FT News Briefing

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.

Antoine Gara, FT deals reporter specializing in private credit and BDCs, and Miles McCormick, U.S. economics correspondent focused on energy, discuss huge oil price swings. They explore how crude volatility hit trucking, farming, airlines and shipping. They cover soaring tanker insurance, why fuel costs pass to consumers, and why investors are fleeing private credit funds.

George Hammond, an FT tech and VC reporter from San Francisco, and Malcolm Moore, FT energy editor focused on oil and the Middle East, discuss why Kharg Island matters to Iran’s oil exports. They explore why striking or seizing the island is unlikely. They also cover the Pentagon’s dispute with Anthropic and what that fight means for AI deployment and military ties.

Susanna Savage, FT commodities correspondent covering energy and fertiliser supply chains; Claire Jones, FT U.S. economics editor focused on monetary policy and labour markets. They discuss the oil surge past $100 and its inflation risks. They explore how central banks face tricky rate choices and why Middle East conflict threatens fertiliser flows and global food prices.

Joshua Franklin, U.S. banking editor—explains JPMorgan’s interest in a historic NYC hotel. Jamie Smith, U.S. energy editor—breaks down Strait of Hormuz shutdowns and rising tanker insurance woes. They discuss Asia scrambling for alternative energy and drone strikes on Middle East data centres. Short, sharp takes on global energy shocks and strategic corporate moves.

Najmeh Buzorgmir, Tehran correspondent with deep Iran reporting, outlines Mojtaba Khamenei’s rise and the secrecy, security and assassination risks shaping succession. Ewan Healy, markets reporter, investigates Market Financial Solutions’ collapse, alleged double‑pledging and fallout for asset‑backed lending. They also touch on Kraken’s Fed access and the likelihood of a new 15% global tariff.

Joe Lei, Beijing bureau chief who covers Chinese politics and policy. Ian Johnston, EU correspondent focused on energy markets and policy. They discuss how the Middle East conflict is driving European gas prices higher. They explain Europe’s current gas mix, refill challenges for winter and policy options Brussels might use to shield consumers. China’s five-year plan and social proposals also feature.

Ahmed Al-Omran, Saudi Arabia correspondent covering Gulf politics and regional security, and Claire Jones, U.S. economics editor focused on energy and inflation. They discuss Iran’s strikes pressuring Gulf states and disrupting travel and finance. They also explore oil disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz and how surging prices could reshape U.S. inflation and monetary policy.