Financial Times

David Hatcher, managing partner of Baringa, details his structured routine for maintaining productivity in global consulting. His days begin early with exercise and a commute where he reads news like the Financial Times. He spends roughly 80% of his time in meetings that cover diverse topics including company strategy, clients, culture, and mergers and acquisitions.

According to a report from the Financial Times, Hong Kong regulators may include trading firms, such as Jane Street and Citadel Securities, in a sweeping new tax regime. This proposed expansion of tax breaks aims to boost the city's appeal further to hedge funds.

The US conducted a historic currency intervention by selling euros to buy yen in an effort to help Japan. The Financial Times reported that this action blindsided the European Central Bank and was only communicated to its counterparts located in Frankfurt afterward.

Iran and Oman are nearing an agreement to establish a commercial route in the Strait of Hormuz, but analysts say it will not resolve broader regional disputes. Iran has threatened Gulf nations if the US launches new strikes, while the US aims to reopen the strait and claims of success are becoming harder to achieve, according to a former US ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

The UAE received over $100 million in stolen gold bullion from Sudan’s central bank and state refinery, according to an investigation. Sudan’s civil war has driven a surge in gold trade, with the UAE reportedly facilitating over $1 billion in 2025, while militias use profits to acquire advanced military equipment.

The article outlines the 2026 US midterm elections, focusing on key races, financial influences, and policy issues that will shape the latter part of Trump's second term. It highlights the factors critical to determining the political landscape during this period.

Apple has filed a legal appeal against the U.K. government’s demand to create a backdoor for accessing encrypted user data. The dispute involves Apple’s refusal to build a backdoor, the U.K. shifting from global to targeted access requests, and Apple discontinuing Advanced Data Protection for British users in February 2025.

AstraZeneca stock declined following reports of merger discussions with Bristol Myers Squibb. The potential merger could create a company valued at nearly $400 billion, according to the Financial Times.

AstraZeneca shares fell 7% following a Financial Times report indicating the company has discussed a potential merger with Bristol Myers Squibb over several months.

President Donald Trump stated the United States intervened to support the Japanese yen, calling it a 'signal of friendship' that would benefit the US and global economy. The Financial Times reported that Washington and Tokyo jointly backed the yen for the first time in nearly 30 years.

U.K. pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca is in talks with U.S. rival Bristol Myers Squibb for a potential $400 billion merger, as reported by the Financial Times.

Ukraine is shifting its long-range drone campaign against Russia's energy industry to target critical components that are difficult to replace. US and French intelligence have provided mapping of Russian air-defense deployments and routes for deep drone strikes, with energy engineers advising on indispensable refinery components.

The article discusses SpaceX's supply chain measures and China's influence in product development within Asia's tech industry, as analyzed by Nikkei Asia and the Financial Times.

The UAE and Iran are easing tensions, with a decline in Iranian strikes against the UAE since April 29 and resumed direct flights and commercial shipping. The UAE is pursuing economic and diplomatic engagement with Iran while strengthening defense ties with Israel and the US, prioritizing 'resilience' as a strategic goal.

Defense companies like BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin have invested $4.1 billion in military startups this year to adapt to evolving warfare, mirroring the pharmaceutical industry's innovation model. EU governments are increasing defense spending to €454 billion in 2023, with Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank noting continued investment trends.

The European Central Bank (ECB) is expected to increase interest rates again in September, according to a July forecast from the Financial Times' Monetary Policy Radar team.

A Polymarket account linked to a Nigel Farage backer, named GCottrell93, received $9 million in cryptocurrency from unknown sources, which was used to bet on Donald Trump's election win. The profits were cashed out, but the identities of the individuals involved in the transactions remain unclear, according to the Financial Times.

The article provides a preview of the Federal Reserve’s July meeting and outlines key points to watch, as covered by the Financial Times’ guide.

Economists predict that the US’ new tariffs, effective Friday, will not significantly disrupt the global economy. Commerzbank noted inflationary effects likely peaked, while ING analysts and a Financial Times columnist highlighted exemptions and limited implementation, suggesting further levies would be 'disturbing but not disruptive.'

European car sales surged last month due to an influx of cheap Chinese EVs, with BYD and SAIC sales in the UK rising by a third year-on-year. European manufacturers are reducing prices and offering incentives to compete, while EU officials seek protections as Chinese cars continue to flood the market.

Tensions between China and the US over AI and technology development intensified ahead of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's planned visit to Washington. The US is investigating Chinese AI firms' access to restricted chips and considering sanctions, while China may impose tech restrictions and acquisition curbs. The US secretary of state acknowledged persistent 'great differences' between the two nations.

The Trump administration is reportedly considering regime change strategies in Iran, including supporting internal uprisings and armed opposition groups, amid intensified U.S. military strikes against Iranian targets. Trump indicated openness to diplomacy, stating Iran seeks talks to end the conflict, while U.S. officials emphasize strikes are focused on protecting global shipping.

The US is considering sanctions against top Chinese AI models, accusing Chinese tech firms of intellectual property theft through a process called distillation. Meanwhile, China is reportedly evaluating restrictions on overseas access to its AI systems as both nations compete to protect their frontier technology ahead of AI talks in September.

Biotech firms are attracting significant dealmaking and investor interest, with 37 biotech acquisitions over $1 billion this year driven by pharma companies seeking to strengthen pipelines before patent expirations. The Trump administration’s regulatory approach and profits from top-selling drugs are fueling mergers, while biotech IPOs are outperforming AI-related listings.

US President Donald Trump plans to impose new tariffs on 60 countries, with duties between 10 and 12.5%, escalating trade tensions. Canada and Brazil have already faced fresh levies, and the move risks complicating negotiations over the US-Mexico-Canada agreement.

The Financial Times provides a preview of the European Central Bank's July monetary policy meeting, highlighting key points to watch in the session.

AI is contributing to geopolitical instability as officials and executives express concerns over China's open-source AI model and its implications for global competition. Anthropic and OpenAI have urged the US to restrict powerful Chinese models, while Chinese researchers warn AI accelerates decision-making and reduces diplomatic space. The EU fears dependency on US and China due to its lack of cutting-edge AI firms.

The article titled 'How will the ECB respond to the latest rise in oil prices?' poses a question about the European Central Bank's potential reaction to increased oil prices. It is part of the Financial Times' 'Market Questions' series, which examines key economic issues.

President Volodymyr Zelensky is considering dismissing Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky amid nationwide protests following the removal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who accused Syrsky of obstructing military modernization. Zelensky has consulted with corps commanders and addressed public demonstrations, stating structural military decisions will be finalized soon.

Economist Nouriel Roubini predicts AI will displace large portions of the workforce within 20-25 years, necessitating universal basic income or government-led redistribution (e.g., socialism). He forecasts AI-driven GDP growth of 6%-10% by 2040-2050, with governments taxing AI 'winners' to fund societal redistribution. OpenAI and other AI firms may cede public stakes, as suggested in a Financial Times report.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering firing Armed Forces commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Financial Times reported, following days of turmoil engulfing the country’s military leadership.

Iraq and Syria signed a deal to rehabilitate the Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline, aiming to bypass the Strait of Hormuz as part of a US-brokered agreement. The US ambassador to Turkey and Syria envoy, Tom Barrack, led efforts, with initial reporting by Middle East Eye followed by major international news outlets.

The US and Iran are employing advanced technologies in their conflict, including US unmanned surface vessels striking Iran’s Bandar Abbas naval base and Iran’s suspected use of cyberattacks to target US military personnel via smartphones. Both sides are testing innovations like autonomous drones and commercial ad-targeting software for strategic operations.

Russian attacks on Ukraine’s Odesa port have disrupted grain exports, causing traders and shipowners to pause activities and resulting in 11 port worker and sailor deaths. Russia’s grain exports are also declining due to fuel shortages and Ukrainian strikes, exacerbating global food supply pressures as the two countries account for a third of global wheat supplies.

A live Ask an Expert Q&A session will discuss how Andy Burnham will govern the UK. The event features Jennifer Williams, Stephen Bush, and Robert Shrimsley on Thursday July 23 at 1pm BST.

The EU is reportedly allocating funds for Ukraine to purchase drone components from China, following the disbursement of the first €1 billion from a €6 billion tranche. The Financial Times reported this claim, citing sources, while President Volodymyr Zelensky's statement was partially quoted.

Europe remains dependent on China and the US for critical military components despite efforts to strengthen its defense sovereignty. The EU allows Ukraine to use EU funds for Chinese drone parts, and Germany’s air force admits it must continue purchasing US fighter jets. A joint German-French fighter jet project has also failed.

The renewed US-Iran conflict is jeopardizing global oil supplies due to depleted stockpiles, reducing market buffers. Anxiety grows over Iran potentially closing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key oil shipment route, as noted by a Middle East scholar.

Authorities in Pakistan are enhancing security around the Saindak copper and gold mine in Balochistan following disruptions to supply routes by terrorists. The mine's operator denied reports of potential closure, while Chinese and Pakistani officials emphasized protecting the project and addressing security challenges.

ASML raised its sales forecast due to AI-driven demand for advanced semiconductors. The company reported 21% year-on-year sales growth in Q2 and plans to increase production capacity by 30% in 2025 and 2028. Key customers Intel and TSMC showed strong demand, and ASML's EUV lithography machines remain a critical bottleneck in AI manufacturing.