Financial Times

The Financial Times examines whether the European Union can construct a 'hybrid defence' against Russia, addressing Moscow's use of non-military pressure such as disinformation, cyberattacks, sabotage and election interference. The debate centres on whether EU institutions and member states can coordinate effectively to counter these tactics alongside traditional military deterrence.

The Financial Times argues that, for once, the US Federal Reserve has prioritised ordinary American households and small businesses over financial markets. The comment reflects debate over the Fed's policy direction and who its decisions ultimately serve. It is prompting discussion among economists and investors about a possible shift in how the central bank weighs Wall Street against the broader economy.

The Reserve Bank of Australia meets for the sixth time this year, with economists and financial markets broadly expecting another interest rate rise. The key question now is how many further increases could follow as the bank works to bring inflation down. Borrowers are watching closely, with each rise adding pressure to mortgages and household budgets across Australia.

Saudi Arabia has withdrawn from a China-led cross-border currency platform, according to the Financial Times. The move is seen as a setback for Beijing's efforts to build alternatives to the dollar-based global payments system, and observers are weighing what it signals about the Gulf kingdom's financial alignment with Washington versus its deepening economic ties with China.

US companies are increasingly adopting cheaper 'open' AI models rather than relying solely on expensive proprietary systems from major AI providers. The Financial Times reports that businesses see open-weight models as a way to cut costs while retaining more control and flexibility. The trend reflects growing price pressure on enterprise AI spending and improving performance of openly available models.

Manchester City's verdicts in its legal dispute with the Premier League are being scrutinised well beyond England, with clubs, pundits and fans worldwide weighing in on what the outcome means for competitive balance and financial rules. The New York Times has gathered reactions from across the football world, reflecting how the case is being read as a test of how top-flight regulation is enforced internationally.

The world's worst-performing stock market has slashed the minimum price for listed stocks, according to the Financial Times. The move is aimed at encouraging trading activity and improving liquidity in a market that has badly lagged global peers this year. Details on which exchange is involved and the size of the price reduction were not provided.

The Financial Times reports that SpaceX, Elon Musk's rocket company, is pivoting away from its space focus, with a companion headline reading 'Starbase, we have a problem'. The report has drawn attention and comment as observers weigh what the shift means for the company's ambitions around Starship and its Texas Starbase operations.

Gold prices declined as markets absorbed signals that the US Federal Reserve may keep interest rates elevated for longer than previously expected. Higher rates raise the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold, weighing on demand. Investors are watching upcoming Fed commentary and inflation data for clues on the timing of any policy easing.

Financial analysts and forecasters are projecting that insurance costs will continue rising into 2026, building on recent premium increases across the market. The Financial Times has gathered analysts' views on the outlook, with the consensus pointing to further price hikes for policyholders. Rising claims costs, inflation and reinsurance pressures are the usual drivers cited for such sustained increases, affecting both households and businesses.

Wealthy investors are increasingly borrowing against their private equity stakes as distributions from buyout funds slow, according to a Financial Times report. With fund payouts drying up, rich households are using credit lines backed by illiquid fund holdings to raise cash without selling. The trend highlights growing strain in private markets, where exit activity has stalled and investors are searching for liquidity elsewhere.

Nikola Jokic could sign a five-year, $360 million contract next summer, which would make it the richest deal in NBA history. The Denver Nuggets star is widely regarded as the best player in the league, and the potential extension has fueled discussion about soaring NBA salaries and the league's new financial landscape.

AMC Entertainment is preparing a $3.97 billion refinancing as it works to manage its debt load and extend its financial runway. The move has drawn attention from investors questioning whether the cinema chain can secure more time to stabilize its business amid ongoing pressure on theatrical box office revenues and heavy debt obligations.

The Financial Times reports that AI hyperscalers — the largest cloud and AI infrastructure providers such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google and Meta — are transforming debt markets. Their enormous spending on data centres and computing power is driving new borrowing at historic scale, changing how credit is priced and who dominates corporate bond issuance.

The Financial Times is examining the relationship between the Pope and one of the European Union's founding fathers, framing the connection in religious terms. Beyond the headline, no further details are available about what the piece reports or claims, so the substance of the story remains unknown.

Goldman Sachs is reporting a sharp rise in the fees it earns from hedge fund clients, according to a Financial Times report. The story highlights how the bank's prime brokerage and financing businesses are benefiting from renewed hedge fund trading activity, reviving discussion about Wall Street's most profitable client relationships.

Schools across London are facing a shortage of pupils as the number of children in the capital falls. Declining birth rates and families leaving the city are being cited as drivers, raising the prospect of school closures, merged classes and budget pressures, since funding in England is largely tied to pupil numbers. The issue has prompted debate about how the capital should adapt its education provision.

Financial outlets 24/7 Wall St. and Yahoo Finance are reporting that Bitcoin holders are selling, arguing that this sell-off differs from previous ones. The reports suggest a shift in holder behavior that investors are being urged to understand, though the specific nature of the difference is not detailed in the headline.