📰 Financial Times · 90

Two men jailed for arson attacks on property linked to Keir Starmer
Two men, Roman Lavrynovych and Stanislav Carpiuc, were sentenced to prison for arson attacks on properties associated with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Lavrynovych was found guilty of setting fires on a car and two properties linked to Starmer, while Carpiuc received a shorter sentence. During the trial, it was revealed that an anonymous individual known as 'El Money' recruited Lavrynovych through Telegram, offering payment in exchange for carrying out the attacks. Another suspect, Petro Pochynok, was acquitted. The fires occurred in May 2025, targeting vehicles and homes connected to Star默

Russian central bank chief’s absence stirs succession talk
Russian central bank chief Elvira Nabiullina did not attend several recent high-profile events, leading to discussions about potential changes in leadership.

The Knicks’ victory points to the value of scarcity
The article discusses the increasing value of the New York Knicks, an NBA team, as investors seek out a limited number of high-value assets.

Lebanon was not informed of US-Iran deal or ceasefire timing, official says
Lebanon was not informed of the details or timing of a newly announced US-Iran agreement, according to an anonymous official source. Hezbollah has not commented on the deal, though it did not launch any new attacks against Israel on Monday. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a close ally of Hezbollah, praised the agreement, expressing gratitude to both the U.S. and Iran for including a clause aimed at stopping Israeli aggression against Lebanon.

Farage blames Makerfield defeat on anti-Starmer votes
Nigel Farage expressed disappointment with Reform UK's performance in the Makerfield by-election, attributing the loss to voter frustration with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. He suggested that voters wanted to remove Starmer from office, leading to an 'emphatic' Labour victory over Reform's candidate. Farage acknowledged that some votes were also lost to the right-wing party Restore Britain, founded by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe. He urged Restore voters to support Reform as the main challenger to Labour. The by-election was seen as an opportunity for Reform to establish itself as the main

Meloni accuses Trump of pandering to west’s enemies
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for what she perceives as an attempt to appeal to adversaries of the West. This comes after Trump stated that Meloni 'begged' for a photo with him.

Don’t blame passive investors if SpaceX is mispriced
The article argues that index funds do not misallocate capital, contrasting them with active stock pickers.

Iran to seek ‘insurance fees’ for passage through Strait of Hormuz
Iran has announced it will require vessels using the Strait of Hormuz to have insurance policies approved by the Iranian government, according to a statement from an Iranian government agency.

Iran postponed US talks due to Israeli strikes on Lebanon, diplomats say
Iran has delayed nuclear negotiations with the United States, according to diplomats, citing recent Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon as the reason. The talks were scheduled to take place in Switzerland.

Son of Norway’s crown princess convicted of rape and sentenced to four years in prison
Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway’s crown princess, has been convicted of two counts of rape and sentenced to four years in prison. He was also given a two-year restraining order against one of his alleged victims. The conviction was delivered by the Oslo district court following a six-week trial. Høiby was acquitted of two other rape charges and faces additional charges including breaches of restraining orders, drug offenses, and driving violations. He can appeal the verdict. The trial occurred amid challenges for the Norwegian royal family, particularly due to the health issues of Høiby’s

Brussels approaches Kremlin over potential Ukraine talks
The EU Council president António Costa’s office has held calls with senior officials close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, as Brussels explores potential discussions regarding Ukraine.

Trump is presenting his most brazen set of ‘alternative facts’ to date
The article discusses former U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to promote a new ceasefire agreement with Iran, framing it as superior to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA). It highlights Trump's claim that his agreement contrasts sharply with the previous administration's approach, while noting that the original JCPOA explicitly stated Iran would not pursue nuclear weapons.

In Trump's shadow, Vance becomes face of Iran deal
Vice-President JD Vance defended the US-Iran deal during a White House press briefing, dismissing concerns that President Donald Trump might position him as the 'fall guy' for the agreement. Vance faced challenges in managing the issue, including uncertainty about attending a planned signing ceremony in Switzerland with Iranian leaders, which was later postponed. He criticized Israel's response to the deal more strongly than Trump has recently.

Are insurers becoming dangerously addicted to private credit ratings?
The article raises concerns about the potential risks of insurance companies relying heavily on private credit ratings, suggesting that this reliance could lead to dangerous outcomes if regulatory arbitrage is not properly controlled.

‘Hawkish shift’ in US rates upends global currency bets
The article discusses how expectations of a hawkish shift in US Federal Reserve interest rates have led to a reversal in trends for emerging market and commodity currencies.

Xi wants China to boost demand. Why isn’t it working?
The article discusses President Xi Jinping's efforts to boost demand in China, noting that economic activity is slowing down in mid-2026, which is undermining these efforts.

Accenture forecast takes hit from Iran war, shares tumble over 17%
Shares in Accenture fell more than 17% after the company revised down its earnings forecast due to uncertainty caused by the escalating conflict between Iran and the United States.

Oil falls on US-Iran deal but Hormuz backlog may last weeks
Oil prices fell following reports of a potential US-Iran deal, though analysts caution that the recovery of oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz could be delayed and remain at risk of further disruptions.

EU delays trade confrontation with China
The European Union has decided to delay any potential trade confrontation with China, opting instead for dialogue with Beijing. This decision comes amid concerns about possible retaliation from China.

‘Can a machine do this job?’ is the wrong question
The article discusses how artificial intelligence is transforming the labor market by shifting tasks traditionally performed by employees to consumers, creating what is referred to as a 'self-service economy.'

Elon Musk Becomes World’s First Trillionaire
Elon Musk has become the world's first trillionaire following the initial public offering (IPO) of SpaceX, which was listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange with a valuation of $1.77tn. Despite generating $18.7bn in revenue, SpaceX reported a net loss of nearly £4.28bn last year due to significant capital expenditures on AI infrastructure. Musk, who already held the title of the world's richest man with an estimated net worth of $696bn, now holds approximately $866bn in shares and options from the IPO. According to a new Oxfam analysis, Musk is now wealthier than the poorest 46% of the global人口.

SpaceX warns EU satellite plan risks undermining connectivity in Ukraine
SpaceX has criticized an EU proposal to reserve part of a satellite spectrum band for European operators, warning it could undermine internet connectivity in Ukraine.

US lifts naval blockade as Iran's supreme leader says Trump made deal 'out of desperation'
The US has lifted its naval blockade in the region, according to the US Central Command, which stated the move was made in accordance with the president's directions. Some US vessels will remain in the general area. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, expressed approval of the deal with the US, though he noted he had a different view. He stated that he allowed the deal to proceed based on assurances from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian regarding the protection of Iran's national interests. Khamenei criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that Trump used all le

US-Iran accord opens way for Hormuz charges, industry warns
The article discusses concerns among shipping executives regarding potential new fees or a fund similar to the Strait of Malacca, which could be introduced by Iran following the US-Iran accord. The focus is on the implications for maritime trade through the Hormuz Strait.

Hegseth announces US review of Europe forces, says some allies will fail
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized several NATO allies for failing to meet defense spending targets and for limiting support to US forces during the Iran war. He announced a six-month review of US forces in Europe, aiming to ensure NATO moves 'fast and irreversibly' toward European leadership in security. The review, dubbed 'NATO 3.0,' seeks to increase European contributions to defense spending, including reaching a target of 5% of GDP for defense-related expenditures. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte noted that European defense spending increased by nearly 20% last year.

The world may not like Trump’s Gaza plan — but there is no alternative
The article discusses the author's reluctant acceptance of Donald Trump's Gaza plan, suggesting that despite opposition to Trump, this approach might be seen as the most viable option.

US Supreme Court narrows law barring drug users from owning guns
The US Supreme Court has ruled that a law barring individuals with drug convictions from owning firearms is unconstitutional. The decision came in a case involving a casual marijuana user who challenged the law, which was also used to prosecute Hunter Biden.

Aldi takes the fight to Walmart and Costco
Aldi, a German discount grocery chain, has been expanding in the US for 50 years and is now increasing its efforts. The article questions whether Aldi can attract consumers who are facing financial pressures.

Trump reportedly tells Putin he is prepared to help end war in Ukraine
According to Russia's TASS news agency, Donald Trump reportedly told Vladimir Putin during a phone call that he is prepared to help end Russia's war in Ukraine. The conversation, which lasted approximately an hour, was described as 'friendly and frank' by Putin's adviser Yuri Ushakov. Trump also discussed the situation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who expressed support for Trump's efforts to achieve peace. The war has been ongoing for over four years, surpassing the duration of World War I.

Saudi wealth fund warns European regulations ‘hurting’ foreign investors
The Saudi Public Investment Fund has expressed concerns that European Union regulations are negatively impacting foreign investment. These comments were made by the governor of the fund during a time of growing worries about the EU's foreign subsidies regulation.

'Blinded' savers warned of £322-a-year loss
Millions of UK savers are being advised they might be losing hundreds of pounds annually due to low interest rates on their savings accounts. A typical saver with £20,000 in a closed easy-access account is receiving an average rate of 2.39%, which could result in a £322 annual loss compared to accounts offering higher rates like 4%. Research from Moneyfactscompare.co.uk indicates that while savings rates have been near their highest level in over a year, many savers are not switching accounts due to loyalty or lack of awareness. With inflation at 2.8%, many savings accounts fail to keep pace,

Moscow oil refinery struck in Ukraine’s biggest air raid on city since start of war
Ukrainian drones struck several locations in Moscow, including a major oil refinery in the Kapotno area, marking the largest air raid on the city since the start of the full-scale invasion. The attack reportedly targeted the refinery to disrupt operations, causing fires and prompting evacuations at the country's largest airport. President Zelenskyy stated the attack was a response to Russian strikes on a historic Kyiv monastery. The refinery supplies a significant portion of Moscow's fuel. Russia claimed it intercepted and destroyed 555 Ukrainian drones overnight, though this figure cannot be

China’s tribute system and the new world order
The article discusses China's approach to asserting influence globally through non-military means, suggesting that this strategy could represent a significant demonstration of Beijing's power.

What brings Modi and Netanyahu together
The article discusses the strengthening relationship between India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighting areas of cooperation such as drone technology and cultural exchanges like the erection of statues.

BA owner warns EU competition rules make easyJet bid ‘very difficult’
The head of International Airlines Group (IAG), which owns British Airways, has stated that European Union competition rules are making it 'very difficult' for IAG to pursue its proposed takeover of easyJet. IAG's CEO, Luis Gallego, has called for an overhaul of how the EU evaluates airline mergers.

JPMorgan Chase cuts off Anthropic access for its Hong Kong staff
JPMorgan Chase has restricted access to Anthropic's AI model Claude for its employees based in Hong Kong, following similar actions taken by Goldman Sachs.

What is the point of Berkshire Hathaway?
The article discusses the role and purpose of Berkshire Hathaway, noting that it can function either as a bold investment vehicle or as an index fund.

Trump’s ‘nuclear bros’ race to deliver US atomic revival
The article discusses young entrepreneurs supported by Silicon Valley who are attempting to develop nuclear reactors, despite concerns raised by experts regarding safety.

Chinese universities gain ground on UK and US in global rankings
Chinese universities have made progress in global rankings, though British and American institutions still dominate the top 10, with MIT ranked first and Imperial College London second.

US and Iran sign deal as Trump vows to release frozen funds and ease sanctions
The US and Iran have signed a deal following talks between President Donald Trump and Iranian officials. The agreement includes commitments from both sides, with Trump pledging to release frozen Iranian assets and ease sanctions. However, the deal does not address Iran's continued development of ballistic missiles.

Crunching the numbers on Warsh’s lil’ statement statement
The article discusses the implications of a statement made by Warsh, focusing on the significance of the statement's content and its potential impact.

Version of AI tool 'too powerful for public' released to public
A version of an AI tool called Fable, previously deemed too powerful for public release by its developer Anthropic, has now been made publicly available. The tool, which exceeds the capabilities of any previously released model, includes safeguards and user limitations. Concerns have been raised about potential financial security risks, while some question whether the hype surrounding the tool is driven by marketing. Anthropic had earlier tested a similar tool, Mythos, with select organizations due to fears about its ability to exploit or hack computer systems. Canadian Finance Minister Françō

To avoid backlash, tech giants must share their AI wealth before it’s too late
The article discusses the need for tech companies to share their advancements in artificial intelligence to prevent potential backlash. It suggests that delaying action could lead to negative consequences.

Thoma Bravo hands Medallia to lenders in one of PE’s biggest losses
Thoma Bravo has transferred Medallia to its lenders as part of a restructuring effort, marking one of the largest losses in private equity history. A Blackstone-led consortium is set to acquire the software company and invest $150 million to reduce its debt burden.

Fox to acquire streaming platform Roku for $22bn
Fox is set to acquire streaming platform Roku for $22 billion, which would make the combined entity the third-largest in US television by share of viewing as the media landscape undergoes significant changes.

'Warning fire went up': Couple on board yacht describe encounter with Russian warship
A retired British couple described their encounter with a Russian warship in the English Channel. The couple, Jane and Alan Kelvey, stated that they sounded their yacht's horn five times to signal they had noticed the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich. They adjusted their course slightly to confirm they had seen the ship. According to the Russian Defence Ministry, the yacht approached dangerously, prompting the crew to fire warning shots after multiple failed attempts to communicate via radio and flares. The UK's Ministry of Defence called the event an isolated incident unrelated to the此前seí

Trump administration to pay $765mn to scuttle offshore wind projects
The Trump administration has agreed to pay nearly $800 million to halt wind energy projects, with power developer Invenergy planning to redirect funds into natural gas and geothermal projects in the western United States.

Billionaire trader Alex Gerko loses tax appeal at UK Supreme Court
The UK Supreme Court has ruled that billionaire trader Alex Gerko must pay income tax on his share of trading profits, rejecting his appeal against HM Revenue & Customs.

‘Humiliation’: Trump battles claims his Iran deal is worse than Obama’s
The article discusses US President Donald Trump's response to criticisms regarding his alleged Iran deal, which some argue is worse than the previous agreement under former President Barack Obama. Critics are questioning whether the concessions made to Tehran in this new agreement were justified, especially considering the four months of war that preceded it.

US retail sales jump in sign consumers are weathering petrol shock
US retail sales have increased, indicating that consumers are managing through the impact of rising petrol prices. The data suggests the economy remains strong, with Kevin Warsh assuming leadership at the Federal Reserve.

Trump says US will not invest in $300bn fund for Iran
US President Donald Trump has rejected reports suggesting the US would invest in a $300 billion fund for Iran as part of a potential peace deal. This response follows strong bipartisan criticism of such a proposal.

Buying Cursor could be SpaceX’s Instagram moment
The article discusses Elon Musk's potential acquisition of Cursor, suggesting it could be akin to Mark Zuckerberg's purchase of Instagram. It advises Musk to avoid excessive involvement in the platform's operations.

What lies behind the new boom in Colombian cocaine
The article discusses the rise of gangsters in Colombia who are now dominating the cocaine trade, replacing leftwing rebels. It highlights the shift in power dynamics and the increasing export of cocaine to Europe and Asia.

We have to manage the AI revolution
The article discusses the need for a global agreement on managing the development and control of artificial intelligence technology.

Gold firms as US-Iran deal cools rate hike bets ahead of Fed meeting
Gold prices rose as a potential U.S.-Iran nuclear deal eased expectations of an imminent Federal Reserve interest rate hike ahead of the Fed's upcoming policy meeting.

Ex-Citi executive says bank sacked her after raising Trump concerns
A former Citi executive has filed a lawsuit against the bank, claiming she was fired after raising concerns about risk management practices related to Donald Trump.

Russian saboteurs hired third operative for UK attacks
The article mentions footage suggesting the involvement of an unidentified man who sprayed anti-Muslim graffiti in London.

US and Europe discuss access to AI models after Anthropic dispute

Oil sinks below $80 as traders bet Strait of Hormuz flows will return
Brent crude oil prices have fallen to a three-month low after an agreement was reached to extend a US-Iran ceasefire, leading traders to anticipate the resumption of oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump says Syria should fight Hizbollah instead of Israel
US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Israel's military actions against the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, suggesting that Syria should confront Hezbollah instead.

Central banks expect their gold reserves to rise as de-dollarization continues
A World Gold Council survey indicates that central banks globally anticipate an increase in their gold reserves over the next five years, coinciding with a decline in dollar holdings. This suggests a potential shift away from the U.S. dollar as a dominant reserve currency.

FT Alphaville’s AI Prediction World Cup
The article appears to be incomplete or placeholder text, with no substantive information provided about FT Alphaville’s AI prediction related to the World Cup.

Trump: Netanyahu needs to be ‘more responsible’ with Lebanon, warns without the US ‘there’d be no Israel’
US President Donald Trump stated during the G7 summit in France that without US support, 'there'd be no Israel.' He praised his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but urged him to be 'more responsible' regarding Lebanon. Trump criticized Israel's attack on Beirut, which occurred two hours before the US signed an agreement with Iran, and expressed concern over civilian casualties in Lebanon. He argued that the US-Iran deal could withstand any Israeli actions against Lebanon, referring to the broader conflict with Iran as the 'big one'.

Iran’s government thinks it has won the war

This time, Trump and Netanyahu have really fallen out
The article discusses the recent deterioration in relations between former US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighting the rapid shift in their previously close relationship.

SpaceX shares gain for second day after blockbuster debut
SpaceX shares increased by 19.6% on Monday, marking their second consecutive day of gains following a strong market debut.

Iranian football team told to return to Mexico after opening World Cup game
The head coach of Iran's football team stated that players were ordered to return to their training base in Mexico following the team's opening match at the World Cup. The decision was reportedly made due to concerns over the players' safety.

JPMorgan plans Chase expansion into Europe’s largest markets
JPMorgan Chase, a major US-based financial institution, is planning to expand its operations into key European markets including France, Spain, and Italy. The expansion focuses on growing its digital banking services within these regions.

US-Iran deal must be ‘material’ for Strait of Hormuz to reopen, tanker giant warns
The head of Mitsui OSK Lines, a major shipping company, has warned that any new agreement between the US and Iran must be 'material' enough to ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The statement comes amid ongoing tensions in the region following months of conflict.

Private equity bosses warn of AI threat to bets on law and accountancy
Private equity firms that have made significant investments in legal and accounting services are warning that emerging artificial intelligence technologies could disrupt their business models.

The reclusive heirs in line for billions when Europe’s top tankmaker lists

OpenAI spending hit $34bn last year ahead of planned IPO
Audited financial figures show that OpenAI spent $34 billion last year, with expenses driven by model development, infrastructure, and rapid expansion. The spending comes as the company prepares for a planned initial public offering.

Trump and thousands of others watch UFC fight on White House lawn
US President Donald Trump hosted an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event on the White House lawn to celebrate his 80th birthday and America's 250th anniversary. The event included a main fight between Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria, with approximately 4,300 attendees and an additional 85,000 spectators at a nearby fan zone. The event was delayed due to concerns over thunderstorms and featured military flyovers and appearances by Medal of Honor recipients and first responders.

ConocoPhillips set to sign deal with Syria to revive gas production
ConocoPhillips is preparing to sign an agreement with Syria to restart gas production, marking the first such deal between a major U.S. energy company and Damascus. The move comes as efforts continue to restore economic activity in the country following years of civil war.

Trump administration considers $300bn fund for Iran if deal is upheld

Average US petrol price falls below $4 on deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz
The average price of US petrol has fallen below $4 per gallon, reaching a near two-month low, following a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts caution that while the immediate risk of a price surge has eased, it has not entirely disappeared.

How the US-Iran deal came together
The article discusses the process by which mediators worked to create a plan aimed at bridging decades of hostility between the United States and Iran.

Gavin Newsom says Trump has ordered justice department to investigate him
California Governor Gavin Newsom stated that former President Donald Trump has directed the Justice Department to investigate him.

Chipmaker Nvidia seeks to raise over $25bn in first bond deal since 2021
Nvidia, a leading chipmaker, is seeking to raise more than $25 billion through its first bond deal since 2021. The move comes at a time when the artificial intelligence sector is experiencing significant investment activity, though it also faces challenges due to increased borrowing.

A war without victors
The article discusses Trump's deal with Iran, suggesting it indicates the failure of the military approach against Iran.

Iran deal leaves Trump fighting a war at home
The article discusses the impact of the Iran nuclear deal on former President Donald Trump, highlighting internal conflicts within the Republican Party and the effects on American consumers facing higher prices without a clear resolution.

The Iran war in seven charts
The article presents an analysis of the potential long-term economic and geopolitical consequences of the conflict involving Iran, using seven charts to illustrate key points such as impacts on oil markets and reconstruction efforts.

Russia damages historic Kyiv cathedral in massive missile strike
Firefighters were seen battling flames at the Unesco-listed Dormition Cathedral in Kyiv following an overnight missile strike attributed to Russia.

Lessons from Ireland’s Revolut revolution
The article discusses how Revolut's fintech model is better suited for international expansion compared to the outdated systems of traditional financial institutions.

Legal AI start-up Legora to double headcount
Legal AI startup Legora, valued at $5.6 billion, plans to double its workforce following a significant increase in website traffic after launching a campaign featuring actor Jude Law.

Fuel running dry in Russian-held Crimea as Ukraine steps up attacks
Petrol stations in Russian-held Crimea had run dry on Thursday, according to witnesses, following increased Ukrainian drone strikes targeting supply lines to the region.

Global stocks power to record highs as deal ignites ‘risk on’ rally
Global stock markets experienced an increase following reports of a potential US-Iran peace deal, which has encouraged a 'risk on' investment approach. Investor sentiment was further bolstered by SpaceX's historic initial public offering.

Anthropic scrambles after Trump administration freezes its top AI models
The article discusses Anthropic's response to the Trump administration freezing access to its top AI models, Fable and Mythos, due to export controls. The move raises questions about how the US will regulate the most advanced AI systems.

What is in the US-Iran deal?
The article outlines key points of an agreement between the US and Iran, including extending a ceasefire for 60 days, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and initiating nuclear negotiations.

Trump settles for a truce of convenience
The article discusses President Trump's approach towards Iran, noting that while he initially promised 'unconditional surrender,' Iran managed to maintain its strategic advantage.