Daily briefing: Ford to replace chief, Trump attacks Iran, fetishising crisis – Financial Times
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Ford is replacing its chief executive in a shake-up designed to reverse a plummeting share price and bolster development of electric and autonomous vehicles. The US auto company has yet to confirm the replacement of Mark Fields and other executives, but an announcement is expected today. He is likely to be replaced by James Hackett, who currently heads the companys smart mobility unit, which includes driverless technology.
The global auto industry is facing increasing disruption from Silicon Valley, which is spending millions on developing technology for driverless and electric vehicles. The cost of owning an electric car is predicted to be the same as owning a traditional vehicle as early as next year, according to some analysts, prompting manufacturers to shift resources in an effort to adapt to the change. (FT, Forbes)
Trumps battle cry on Iran The US president attacked Iran in a speech to Muslim leaders in Saudi Arabia, blaming the regime for most of the instability in the region. It came just one day after Iranians voted overwhelmingly for re-engagement and openness with the world. Tehran said the US should worry about another 9/11 instead. (FT, Independent)
Divine winner The Church of Englands 7.9bn investment fund disclosed returns of 17.1 per cent last year, making it the worlds best-performing endowment fund. Over 10 years, it outsripped Yale University endowments annual 8.1 per cent returns. Fund director Tom Joy says active investment was the key to success although some suspect inspiration from a higher being. (FT)
Barclays hits back at prankstersThe British bank has tightened its email security after a prankster posed as its chairman and sent a series of messages to chief executive Jes Staley. Mr Staley was heavily criticised at a recent shareholder meeting for attempting to unmask a whistleblower. (FT)
The great olive oil crisis The price of extra virgin olive oil has surged by almost a quarter this year, as drought afflicts production at major growers around the Mediterranean. World production is forecast to fall 14 per cent. Adverse weather events have been affecting olive oil production in the region more frequently, agricultural and weather experts have noted. (FT)
North Koreas secret cyber warfare cell Unit 180 is thought to have launched some of the most daring and successful cyber attacks in recent years, and there is evidence that could link it to the WannaCry attack. Heresa look inside. Meanwhile, Pyongyangtest-fired another ballistic missile on Sunday, in defiance of threats of tougher UN sanctions. It claims it can now mass produce intermediate-range missiles. (Reuters, NAR)
Athens calls on creditors to strike a deal Greeces finance minister said his country had done its bit, most would say more than its bit, and now it was time for IMF officials and eurozone finance ministers to make a deal that would allow it to honour billions of euros in debt repayment when they meet. (FT)
Trump to outline Mideast peace deal When Donald Trump arrives in Israel and the West Bank today, he will outline what he has called theultimate peace deal. Meanwhile, an angry Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered his ministers to attend the airport reception for Mr Trump, after discovering a number had planned to skip it. (FT, Guardian)
Keep up with the important business, economic and political stories in the coming days with the FTsWeek Ahead.
Too scared to spend Latino consumers in the US are spooked by Donald Trumps immigration policies. Families once willing to fork out $5,000 or more on baby showers are hoarding cash in case they or their relatives are swept up in raids. (FT)
Wanted: princes and princesses The engagement of Japanese imperial princess Mako to her floppy-haired university sweetheart last week has highlighted a tricky issue: the chrysanthemum throne isrunning out of royals. (FT)
The quants now run Wall Street For decades, investors imagined a time when data-driven traders would dominate financial markets. That day has arrived. (WSJ)
Fetishising crisis There is a virulent strain of management thinking that sees every crisis as an opportunity. In fact, it is mainly consultants who benefit. Instead, good leaders should avoid crisis in the first place, writes Andrew Hill. (FT)
The mystery of the wasting house cats Forty years ago, feline hyperthyroidism was impossibly rare today,its an epidemic. Research suggests common household chemicals may be to be blame so what are they doing to humans? (NYT)
The week ahead Vanessa Kortekaas provides a briefing of thestories to watch in the week ahead, including US president Donald Trump travelling to Brussels, the release of eurozone PMI data and first-quarter results from jewellery-maker Tiffany. (FT)
Sample the FTs top stories for a week
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Daily briefing: Ford to replace chief, Trump attacks Iran, fetishising crisis - Financial Times
- The Iran Wars Threat to Turkey - Foreign Affairs - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- KC area drivers sound off on high gas prices, the Iran war. We all know who to blame - Kansas City Star - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- Report: Iran has caused billions in damage to US military bases in Gulf region - The Hill - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- Live updates: German leader says US humiliated by Iran - NewsNation - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- Live Updates: Latest from Israel, Iran, and the Middle East - The Jerusalem Post - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- Middle East war live: Iran says its army should be authority of Hormuz, wants payments in rial - France 24 - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- Iran's 'Quadruple' Warning To Gulf Nations After Trump's Threats - NDTV - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- The Iran war could drive up costs for petroleum-derived products like clothes and crayons - AP News - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- Iran offers to reopen Strait of Hormuz if U.S. lifts its blockade and the war ends, officials say - PBS - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- Live updates: Iran offers to reopen Strait of Hormuz if US lifts its blockade and the war ends, officials say - AP News - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- How the Iran war is bringing back 'citizenship as a weapon' - DW.com - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- How the West Can Escape Iran's Hormuz Trap - Foreign Policy - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- Iran-US war latest: Entire nation is being humiliated by Tehran, says Merz - The Independent - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- Trumps indifference to Iran and Russias military collaboration is staggering - The Independent - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- 2 months into the Iran war, who holds the upper hand? - South China Morning Post - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- Despite a New Proposal From Iran, Ceasefire Negotiations With US Are in Flux - Military.com - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- Iran proposes to reopen Strait of Hormuz without nuclear agreement. Follow live updates. - The Boston Globe - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- Trump says Iran can phone if it wants to talk; Iranian minister heads to Russia - Yahoo - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- Iran gave US a proposal for reopening the Strait Of Hormuz and ending the war, Axios reports - Reuters - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- Iran turmoil erupts: Ultra-hardliner who mocked Trump poised to take over nuclear talks - Yahoo - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- 5 things to know for April 27: Press dinner shooting, Severe weather, King Charles, Iran war, fossil fuel profits - CNN - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- Iran offers to reopen Strait of Hormuz if US lifts its blockade and the war ends, officials say - WRAL - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- The Iran war has the world buying more clean energy. China stands to benefit the most - CNN - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- Trump to hold talks on Iran with security team, US media say - Euronews.com - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- Mediators still seek to bridge US, Iran gaps despite failure of face-to-face talks - Yahoo - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- The war on Iran is eroding nuclear non-proliferation - Al Jazeera - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- Trump says Iran can phone if it wants to talk; Iranian minister heads to Russia - KSL.com - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- Iran is suffering in a standoff with the US but may be betting Trump will blink first - CNN - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- Iran has played their last cards in the war, says Heritage Foundation's Steve Yates - CNBC - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- The Iran War and How It Might End - Geopolitical Futures - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- Trump voters say the pope should 'stay in his lane' and butt out of the Iran war - NBC News - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Middle East crisis live: Iran says fundamental issues still to be resolved with US amid strait of Hormuz impasse - The Guardian - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Strait of Hormuz blocked as gaps remain on Iran peace talks - Reuters - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Iran war: What is happening on day 51 of the US-Iran conflict? - Al Jazeera - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Trump: Iran got a little cute by blocking Hormuz again, but talks going really well - The Times of Israel - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Iran war: What is happening on day 50 of the US-Iran conflict? - Al Jazeera - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- The U.S. is ready to seize Iran-linked ships with boarding parties, report says, while Marines practice maritime raids - Fortune - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Report: Iran still able to access around 70% of its pre-war missile stocks, 60% of launchers - The Times of Israel - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Iran fully closes Strait of Hormuz over US blockade and fires on ships - AP News - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Why China is taking a behind-the-scenes role in the Iran war - The Washington Post - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- In Qatar, Trapped Between the U.S. and Iran, War Forced a Reckoning - The New York Times - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Traders placed over $1bn in perfectly timed bets on the Iran war. What is going on? - The Guardian - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Heres what the stock market might have gotten wrong about the Iran war - The Washington Post - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- After war of words on Iran, Pope Leo says he's not interested in a debate with Trump - NBC News - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Iran war: What is happening on day 49 of the US-Iran conflict? - Al Jazeera - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Iran parliament speaker touts progress in US talks, but Strait of Hormuz still shut - The Times of Israel - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Trump, Iran cite progress in talks as uncertainty hangs over Strait - KSL News - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- What has Trump said before possible US-Iran talks and what could it mean? - Al Jazeera - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Trump keeps claiming victory in Iran. Our new poll shows voters arent buying it. - Politico - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- The Iran war has revealed Trump's pressure point: the economy - Reuters - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- The Iran war has exposed the limits of neutrality - Al Jazeera - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Smerconish: To end the Iran conflict, Congress must authorize it - CNN - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Faisal Islam: What people in power think the impact of the Iran war will be - BBC - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- What's it like to negotiate with Iran? We asked people who have done it - NPR - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Opinion: All the good US did after WWII squandered with Iran war - The Asheville Citizen Times - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Iran doubles down on closing the Strait of Hormuz as the ceasefire nears expiration - AP News - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Diplomatic cables show Iran war is damaging US on multiple fronts across the world - Politico - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- The most politically charged World Cup ever puts the U.S. and Iran on a collision course while America co-hosts with neighbors it has tariffed -... - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Trump is savaging allies who criticize the Iran war. But hes treating Joe Rogan very differently - CNN - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- GOP senators urge Trump to find Iran exit plan as energy prices rise: The clock is ticking - Politico - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- White House Declines to Offer Congress an Estimate of Iran War Cost - The New York Times - April 17th, 2026 [April 17th, 2026]
- US House rejects war powers resolution aimed at limiting Iran War - BBC - April 17th, 2026 [April 17th, 2026]
- Why a U.S. blockade on Iran seems to be working - PBS - April 17th, 2026 [April 17th, 2026]
- Israel starts a tense ceasefire in Lebanon, as Trump sounds optimistic on Iran talks - NPR - April 17th, 2026 [April 17th, 2026]
- House narrowly rejects resolution directing Trump to end hostilities in Iran - The Washington Post - April 17th, 2026 [April 17th, 2026]
- Pakistan Looks to Play Peacemaker Between U.S. and Iran, Again - The New York Times - April 17th, 2026 [April 17th, 2026]
- World Insights: Key conservative influencers turn against Trump over Iran - Xinhua - April 17th, 2026 [April 17th, 2026]
- Trump says Iran has agreed to hand over enriched uranium - Le Monde.fr - April 17th, 2026 [April 17th, 2026]
- It's time to start thinking about the post-Iran war market environment: Lombard Odier - CNBC - April 17th, 2026 [April 17th, 2026]
- House effort to end Trump's war with Iran fails by one vote - NBC News - April 17th, 2026 [April 17th, 2026]
- Pete Hegseth says Iran is digging out missiles and launchers - NBC News - April 17th, 2026 [April 17th, 2026]
- Opinion | Iran is dangling its favorite kind of deal. Will Trump bite? - The Washington Post - April 17th, 2026 [April 17th, 2026]
- Behind the bluster, Donald Trump desperately needs a peace deal with Iran. Here's a solution | Rajan Menon - The Guardian - April 17th, 2026 [April 17th, 2026]
- It's Not Working: Diplomats Fear Trump's Iran Envoys Are Making Things Worse - Time Magazine - April 17th, 2026 [April 17th, 2026]
- Trump says the economy is thriving 'despite our little diversion' in Iran - NBC News - April 17th, 2026 [April 17th, 2026]
- Trump says it is important for Pope to understand Iran is a global threat - Reuters - April 17th, 2026 [April 17th, 2026]
- What role is China playing in the Iran war and how is it affected? - Al Jazeera - April 17th, 2026 [April 17th, 2026]
- Trump Bets Economic Pain Will Finally Force Iran to Reopen Strait - WSJ - April 17th, 2026 [April 17th, 2026]
- Hegseth says US is locked and loaded to finish job of destroying Iran energy grid - The Guardian - April 17th, 2026 [April 17th, 2026]
- Trump touts tax tips policy in Vegas, says Iran war is going 'swimmingly' - USA Today - April 17th, 2026 [April 17th, 2026]