartheid but is now so tarnished it risks losing its majority in 2019 elections. Andrew England discusses Mr Ramaphosa's prospects with the FT's Africa editor David Pilling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

British prime minister Theresa May went to Brussels for a European summit within hours of her first big legislative defeat at home when pro-European Conservatives backed a move insisting that the UK parliament have a full vote on any Brexit deal before it can be implemented. The FT's Jim Brunsden and George Parker report from Brussels on how she was received by other European leaders and what happens next in the Brexit negotiations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tencent is on a buying spree, investing in Tesla, Snap and Spotify. Ravi Mattu discusses the motivation behind the recent deals with the FT's Louise Lucas in Hong Kong. Music by David Sappa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The shift to internet shopping has hit traditional malls hard and sparked a wave of consolidation in the retail property market. In the latest development, Unibail-Rodamco, Europe’s largest property company has acquired Australia's Westfield. Daniel Thomas discusses how the big mall operators are adapting to the online challenge with the FT's Aime Williams, Arash Massoudi and Miles Johnson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Miliband, head of the International Rescue Committee, discusses his book Rescue: Refugees and the Political Crisis of Our Time, with the FT's Pilita Clark. The crisis is a bellwether for the fate of the global system, he says, and tackling it requires the combined efforts of governments, agencies and businesses.@IRCEurope www.rescue-uk.org  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Susan Fowler's blog post about sexual harassment at Uber set off a chain reaction that has changed company culture in Silicon Valley and beyond. Lionel Barber talks to the FT's Leslie Hook and Brooke Masters about the repercussions of her decision to go public with her allegations, and why the FT has chosen her as its Person of the Year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apple will see as much as $47bn slashed from its expected tax liability if Republicans push through their current tax plan, making it the biggest beneficiary of the legislation now working its way through Congress. Ravi Mattu discusses Apple's potential windfall with the FT's Richard Waters and Tom Braithwaite. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain has set itself on a "desperate and dangerous path" as it negotiates its exit from the European Union, David Miliband, former UK foreign secretary, has warned. Mr Miliband spoke to the FT's Pilita Clark about the role played by immigration and globalisation in influencing the way people voted, and about the tactical stance adopted by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn towards Brexit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deutsche Bank has unveiled details of the flotation of its valuable asset management arm next year. The German lender will rename the division DWS and create a structure that will allow it to retain its controlling influence. Patrick Jenkins discusses the merits of the plan with Laura Noonan, the FT's investment banking correspondent. Music by Kevin MacLeod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest salvo in a courtroom battle between Uber and autonomous driving rival Waymo has raised questions over Uber’s business tactics as its new chief tries to overhaul it and shepherd a multibillion-dollar share sale. Ravi Mattu talks to the FT's Chloe Cornish and Leslie Hook in San Francisco about events this week and what happens next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The abrupt departure of London Stock Exchange boss Xavier Rolet more than a year earlier than expected leaves a pressing need for a new chief to rebuild bridges with shareholders and heal rifts in the board. Patrick Jenkins discusses what led to Mr Rolet's departure and what happens next with the FT's Philip Stafford Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UK banks are well placed to weather even a worst case Brexit scenario, but what if something else goes wrong? Patrick Jenkins, FT financial editor, discusses the Bank of England's stress tests and what they means for future dividends and profitability with Caroline Binham, financial regulation correspondent, Martin Arnold, banking editor, and Isabelle Jenkins head of banking at PWC. Music by Kevin MacLeod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A three-week siege of the Pakistani capital by Islamist protesters has humiliated the country's civilian government and left the army in its strongest position for years, the FT's Kiran Stacey tells Jyotsna Singh. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britons are about to become poorer, according to the latest forecasts by the UK’s Office for Budget Responsibility. Siona Jenkins asks Chris Giles, FT economics editor, to explain why, and whether the policies announced by Philip Hammond, the chancellor, in his Budget are the right ones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Disagreements over Indian history have delayed the release of one of Bollywood's most eagerly awaited releases and caused some to question whether the Taj Mahal should continue to be celebrated as an architectural masterpiece. Jyotsna Singh discusses Hindu nationalism's growing sway over the country's culture and politics with the FT's Kiran Stacey. Music credits: Official Trailer and 'Ghoomar' song from the film Padmavati by Bhansali Productions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

China is cutting millions of jobs in the coal and steel sectors in a long-delayed restructuring that aims to scale back unprofitable state-owned enterprises and upgrade the country's manufacturing sector. The FT's Emily Feng talks to Jyotsna Singh about the social and political cost of the lay-offs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first tangible sign of the impact of Brexit, Paris and Amsterdam have been chosen as the new homes for two prized EU agencies. The FT's Jim Brunsden tells Rochelle Toplensky how the decisions were reached. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After nearly 40 years at the top, General Electric has lost its position as the largest US manufacturer by market capitalisation, following a dramatic slide in its share price this week. Ursula Milton discusses the future of this American industrial titan with the FT's Ed Crooks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zimbabwe’s army has seized power in a dramatic move that effectively ends the regime of  president Robert Mugabe after nearly 40 years in power. Orla Ryan discusses what happens next with the FT's David Pilling and Andrew England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the sixth round of Brexit negotiations starting, the European Commission has released economic forecasts that show Britain's growth being outstripped by an accelerating eurozone. Alex Barker and Jim Brunsden report from Brussels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kathryn McGuinness, policy chair of the Corporation of London, tells Patrick Jenkins, the FT's financial editor, about her recent visit to Wall Street, where she found mounting concerns about Brexit and the regulatory uncertainty that shows no sign of being resolved. Music by Kevin MacLeod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saudi Arabia has shocked the world with a wave of arrests of princes, tycoons and former ministers as part of an anti-corruption drive initiated by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Siona Jenkins discusses the lightning crackdown with Simeon Kerr, Anjli Raval and Arash Massoudi Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Ganges is one of the world’s most revered watercourses, a lifeline to millions of Indians, but it is also the most polluted river in the world. Jyotsna Singh talks to the FT’s Victor Mallet about efforts to clean up the river and about his latest book, 'River Of Life, River Of Death'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The answer, according to a study commissioned by the charity Help Musicians UK, has found that the answer is yes, if you are a professional musician working in unsympathetic conditions. Dr George Musgrave, one of the study's authors, talks to Darren Dodd about the findings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Several multinationals have become embroiled in a scandal over allegations that South Africa's president Jacob Zuma has allowed a prominent business family to use its friendship with him to control state appointments and the award of big government contracts. Andrew England discusses the repercussions of the scandal with the FT's David Pilling and Joseph Cotterill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shinzo Abe has won a third term as Japan’s prime minister in an unexpectedly decisive victory. The supermajority won by his Liberal Democratic party gives him a platform from which to consolidate the economic policy named after him, Abenomics, but it also gives him a mandate to amend the country’s pacifist constitution. Sarah Witt discusses the implications of this with the FT's Robin Harding and Emiko Terazono. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US jury rejected Mark Johnson’s defence that ‘pre-hedging’ was standard industry practice, Caroline Binham, the FT's financial regulation correspondent tells Martin Arnold, banking editor. Music by Kevin MacLeod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The annual ritual of setting off firecrackers, added to smoke caused by farmers burning stubble at harvest time, causes choking levels of smog in India's capital city during the Diwali festival. Those who can opt to escape the city, Amy Kazmin, the FT's South Asia bureau chief, tells Jyotsna Singh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Credit Suisse has come under attack from an activist shareholder RBR that is trying to win support for a plan to break up the Swiss banking group. Patrick Jenkins discusses whether there is any merit in the plan with the FT's Laura Noonan and Attracta Mooney and with David Herro of Harris Associates and Davide Serra of Algebris. Music by Kevin MacLeod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saudi Arabia is reconsidering plans for an international listing of shares in its state oil company Saudi Aramco, in favour of a private share sale. John Murray Brown asks the FT’s oil and gas correspondent Anjli Raval, and Alan Livsey, a Lex writer, why the change of plan?. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is a clear business case for doing something about mental health in the workplace, because if employers don’t, they can have a real problem with absenteeism. But it's a problem companies do not always handle well. Emma Jacobs discusses what can be done to improve this, with Jaan Madan of Mental Health First Aid England and Nigel Jones, chair of the City of London Mental Health Alliance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A concession by Angela Merkel on curbing the number of refugees allowed into Germany has paved the way for German coalition talks that could bring together her CDU-CSU bloc with the Greens and liberal Free Democrats. Carol Major discusses the deal and what kind of coalition is likely to emerge with Guy Chazan, the FT's Berlin correspondent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK's Royal Bank of Scotland was the biggest bailout of the financial crisis back in 2008 and 70 per cent of the bank remains in government hands. Patrick Jenkins talks to Ewen Stevenson, RBS finance director, about progress made to improve the bank's balance sheet and the prospects for a return to private ownership. Music by Kevin Macleod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard Thaler has been awarded the Nobel Prize for Economics for his work on incorporating insights from psychology into economic theory and policy making. Adam Samson discusses Professor Thaler’s contribution to economic thinking with the FT’s Gemma Tetlow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Uber’s board has approved a sweeping governance overhaul that will tip the balance away from founding investors and open the way for an investment from SoftBank that could be worth $10bn. Chris Nuttall discusses the compromise, and what it means for new chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi, with Leslie Hook, FT correspondent in San Francisco. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carles Puigdemont, Catalan president, steered his Spanish secessionist movement to a significant victory in Sunday's referendum, but now faces difficult choices, as Michael Stothard, FT correspondent in Madrid, tells James Wilson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Death rates have fallen dramatically but scientists now need to focus on the diseases's heartlands to win the fight against malaria, Janet Hemingway, outgoing director of the Liverpool School for Tropical Medicine tells Andrew Jack and Clive Cookson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Devon Nixon, great nephew of Richard Nixon, the former president, studied for an MBA at the China Europe International Business School in Shanghai. He reflects on his time there and on the rise of China's entrepreneurial economy in conversation with the FT's Jonathan Moules. Music by David SappaRead more in the FT's special report on Educating the next Chinese business leaders at www.ft.com/chinese-mba Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iraqi Kurds voted in favour of independence this week in a non-binding referendum that angered Baghdad and provoked a furious reaction from neighbouring Turkey. Daniel Dombey discusses what the Kurds hoped to gain and why President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused them of treachery with the FT's Erika Solomon in Irbil and Mehul Srivastava in Istanbul. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Japan's banks are getting together to launch a digital currency, the J Coin to try to wean customers away from cash and at the same time keep track of consumer data. Yasuhiro Sato, president and chief executive officer of Mizuho Financial Group, told Martin Arnold, the FT's banking editor, about the initiative. Music by Kevin MacLeod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Germany’s ThyssenKrupp and India’s Tata Steel are to merge their European operations in a bid to create savings and reduce capacity in the continent’s oversupplied steel market. Matthew Vincent discusses the deal with Patrick McGee, Frankfurt correspondent, and Jonathan Eley, deputy head of the Lex column. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.