Best Forhecz Topher Podcasts (2025)

1
The elusive Ukraine peace deal 11:32

9h ago11:32

11:32

Canadians will head to the polls Monday to pick a prime minister, and a new US proposal to end the War in Ukraine would allow Russia to keep some of the territory it’s conquered. Plus, Hungary’s government may be funneling money to friendly news outlets, and major American companies are starting to speak up about Donald Trump’s trade war. Mentioned…

1
Swamp Notes: Trump’s ‘you break it, you buy it’ moment 18:50

2d ago18:50

18:50

Just a few weeks ago, US President Donald Trump was ready to levy tariffs on basically every nation. Today, many of those tariffs have been paused or tempered. Additionally, this week he promised he will not be firing Federal Reserve chair Jay Powell, despite his earlier criticism. Should we expect more backstepping from Trump in the face of econom…

1
US tariffs bite Chinese industry 11:05

3d ago11:05

11:05

Apple plans to shift the assembly of all US-sold iPhones to India as soon as next year, factories in China have begun slowing production and furloughing some workers in the aftermath of US tariffs, and Alphabet shares rose after it reported first-quarter profit surged 46 per cent. Plus, the Trump administration wants to stamp out one of America’s e…

1
Bessent takes aim at the IMF 10:50

4d ago10:50

10:50

Sir Keir Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen will on Thursday finalise plans for a new defence pact, US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent has accused the IMF and World Bank of “mission creep” and Boeing reported lower than expected losses. Plus, Tesla chief executive Elon Musk looks to right the electric-car company by reducing his role in the Trump ad…

1
Lessons from the recent US Treasuries sell-off 18:21

6d ago18:21

18:21

Markets shook after US President Donald Trump announced his so-called reciprocal tariffs earlier this month. But there was one market in particular that got investors particularly worried: Treasuries. What’s usually a safe haven asset suddenly saw huge sell-offs. Trump managed to avoid further pain by pausing large chunks of his tariffs, but the se…

1
BP’s race to cut costs 11:38

6d ago11:38

11:38

Tesla’s first-quarter adjusted profits dropped 39 per cent and the IMF has downgraded outlooks for G7 nations and big economies such as China and India. Plus, we take a look at whether BP can turn things around to catch up with its rivals. Mentioned in this podcast: Elon Musk to prioritise Tesla over White House role as profits slump IMF warns of r…

1
The Catholic Church after Pope Francis 11:39

7d ago11:39

11:39

Wall Street stocks dropped as President Donald Trump attacked Federal Reserve chair Jay Powell, Pope Francis passed away on Monday after leading the Catholic Church for 12 years, and more than half of nearly 1,500 business leaders support a shift to a renewables-based electricity system. Plus, Europe is now seeking to take advantage of China’s elec…

1
How tariffs are affecting luxury goods 8:08

8d ago8:08

8:08

Luxury goods were supposed to be making a comeback this year. But US President Donald Trump’s trade war has complicated that and things are looking grim for the industry. The FT’s fashion editor Lauren Indvik explains where things stand with LVMH, Prada and others. Mentioned in this podcast: Donald Trump’s trade war shatters hopes of 2025 luxury re…

1
The Rachman Review: Iran’s nuclear talks could reshape the Middle East 23:54

10d ago23:54

23:54

Swamp Notes is taking this weekend off so instead we wanted to share the latest episode from our fellow FT podcast, The Rachman Review. Nuclear talks between the US and Iran began last weekend in Oman, and are set to continue in the coming weeks. President Trump has warned that if the talks fail the US could take military action against the Islamic…

1
Japan and the US talk tariffs 11:26

11d ago11:26

11:26

China’s imports of US liquefied natural gas have completely stopped for more than 10 weeks, and Japan’s chief trade negotiator leaves Washington without an immediate agreement after meeting Donald Trump. The European Central Bank has cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter-point to 2.25 per cent. Plus, astronomers have found signs of biologica…

1
Emerging markets’ surprising performance 10:24

12d ago10:24

10:24

Federal Reserve chair Jay Powell is warning that US tariffs are ‘likely’ to put at risk the central bank’s goals of keeping prices and unemployment in check, and chipmakers are reeling from a tough week. Plus, UK inflation fell more than expected to 2.6 per cent in March and the FT’s Aiden Reiter explains why emerging markets are doing surprisingly…

1
India’s middle-class debt crisis 11:05

13d ago11:05

11:05

Nvidia says it expects to take a $5.5bn blow as the US clamps down on the Silicon Valley group’s ability to export artificial intelligence chips to China, and PwC is exiting 12 countries. Plus, the junk bond market has basically ground to a halt, and India’s middle class is dealing with a debt crisis that could impact the country’s growth ambitions…

1
How China's global trade strategy could backfire 18:38

13d ago18:38

18:38

Over the past three decades, China has built itself into a manufacturing powerhouse. The plan was simple: use exports as a way to avoid becoming too dependent on the west. But with US President Donald Trump imposing 145 per cent tariffs on the country, this strategy now hangs in the balance. The FT’s Beijing bureau chief Joe Leahy explains how Beij…

1
How Argentina pulled off its latest IMF deal 10:40

14d ago10:40

10:40

Brussels is exploring legal options that would allow European companies to break long-term Russian gas contracts, and Goldman Sachs had a mixed first quarter. Plus, China’s President Xi Jinping is traveling around south-east Asia to make the case that Beijing is open for business, and Argentina just landed a $20bn deal with the IMF. Mentioned in th…

1
Is it glass half-full or half-empty for US banks? 11:19

15d ago11:19

11:19

US tariff exemptions on personal electronics may only be temporary, and big banks posted major earnings on Friday despite some economic headwinds. Plus, the European Union and the UK are getting closer to signing a defense pact, and the Trump Administration's pressure on universities could drive students and faculty overseas. Mentioned in this podc…

1
Swamp Notes: The Federal Reserve’s tariff dilemma 17:49

17d ago17:49

17:49

US President Donald Trump’s global trade war has made a mess for the Federal Reserve. Despite an encouraging US consumer price index report this week, there are major concerns about the inflationary nature of Trump’s tariffs. Meanwhile, the Fed has cut growth forecasts. And if all that wasn’t enough, Trump is breathing down chair Jay Powell’s neck …

1
Uncertainty reigns in US markets 11:21

18d ago11:21

11:21

US inflation fell more than expected to 2.4 per cent in March, and France’s Renault is one of the few carmakers insulated from Donald Trump’s trade war. Plus, Indonesia is looking to run its colossal new sovereign wealth fund “like a public company”. Mentioned in this podcast: US inflation falls more than expected to 2.4% in March Indonesia’s new…

1
Trump’s tariff reversal 9:46

19d ago9:46

9:46

US stocks surged on Wednesday after Donald Trump paused ‘reciprocal’ tariffs for 90 days. Plus, the EU and China are working on a new trade relationship because of the levies. Meanwhile, Apple is looking to boost production in India. Mentioned in this podcast: EU calls for ‘negotiated resolution’ with China in face of US tariffs Apple turns to Indi…

1
Apple navigates Trump’s tariffs 18:12

20d ago18:12

18:12

US President Donald Trump’s announcement of “reciprocal” tariffs caused havoc in the markets, notably hitting Big Tech stocks such as Apple. The company lost more than $300bn in market value the next day, and its path forward is complicated. The FT’s San Francisco correspondent Michael Acton explains why the iPhone maker is vulnerable, and what opt…

1
Markets might not have hit the bottom yet 10:48

20d ago10:48

10:48

Donald Trump is pushing ahead with another 50 per cent tariff on Chinese goods, and there are questions about what will happen to nearly $2tn worth of pledges to invest in the US because of the levies. Plus, the FT’s Katie Martin explains why a selloff in US Treasuries could mean a world of hurt for markets. Mentioned in this podcast: Donald Trump …

1
Companies look for US tariff workarounds 10:01

21d ago10:01

10:01

Equities markets continued to adapt to the tariffs unleashed by US President Donald Trump, oil prices hit a four-year low on Monday, and investors are expecting the European Central Bank to make two rate cuts by July. Plus, the FT’s Stephen Foley explains how consultants are advising their clients on limiting the damage from tariffs. Mentioned in t…

1
How Italy could decide the EU’s response to tariffs 10:36

22d ago10:36

10:36

The UK plans to introduce a lighter regulatory regime for private equity and hedge funds, and Italy may block an EU plan to respond to US President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Plus, popular ‘private browsing’ apps hosted by Apple and Google may violate American sanctions, and the trade war has triggered the biggest sell-off in the US junk bond market s…

1
Swamp Notes: The costs of Trump’s tariffs 13:43

24d ago13:43

13:43

This week the US imposed new tariffs on most of the world. The FT’s US national editor Ed Luce joins us to analyze why they are baffling economists and worrying markets. Ed’s take? The US is taking itself out of the globalised economic system it built, and the consequences could be grave. Mentioned in this podcast: Donald Trump’s beautiful trade wa…

1
Trump’s tariffs rattle global markets 10:35

25d ago10:35

10:35

US President Donald Trump’s tariffs caused a global market sell-off on Thursday. Now, there are concerns that these levies will push the US into a recession. We speak to the FT’s senior markets correspondent Ian Smith and our economics editor Sam Fleming about the repercussions. Mentioned in this podcast: Dollar drops as Donald Trump’s tariffs stok…

1
Tesla soars on Musk’s potential departure 10:27

26d ago10:27

10:27

Donald Trump launched a barrage of new tariffs on trading partners, and Tesla’s share price jumped on a report that chief executive Elon Musk could be leaving his US government role. Plus, the FT’s Ben Hall explains what’s next for Marie Le Pen now that France’s far-right leader has received a five-year ban from standing in elections. Mentioned in …

1
Why Islamic banking is taking off 20:00

27d ago20:00

20:00

A huge chunk of any typical bank’s profits comes from charging interest. But what happens when you can’t do that? This week, we’re traveling to Pakistan with the FT’s Humza Jilani, where the country has decided to make its entire banking sector align with Islamic law, which forbids charging interest. We’ll discuss how Islamic banks function and if …

1
What Wall Street expects from Trump’s ‘liberation day’ 10:06

27d ago10:06

10:06

US venture capital giant Andreessen Horowitz is in talks to invest in social media platform TikTok, US President Donald Trump is expected to lay out his sweeping tariffs policy today, and European inflation is down for the second straight month. Plus, Syria’s White Helmets have returned to Damascus as the country tries to rebuild from its brutal ci…

1
Elon Musk transforms Wisconsin court race 11:31

28d ago11:31

11:31

Google’s artificial intelligence arm DeepMind has been holding back the release of its world-renowned research, and Elon Musk has poured an unprecedented amount of money into a Wisconsin state supreme court race. Plus, Lebanon’s new central bank governor Karim Souaid has been mired in controversy. Mentioned in this podcast: DeepMind slows down rese…

1
CoreWeave tests investor appetite for AI 11:43

29d ago11:43

11:43

Investors warn that higher bond yields in Germany could make it harder for EU members to increase defence spending, and the tech world’s largest public offering in 18 months fell flat on Friday. China was targeted by a record number of trade disputes at the World Trade Organization last year, and traders in Gaza are charging commissions of 30% on h…

1
Swamp Notes: How Medicaid cuts could shake up Maga 14:30

1M ago14:30

14:30

As Congress works through President Donald Trump’s recent budget, one of the likeliest cuts on the chopping block is Medicaid. The government health insurance programme is used by one in five Americans, including many voters who make up Trump’s Maga base. So could cuts to Medicaid actually threaten Trump’s hold on Republicans? Washington bureau chi…

1
China gives IPOs the green light 10:10

1M ago10:10

10:10

US President Donald Trump’s auto tariffs hit carmaker shares and Chinese financial authorities have told some companies they can start launching mainland initial public offerings. Plus, protesters in Turkey are worried about the future of their democracy. Mentioned in this podcast: China opens path to revival in A-share listings Donald Trump’s tari…

1
Rolls-Royce flies high 10:41

1M ago10:41

10:41

The US will impose tariffs of 25 per cent on imports of foreign-made autos and Piyush Gupta will step down after 16 years as chief executive at Singapore’s DBS bank. UK inflation unexpectedly fell to 2.8 per cent in February, and Rolls-Royce has seen its share price skyrocket since 2023, in large part due to chief executive Tufan Erginbilgiç. Menti…

1
Retail’s last barbarian takes on Walgreens Boots 19:38

1M ago19:38

19:38

Years ago, an ailing company like Walgreens Boots Alliance may have seemed like a prime acquisition target for deal-hungry private equity firms. But many have backed away from retail recently, leaving an opening for groups like Sycamore Partners who are willing to buck the trend. Sycamore announced this month that it would take the global pharmacy …

1
Spring Statement highlights tough UK economy 11:06

1M ago11:06

11:06

Beijing has introduced environmental restrictions that would prevent Chinese companies from buying Nvidia’s bestselling processors, UK chancellor Rachel Reeves will update the country on Wednesday on the latest economic growth forecasts, and Shell has said it will cut costs and spending, especially in clean energy. Plus, individual investors have p…

1
Are Musk’s ties jeopardising Starlink? 10:20

1M ago10:20

10:20

Sources tell the FT that China is considering including services in a multibillion-dollar subsidy programme to stimulate consumption, software giant SAP has become Europe’s most valuable company, and BYD’s annual sales have topped $100bn for the first time. Plus, Elon Musk’s Starlink is set to cement its dominance this year, but his ties to US Pres…

1
Foreign investors feel the pinch of US stock slump 11:33

1M ago11:33

11:33

Canada’s new prime minister calls snap elections, European investors in US equities have been dealt a double blow, and carmakers try to get ahead of US President Donald Trump’s new tariffs. Plus, a group of top tennis players has accused the game’s governing bodies of trapping them in an unfair system. Mentioned in this podcast: Mark Carney calls s…

1
Swamp Notes: Why Democrats can’t get their act together 14:17

1M ago14:17

14:17

As US President Donald Trump dismantles agencies and challenges institutions across the federal government, Democrats still can’t decide how to oppose him. The FT’s global business columnist Rana Foroohar and Washington reporter Steff Chavez join this week’s Swamp Notes podcast to discuss why Democrats’ inability to pick a strategy can prove costly…

1
UK races to avoid Trump tariffs 11:10

1M ago11:10

11:10

European countries are considering how to take on greater responsibilities for the continent’s defence, the UK and the US are negotiating a trade deal to avoid tariffs, and has the Federal Reserve stopped leading the way on global monetary policy? Mentioned in this podcast: European military powers work on 5-10 year plan to replace US in Nato UK ra…

1
Does the Olympic business model still work? 11:24

1M ago11:24

11:24

The Federal Reserve is still in wait-and-see mode, a handful of technology start-ups are expected to go public next month, and Turkish police have detained the main political challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Plus, the campaign for International Olympic Committee president has shone a harsh light on the organization’s business model. Me…

1
How high gold prices are fueling a chocolate shortage 19:25

1M ago19:25

19:25

The surging price of gold is leading to some unexpected outcomes. The FT’s Aanu Adeoye traveled to Ghana to see how this is playing out among two of the country’s top commodities: gold and cocoa. Aanu and the FT’s Susannah Savage explain how the two commodities are linked and how it is impacting the people who live in the country. Clips from NBC, A…

1
Boeing struggles in the final frontier 10:51

1M ago10:51

10:51

Vladimir Putin has ordered Russia’s military to refrain from striking Ukrainian energy infrastructure for 30 days, and the Israel-Hamas ceasefire was broken after Israeli strikes killed more than 400 people on Tuesday. Boeing’s rescue mission highlights the company’s struggles in space. Plus, Germany’s parliament approves Friedrich Merz’s plans to …

1
Jack Ma’s AI comeback 9:52

1M ago9:52

9:52

Vladimir Putin has allowed a group of western asset managers and hedge funds to offload Russian securities left in limbo by Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, an FT analysis found that US listings often fail to boost companies’ valuations, and the Financial Conduct Authority is to ban Crispin Odey from the financial services industry. Plus, tech giant J…

1
Saudi Arabia puts outside consultants on notice 11:46

1M ago11:46

11:46

HSBC and UBS are expanding their wealth management arms in India, and the consulting boom in Saudi Arabia is slowing down. Plus, global gold prices have soared on fears that President Donald Trump could impose tariffs on gold imports, and US retailers are preparing for fewer sales in 2025. Mentioned in this podcast: HSBC and UBS expand India wealth…

1
Swamp Notes: Why Trump may want a weaker dollar 17:36

1M ago17:36

17:36

This week, the value of the American dollar continued to decline. The plunge has been attributed to market volatility over President Donald Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs. But there are some on Trump’s economic team who have floated wanting to weaken the dollar intentionally. FT economics columnist Gillian Tett and Unhedged host Katie Martin j…

1
Modi’s tariff tap dance with Trump 10:48

2M ago10:48

10:48

Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated Moscow is unwilling to drop its maximalist demands over any deal to halt the fighting in Ukraine, and Intel’s new chief executive has made investors excited. Plus, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in a tough spot over how he handles tariffs from the US. Mentioned in this podcast: Putin voices do…

1
Lights out at Northvolt 12:16

2M ago12:16

12:16

Elon Musk’s efficiency drive failed to prevent US federal spending rising to a record $603bn in February, European battery maker Northvolt has filed for bankruptcy in Sweden, and US inflation fell to 2.8% last month. Plus, China’s plan to revive Africa’s ‘freedom railway’ showcases Beijing’s leaner approach to overseas aid. Mentioned in this podcas…

1
Nissan pushes CEO out 10:49

2M ago10:49

10:49

The S&P 500 dipped into correction territory on Tuesday and Nissan has pushed out chief executive Makoto Uchida in the wake of the collapse of merger talks with Honda. Plus, banks are trying to catch up to one of the hottest trends in consumer finance: interest-free buy now, pay later loans. Mentioned in this podcast: Ukraine says it is willing to …

1
Inside an investment banking battle royale 22:11

2M ago22:11

22:11

Disputes over power and pay aren’t unusual at Wall Street’s top firms. What isn’t ordinary is when the conflict turns into a decade-long legal battle. That was the case for boutique investment firm Perella Weinberg Partners and their former star banker, Michael Kramer. After 10 years, their dispute recently went to trial in Manhattan. The FT’s Wall…

1
Is this dotcom bust 2.0? 11:05

2M ago11:05

11:05

Wall Street stocks fell on Monday, and Pimco has recorded a 17% paper profit on its portion of a £3bn emergency loan that it and others are set to provide to ailing utility Thames Water. Plus, hundreds of people have been killed in Syria after clashes between pro-government and pro-Assad forces escalated into sectarian violence. Mentioned in this p…

1
The Trump nominee uniting Democrats and Republicans 12:03

2M ago12:03

12:03

Canada’s Liberal party selects a new leader, and US President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Justice Department’s antitrust division is turning heads on Wall Street. Plus, US startups are raising more money than at any point since 2021, and why a gold boom in Ghana is driving up global chocolate prices. Mentioned in this podcast: Mark Carney to…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Forhecz Topher Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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