Country People by Daniel Mason — freewheeling fun in the backwoods of Vermont
An academic family’s pursuit of the bucolic life takes a strange and whimsical detour into folklore in a novel that makes for perfect summer escapism
The unsustainable upward trajectory of UK debt
Over time, if there is no tax-and-spend adjustment, the changes needed to public finances will be painful
Inside the world’s biggest battery maker
What does CATL’s extraordinary rise mean for the world?
When Indian artistry meets French couture
Dior’s show recognised the role of Indian craft, but many luxury brands have long been reluctant to reveal how heavily they rely on it
Obsessed with: tramezzini — Venice’s addictive signature snack
They might not look like much. But these soft, crustless sandwiches are full of surprises — and just what’s needed after a day of sightseeing or festival-going
The Newton’s Cradle of credit today
‘Technicals have not merely supported fundamental pricing this cycle — they have displaced it’
The male wellness guide to peptides
Injectable amino acids are being used for muscle gain, sexual health and skin tanning — but the benefits are questionable
FirstFT: Trump declares US-Iran ceasefire ‘over’
Also in today’s newsletter: Italy’s UniCredit close to securing control of Germany’s Commerzbank and Japan’s borrowing costs hit a 30-year high
Family behind top US egg producer reaped $320mn after price surge
Descendants of Cal-Maine founder sold controlling stake near a record high after what authorities said was an effort to rig the market
Five gadgets to help you beat the heat
Home air-con, portable coolers, ice-cream churners – it’s all a breeze
Apple to buy $30bn of US-made chips from Broadcom
iPhone maker continues its attempt to curry favour with Donald Trump via investments in Colorado plant
Megan Nolan: health, self and weight control in the age of GLP-1s
The novelist explores the body, in 2026
Nigel Farage’s rivals are ‘running scared’, says Reform
Senior figures dismiss claims that decision to call by-election in Clacton seat has backfired
Tesco explores sale of European business
Disposal would refocus UK’s biggest grocer on home market and end decades-long attempt to build major global operation
UniCredit secures 48% stake in Commerzbank
Italian bank closing in on majority control of German lender after end of tender period
Bridge: Declarer exploits defensive error by making key unblocking play
As a defender, never lead dummy’s long side-suit
Outspoken Chinese economist who doubted official GDP data dies
Gao Shanwen lauded by online commenters as ‘truth teller’ in country known for strict censorship
Re-election would not put Farage in the clear
Opposition parties refuse to stand against scandal-hit politician in Reform’s safest seat of Clacton
US and Iran trade strikes after attacks on tankers
Donald Trump says he thinks ceasefire deal with Tehran is ‘over’ after round of tit-for-tat bombing
Vistry shares slide as it warns of first-half loss and finance chief quits
Struggling UK housebuilder outlines plan to slim business as it grapples with market slowdown
Farage by-election gambit undercut by rivals’ refusal to participate
Conservatives, Labour and Lib Dems will not contest vote as Reform UK leader denies wrongdoing over gifts
Virgin Media fined £28mn for preventing customers from cancelling contracts
Ofcom uncovers delay tactics that meant millions of calls were likely to have been mishandled
South Korea falls into bear market as traders fret over AI chipmakers’ prospects
Kospi retreats more than 20% from June peak as sentiment starts to turn on Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix
Singapore’s Temasek doubles down on AI and private credit
State investor focuses on accelerating returns after several lacklustre years