FT News in Focus

EU leaders have agreed to delay Brexit for up to six months, overriding the objections of French President Emmanuel Macron and setting a Halloween deadline for Britain to leave the bloc. Mehreen Khan talks to Alex Barker and Guy Chazan about the Franco-German clash at the heart of the talks.Contributors: Josh Noble, weekend news editor, Mehreen Khan, EU correspondent, Alex Barker, Brussels bureau chief and Guy Chazan, Berlin bureau chief.  Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US tech giant Microsoft has worked with a Chinese military-run university on research that could be used for surveillance and censorship. Malcolm Moore talks to Madhumita Murgia about the research collaboration and why it is causing disquiet. Contributors: Josh Noble, weekend news editor, Malcolm Moore, technology news editor, and Madhumita Murgia, European technology correspondent. Producer: Fiona Symon   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roblox, a California-based online gaming startup - valued at $2.4bn in a fundraising round last year - has taken the US by storm and is now eyeing Europe’s thriving market. Malcolm Moore discusses the rise of cloud gaming with Aliya Ram and Tim Bradshaw.Contributors: Suzanne Blumsom, executive editor, Malcolm Moore, technology news editor, Aliya Ram, technology correspondent and Tim Bradshaw, global technology correspondent. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A non-invasive technique for electrical stimulation of the brain has been found to produce a striking improvement in the short-term memory of older people, when finely tuned to the individual’s neural characteristics. Naomi Rovnick discusses the research with Clive Cookson, the FT’s science editor.Contributors: Suzanne Blumsom, executive editor, Naomi Rovnick, FT Live reporter and Clive Cookson, science editor. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year’s contest to select a new president of chess’s governing body Fide was the bitterest in the organisation’s history, with accusations of bribery, electoral fraud, embezzlement, and a vast diplomatic influence campaign waged by the Russian state. Sam Jones talks to John Thornhill about the politics of chess. Read Sam's article hereContributors: Suzanne Blumsom, executive editor, Sam Jones, Investigations correspondent and John Thornhill, Innovation editor. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imran Khan says he is worried his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi may be stoking animosity against Pakistan to boost his electoral prospects. Stephanie Findlay, our South Asia correspondent, spoke to Mr Khan about the recent tensions with India and she discusses the interview with Jyotsna Singh and Amy Kazmin our South Asia bureau chief.Contributors: Suzanne Blumsom, executive editor, Jyotsna Singh, Delhi reporter, Stephanie Findlay, South Asia correspondent and Amy Kazmin, South Asia bureau chief. Producers: Jyotsna Singh and Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ravi Mattu discusses what’s behind China's economic slowdown and why it matters with Martin Wolf, the FT’s chief economics commentator,  and Lucy Hornby, deputy bureau chief in Beijing  Contributors: Ravi Mattu, Asia news editor, Martin Wolf, chief economics commentator and Lucy Hornby, deputy Beijing bureau chief. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After five years of military dictatorship, Thai voters have finally had an opportunity to choose their government, but those hoping for a clear and transparent election will have been disappointed. With the result delayed and turnout figures disputed, there’s a risk that political turmoil could return to south-east Asia’s second-largest economy. Ravi Mattu discusses what happens next with John Reed, South-East Asia correspondent.Contributors: Suzanne Blumsom, Ravi Mattu, Asia news editor and John Reed South-East Asia correspondent. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The chief executive of Swedbank has been fired by the Swedish bank’s board, paying the price for a rapidly escalating money laundering scandal. She is the second Nordic bank chief to lose their job over bank laundering scandals. Richard Milne tells the FT’s financial editor Patrick Jenkins what we know so far.Contributors: Suzanne Blumsom, executive editor, Patrick Jenkins, financial editor, and Richard Milne, Nordics correspondent. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oxford University has been testing out a new poverty-fighting vehicle in Costa Rica that helps companies to identify and tackle hidden poverty in their workforce. This week it launched its first social enterprise spin-out to take the initiative global. Co-founder John Hammock spoke to the FT's Andrew Jack about the scope and aims of the initiative. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The chief executive of Volvo has warned that the premature launch of self-driving cars could erode trust among the public and regulators and effectively kill off the technology. Tom Braithwaite spoke to Peter Campbell, motor industry correspondent about Volvo’s warning.Contributors: Katie Martin, capital markets editor, Tom Braithwaite, Companies editor, and Peter Campbell, motor industry correspondent. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Independent investors have raised questions about the future of Volkswagen’s chief executive Herbert Diess after he evoked a Nazi phrase in a management meeting. John Murray Brown discusses the controversy with Patrick McGee.Contributors: Suzanne Blumsom, executive editor, John Murray Brown, production editor and Patrick McGee, Frankfurt correspondent. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

FT Brussels reporters bring you the latest from this week's European Union summit, where Brexit and China were the main topics under discussion.Contributors: Suzanne Blumsom, executive editor, Jim Brunsden, EU correspondent, Rochelle Toplensky, European regulation correspondent, and Michael Peel, European diplomatic correspondent. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An international study linking the use of strong cannabis to psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia has raised concerns about moves in the US and elsewhere to decriminalise the drug.  Katie Martin discusses the findings with Clive Cookson, FT science editor, and psychiatrist Robin Murray. Read Clive's article here. Read the research paper hereContributors: Suzanne Blumsom, executive editor, Katie Martin, capital markets editor, Clive Cookson, science editor, and Robin Murray, professor of psychiatric research at Kings College in London. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Six years ago, Zuzana Caputova was a little-known lawyer fighting the expansion of a toxic landfill site outside the Slovak capital, Bratislava. Now she is the surprise frontrunner to become Slovakia’s next president. Ben Hall discusses her rise to prominence with James Shotter. Contributors: Suzanne Blumsom, executive editor, Ben Hall, Europe editor, James Shotter East Europe correspondent. Producer: Fiona Symon. Clips courtesy of Reuters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

YouTube Music, Google’s new music subscription service, has launched in India less than a month after Spotify entered the market. Jyotsna Singh discusses the appeal of this rapidly expanding music streaming audience with Stephanie Findlay and Snigdha Poonam.Music clips: Guzarish from the film Ghajini featuring Aamir Khan (TSeries Publishing), and Bye Pewdiepie by Carryminati.Contributors: Suzanne Blumsom, executive editor, Jyotsna Singh, Delhi reporter, Stephanie Findlay, South Asia correspondent, and Snigdha Poonam, writer. Producers: Jyotsna Singh and Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amid a storm of digital disruption and competitive pressures, companies are embracing the need for creative thinking, but what are the ingredients of a creative office? Andrew Hill, management editor, discusses how to foster creativity in the workplace with columnist Pilita Clark. Read Pilita's column hereContributor: Katie Martin, capital markets editor, Andrew Hill, management editor, Pilita Clark, columnist. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US federal aviation administration has followed China, Europe and Canada in grounding Boeing’s fleet of 737 Max aircraft following two fatal crashes, raising questions about why it took so long to for the US to act. Katie Martin discusses what we know so far with Sylvia Pfeifer and Josh Spero.Contributors: Katie Martin, capital markets editor, Sylvia Pfeifer, acting industry editor and Josh Spero, transport correspondent. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deutsche Bank's chief executive Christian Sewing is seeking assurances that he will not face a political backlash over job cuts if he goes ahead with a merger with the retail lender Commerzbank. Patrick Jenkins discusses the rationale for the merger with Olaf Storbeck and Stephen Morris.Contributors: Katie Martin, capital markets editor, Patrick Jenkins, financial editor, Olaf Storbeck, Frankfurt correspondent and Stephen Morris, European banking correspondent. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Justin Trudeau swept into power in 2015 championing equality, openness and social justice. But the resignation of his attorney general who alleged she had faced pressure to go easy on one of the country’s biggest companies in a corruption case has dented this image. Niki Blasina discusses the case and what it means for Trudeau and the Liberal party with Ravi Mattu and Aime Williams.Contributors: Katie Martin, capital markets editor, Niki Blasina, news editor, Ravi Mattu, deputy Asia news editor and Aime Williams, US and Canada reporter. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The consumer market in DNA testing kits focused initially on tracing ancestry but in recent years there has been a growth in areas such as personalised medicine. For the FT’s Future of Food series supported by Rabobank, Darren Dodd has been testing some of these products and he spoke to FT science editor Clive cookson and neuroscientist Miguel Toribio-Mateas about how useful they are.Contributors: Josh Noble, weekend news editor, Darren Dodd, editor of FT Health, Clive Cookson, science editor, and Miguel Toribio-Mateas, of London’s South Bank University. Producers: Ruth Lewis-Coste and Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The German car industry came late to electric vehicles, but has now embraced the technology with gusto. Patrick McGee asked industry executives to describe the moment when they realised that electric vehicles were the future.Contributors: Josh Noble, weekend news editor and Patrick McGee, Frankfurt correspondent. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The career of Bill Gross, once known as the bond king, came to a rather humiliating end this year. Robin Wigglesworth interviewed him at his country club in Newport Beach and shares his impressions with Alec Russell, FT Weekend editor. Read Robin's interview here Contributors: Josh Noble, weekend news editor, Alec Russell, Weekend FT editor and Robin Wigglesworth, US markets editor. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A French plan to levy an extra tax on big tech companies has sparked criticism from entrepreneurs and investors, who warn the move damages President Macron’s attempt to transform the country into a start-up nation. Josh Noble spoke to Harriet Agnew in Paris about the controversy.Contributors: Suzanne Blumsom, executive editor, Josh Noble, weekend news editor and Harriet Agnew, Paris correspondent.  Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carlos Ghosn, former boss of the Renault-Nissan alliance, could be released as early as tomorrow after spending 107 days in a Japanese prison, charged with understating his pay and other financial misconduct. Tom Braithwaite, Leo Lewis and Kana Inagaki explain the latest twists in the story.Contributors: Katie Martin, capital markets editor, Tom Braithwaite, companies editor, Leo Lewis and Kana Inagaki, Tokyo correspondents. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After ten years at the helm, Benjamin Netanyahu’s re-election hopes have taken a knock after Israel’s attorney general said he plans to indict the prime minister for bribery. Siona Jenkins discusses what impact this will have on next month's vote with Mehul Srivastava in Jerusalem.Contrbitutors: Josh Noble, weekend news editor, Siona Jenkins, news editor, and Mehul Srivastava, Tel Aviv correspondent. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Activists and campaigners have begun to surreptitiously use dating apps to target young voters. Is this a harmless way to inform or an unethical use of deception for political ends? Lauren Fedor discusses the question with Anna Gross and Robert Gorwa.Contributors: Naomi Rovnick, FTLive reporter, Lauren Fedor, technology editor, Anna Gross, companies reporter and Robert Gorwa, Oxford University researcher. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Treating men as the 'default human' in economic planning is not only costly for society but the practice can also be deadly for women when applied to things like medical trials. This is a case made by Caroline Criado-Perez in her book: Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men. Fred Studemann talks to FT business editor Sarah Gordon about the arguments put forward. Read Sarah's book review here Contributors: Josh Noble, weekend news editor, Fred Studemann, books editor and Sarah Gordon, business editor. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Mueller is believed to be close to completing his investigation into attempted Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election. Geoff Dyer discusses what we can expect with Kadhim Shubber, US legal and enforcement correspondent.Contributors: Josh Noble, weekend news editor, Geoff Dyer, former US diplomatic correspondent, and Kadhim Shubber, US legal and enforcement correspondent. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Calvey, a US citizen and one of Russia's most prominent foreign investors, has been detained in Moscow in connection with a fraud investigation in a case that has shocked the business community. Neil Buckley spoke to Max Seddon in Moscow about the case.Contributors: Naomi Rovnick, FTLive reporter, Neil Buckley, former East Europe editor, and Max Seddon, Moscow correspondent. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The iPhone has for years defined the shape and style of a smartphone but with the market saturated, the first significant change has appeared. Tim Bradshaw was at the launch of the folding phone at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and he spoke to Malcolm Moore about the new design.Contributors: Suzanne Blumsom, executive editor, Malcolm Moore, technology news editor and Tim Bradshaw, global technology correspondent. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kraft Heinz was created by 3G Capital in a Warren Buffett-backed 2015 megamerger of Kraft and Heinz. Now the food group’s shares have crashed and Mr Buffett has admitted that he overpaid. Katie Martin discusses what went wrong with James Fontanella-Khan and Sujeet Indap.Contributors: Suzanne Blumsom, executive editor, Katie Martin, capital markets editor, James Fontanella-Khan, US corporate finance and deals editor and Sujeet Indap, Lex columnist. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old girl from Sweden, has transformed the debate on climate with an uncompromising message: all efforts to halt global warming have failed and it’s time to act now. Leslie Hook spent a day with Greta in Stockholm and she tells Alec Russell about her impressions.Read Leslie's article hereContributors: John Murray Brown, production editor, Alec Russell, FT Weekend editor, Leslie Hook, environment correspondent. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman arrived in India in the aftermath of a deadly attack on Indian paramilitary soldiers in Kashmir that raised fears of a military confrontation with Pakistan. Jyotsna Singh spoke to Amy Kazmin about the flare up, and the prince’s potential to act as a peacemaker.Contributors: John Murray Brown, production editor, Jyotsna Singh, Delhi reporter and Amy Kazmin, South Asia bureau chief. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

British digital bank Revolut has been caught in the middle of a political debate in Lithuania over the country’s recent push to challenge the UK as Europe’s financial technology hub. David Crow spoke to Nicholas Megaw about the fast growing company and why some politicians in Lithuania are sounding the alarm.Contributors: James Wilson, deputy world news editor, David Crow, banking editor and Nicholas Megaw, retail banking correspondent. Producer: Fiona Symon. Clip courtesy of the FT Money Show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seven opposition Labour MPs, dissatisfied with the polarisation of politics around Brexit, have launched a political faction called the Independent Group. Siona Jenkins spoke to Henry Mance about whether the group can succeed in its aim of building a new politics in Britain.Contributors: Cat Rutter Pooley, FastFT reporter, Siona Jenkins, news editor and Henry Mance, political correspondent. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year’s Munich security conference was marked by sharp disagreements between the US and its European allies on issues such as arms control, Syria and Iran. At the end of the conference, Michael Peel sat down with Guy Chazan, Berlin bureau chief and David Bond, defence and security editor, to discuss the state of the Atlantic Alliance. Contributors: Cat Rutter Pooley, FastFT reporter, Michael Peel, Brussels diplomatic correspondent, Guy Chazan, Berlin bureau chief and David Bond, defence and security editor. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Travis Kalanick, the former Uber chief executive, who was ousted from the ride hailing company after a series of scandals, has a new venture. CloudKitchens describes itself as offering smart kitchens for delivery-only restaurants and it’s coming to Europe soon. Malcolm Moore talks to Tim Bradshaw about the venture and its prospects.Contributors: Suzanne Blumsom, executive editor, Malcolm Moore, technology news editor and Tim Bradshaw, global technology correspondent. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US Congress is packed with a new generation of radical Democrats and impeachment is in the air. But are there sufficient grounds to take such an action against Donald Trump and would it be a wise move? Fred Studemann puts these questions to Ed Luce, the FT’s US national editor.Contributors: Suzanne Blumsom, executive editor, Frederick Studemann, books editor, and Edward Luce, US national editor. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

France’s Naval Group is celebrating its biggest ever foreign sale with a $35bn deal to sell submarines to Australia. Lauren Fedor spoke to Jamie Smyth and Michael Peel about what’s behind Australia’s military upgrade and what it means for the French state-controlled company.Contributors: Suzanne Blumson, executive editor, Lauren Fedor, creative producer, Jamie Smyth, Australia and Pacific Islands correspondent and Michael Peel, European diplomatic editor. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brazil’s new finance minister Paulo Guedes brought credibility to the presidential campaign of Jair Bolsonaro, reassuring jittery markets at a time when many worried about the authoritarian instincts of the right-wing former army captain. So, after a month in office, how are things going? The FT’s John Paul Rathbone and Andres Schipani went to meet Mr Guedes to find out.Contributors: Suzanne Blumsom, executive editor, John Paul Rathbone, Latin America editor and Andres Schipani, Brazil correspondent. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hungary’s prime minister Viktor Orban believes he has found a way to ease the country’s severe labour shortage while maintaining a tough anti-immigration policy.  He’s offering tax and other incentives to encourage people to have larger families. But will it work? Katie Martin discusses the move with Neil Buckley and Valerie Hopkins.Contributors: Suzanne Blumsom, executive editor, Katie Martin, capital markets editor, Valerie Hopkins, South-East Europe correspondent and Neil Buckley, former Eastern Europe editor. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A high stakes battle between the head of the world’s largest private equity firm and an Italian media tycoon is raising questions among investors about the ease of doing business in Italy. Josh Noble talks to FT Milan correspondent Rachel Sanderson about the dispute and its protagonists.Contributors: Katie Martin, capital markets editor, Josh Noble, weekend new editor and Rachel Sanderson, Milan correspondent. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new high-tech pill that could give people with diabetes an alternative to injecting themselves with insulin has been developed by researchers. Naomi Rovnick spoke to Clive Cookson and James Pickford about the breakthrough, which could transform the lives of millions of diabetics all over the world.Contributors: Katie Martin, capital markets editor, Naomi Rovnick, FTLive reporter, Clive Cookson, science editor and James Pickford, deputy editor of FTMoney. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One Chicago-based grain processor Archer Daniels Midland expects the US-China trade war to be resolved, easing the pressure on US soyabean farmers, who have suffered under tariffs imposed on exports to China. Gregory Meyer, US markets reporter, talks to Eric Krupke about what effect the trade war has had on the US soyabean market and where the trouble began.Contributors: Aimee Keane, US audio editor, Gregory Meyer, US markets reporter. Producer: Eric Krupke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain’s outsourcing sector is in trouble, with Interserve just the latest in a string of companies seeking financial restructuring to avert bankruptcy. Josh Noble discusses what’s behind the problems and why the government is refusing to intervene, with Gill Plimmer and Jonathan FordContributors: Naomi Rovnick, FTLive reporter, Josh Noble, weekend news editor, Gill Plimmer, infrastructure correspondent and Jonathan Ford, City editor. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nissan’s decision to reverse a promise to build its latest sport utility vehicle, the X-Trail, at its Sunderland plant in the UK has sent shock waves through the industry. Matthew Vincent discusses what’s behind the Japanese car company's decision and the political and economic repercussions of the news with Peter Campbell and Jim Pickard.Contributors: Siona Jenkins, news editor, Matthew Vincent, Lombard columnist, Peter Campbell, motor industry correspondent and Jim Pickard, chief political correspondent. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Volkswagen has been working on its 'Tesla killer' since late 2015 but this is not not an electric car. It is the underlying chassis and the building block for 50 different models of electric car that the German car maker plans to make by 2025. Tim Bradshaw discusses VW's ambition to dominate the electric vehicles market with Patrick McGee in FrankfurtContributors: Suzanne Blumsom, executive editor, Tim Bradshaw, global technology correspondent and Patrick McGee, Frankfurt correspondent. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The collapse of a dam owned by the Brazilian company Vale ranks among the worst mining disasters in decades, with more than 300 people feared dead. Andres Schipani reports on the aftermath in Brazil and Katie Martin talks to Neil Hume, the FT's natural resources editor, about the wider repercussions for the industry.Contributors: Josh Noble, weekend news editor, Katie Martin, capital markets editor, Andres Schipani, Brazil correspondent and Neil Hume, natural resources editor. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Researchers in the US have for the first time constructed intelligible synthetic speech using the computer processing of human brain activity, in a significant step towards creating technology that can read people’s thoughts. Madhumita Murgia talks to our science editor Clive Cookson about how they did this.Contributors: Katie Martin, capital markets editor, Madhumita Murgia, European technology correspondent and Clive Cookson, science editor. Producer: Fiona Symon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.