Reeves vs the markets

Reeves vs the markets

Author: Financial Times January 17, 2025 Duration: 43:11

Turmoil in the bond markets has caused turbulence for Rachel Reeves this month, with grumbles about her performance – and that of the UK economy – growing louder. This week, Political Fix asks who’s in charge: the chancellor or the financial markets? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by regular panellists Robert Shrimsley and Stephen Bush, plus the FT’s markets columnist Katie Martin, to consider the difficult choices facing Reeves and any positive options available to her in the short term. Plus, the gang discuss the keynote speeches of Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey to kick off the new year this week.


Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher, Stephen @stephenkb, @stephenkb.bsky.social, Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social, Katie @katie0martin.bsky.social


Want more? Free links: 


UK government seeks to soothe bond market nerves after borrowing costs soar 


UK needs more than AI to escape its economic hole


Lib Dems chart a distinctive pro-European course


Kemi Badenoch’s ‘small state’ vision does not stack up


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Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music by Breen Turner and mixed by Simon Panayi. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. 


Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com


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Every Friday, the team behind Political Fix gathers to make sense of the week's political turbulence. This isn't just a recap of headlines; it's a deep, often lively conversation that pulls back the curtain on how decisions are really made in Westminster and beyond. You'll hear from the Financial Times journalists who are actually there, in the corridors and committee rooms, paired with expert voices who provide crucial context. Together, they untangle complex policy debates, analyse the shifting alliances, and question the strategies defining Britain's future. The result is a clear-eyed, authoritative look at the forces shaping the nation, delivered with the FT's signature rigor and insight. Tuning into this podcast feels like gaining access to a private briefing, one that prioritizes substance over noise. It’s for anyone who wants to move past the soundbites and understand the real stories and personalities driving the political agenda. New episodes arrive weekly, offering a consistent and essential perspective on a landscape that never stops moving.
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