FT News Briefing

Henry Foy, the FT’s Brussels bureau chief on EU politics, and James Schotter, the FT’s Jerusalem correspondent on Israeli politics, dig into Pakistan’s bid to mediate with Iran. They also explore how US LNG is being used as leverage over Europe, why carmakers are scrambling for aluminium, and how Israeli rivals are racing to sound tougher on Iran.

Jamie Smith, the FT’s US energy editor, tracks how the Iran war could scramble oil and gas markets, boost Canada’s role, and help China cast itself as a steady partner. Joe Daniels, an FT journalist on Latin America, unpacks Cuba’s worsening blackouts, fragile fuel supplies, and rising fears of a sharper US-Cuba clash. These stories follow the widening threat to food aid and global hunger.

Malcolm Moore, the FT’s energy editor, and Sam Lerner, a data-focused graphics journalist, dig into chaos after missile damage at Qatar’s huge LNG hub. They track fears of years-long gas disruption, market turmoil, pressure on Asia and Europe, and coal’s comeback. Then they turn to the wild rise of five-minute crypto bets and prediction markets that look a lot like gambling.

Claire Jones, FT US economics editor, unpacks why the Federal Reserve held rates steady as oil-driven inflation fears grow and Jay Powell faces fresh scrutiny. Hamza Jilani, FT Pakistan correspondent, explores the fragile pause in Pakistan-Afghanistan fighting, rising militant tensions, and the wider regional fallout. It also looks at eased Venezuela oil sanctions and Walmart’s algorithmic pricing plans.

Michelle Chan, FT credit correspondent, tracks risky corporate debt. Ahmed Al Omran, FT reporter on Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, follows regional politics and diplomacy. They get into the EU’s merger shake-up, Wall Street’s $18bn EA debt unload, the dash into cash, and why Riyadh’s truce with Iran is colliding with Vision 2030 ambitions.

Gideon Rachman, FT foreign affairs commentator, and Ed White, FT China correspondent, dig into why the Strait of Hormuz remains a strategic flashpoint. They also track Europe’s limited options, China’s oil stockpile stress test, UniCredit’s bold Commerzbank bid, and a newly spotted hellish planet with magma oceans.

Sam Fleming, FT economics editor who tracks central banks and inflation, and Stephanie Findley, Houston-based reporter covering the US shale patch. They discuss why Texas producers are reluctant to ramp up output despite $100 oil. They explore split producer strategies, the role of costs and timing, and how higher energy prices reshape central bank thinking.

Elena Winters, professor emeritus who experiments with AI companions, discusses emotional bonds and communication. Amelia Quinn, Calder’s wife, shares how their marriage adapted. Calder Quinn, writer who fell for an AI chatbot, describes its impact on his creativity and relationship. They explore how chatbots become intimate, the design and safeguards behind them, and how loneliness and human needs drive attachment.

Anastasia Stogny, a Russia correspondent tracking Moscow’s economy and energy revenues. Charles Clover, a defence and security analyst on regional military threats. They explore how the US‑Iran war reshaped oil markets and sent extra revenue to Moscow. They discuss Iran’s maritime threats, regional targeting and the wider risks to global oil supply. Central banks’ reactions to energy shocks are also previewed.

Chris Kay, Mumbai bureau chief covering India and regional trade, and Emily Herbert, Markets reporter who tracks investor flows, discuss how investors are sheltering in US tech amid Middle East turmoil. They tackle the IEA’s record oil reserve release, why bonds and gold are wobbling, risks if the conflict ends quickly, and threats to India’s growth from Gulf instability.