Markets, world news, companies and opinion headlines from the FT
All newsletters | Read in browser
FINANCIAL TIMES
Friday, 17 January 2025
 
 
 

World News

 
 
 
China’s GDP growth hits 5% target for 2024
 
Analysts and officials warn of threat from tariffs and weak consumer demand
 
 
Europe’s carmakers risk hefty bill for carbon credits from Chinese rivals
 
Groups failing to meet EU climate targets face a choice of paying fines, discounting EVs, or buying credits
 
 
Can sustainable investing survive Trump 2.0?
 
The political backlash against ESG has intensified — but the sector is evolving
 
 
Is TikTok pushing Taiwan’s young people closer to China?
 
A growing number of researchers fear that the controversial app is promoting pro-China content and softening attitudes towards the People’s Republic
 
 
UK companies outpace US businesses in share buybacks
 
FTSE groups adopt practice that has drawn criticism from lawmakers but research suggests it could lift long-term share price
 
 
 

Markets

 
 
 
ETF flows obliterate previous full-year record to hit $1.5tn
 
Buying frenzy peaked at end of year spurred by Donald Trump’s presidential victory
 
 
Donald Trump’s Treasury pick says unwinding tax cuts would spark ‘economic calamity’
 
Scott Bessent also tells US senators in heated confirmation hearing that he backs tougher sanctions on Russian oil
 
 
Will US inflation ever go below 3%?
 
Inflation remains stubbornly high. Why?
 
 
Retail investors flock to gilts in first two weeks of 2025
 
Platforms report surge in sales to take advantage of CGT exemption
 
 
American Express to pay $230mn to resolve deceptive marketing allegations
 
US justice department says company misrepresented tax benefits, card rewards and fees to small businesses
 
 
 

Companies

 
 
 
Activist investor urges Smiths Group to explore break-up
 
Engine Capital’s move on UK-listed multinational is latest effort to target sprawling conglomerate structure
 
 
SpaceX Starship rocket explodes after lift-off
 
Setback for Elon Musk-led company comes hours after successful maiden launch of rival Blue Origin’s New Glenn
 
 
Reinsurers little exposed to LA fires after retreat from disaster risks
 
Firms intended to backstop frontline insurers raised rates and increased recovery thresholds after losses on prior blazes
 
 
Botafogo’s transformation sets bar for Brazilian football investment
 
Rio club’s successes highlight commercial changes under way in nation’s domestic game
 
 
NHS bosses to face fewer targets under Labour reform drive
 
Health service objectives to be stripped down and focused on issues government thinks matter most to patients
 
 
 

Opinion

 
 
 
Want to change? Consider your situation
 
Our personalities are a less important predictor of our behaviour than we might think
 
 
The value of finding your signature style
 
His vintage tweed coat has seen better days, so the FT’s US financial commentator goes in search of a new trademark look
 
 
How to manage a tricky presidential transition
 
Think strategically, communicate clearly and remember that ‘personnel is policy’
 
 
Britain’s imperfect deal over the Chagos Islands
 
The UK’s good intentions have collided with geopolitical realities
 
 
Bank of America still paying the price for being too careful
 
Second-largest US bank’s stock is up just 2% over past three years
 
 
 
 
 
 
Follow the FT