War, inflation and how central banks are handling it all

This episode of the FT News Briefing explores the global economic fallout from the war in Iran, focusing on how energy shocks are complicating central bank efforts to manage inflation and growth. Apple's strong iPhone 17 sales and record quarterly revenue are highlighted, alongside the looming leadership transition with Tim Cook stepping down. Meanwhile, central banks in Europe and the UK have held interest rates steady despite inflation rising to 3% in the Eurozone—driven by soaring energy prices—though policymakers remain vigilant for second-round inflation effects like wage-price spirals. The episode also examines Tinder's declining user base, attributed to lack of innovation and safety concerns, particularly among women, and the company's aggressive revamp under new CEO Spencer Raskoff, including facial recognition and new social features. Finally, UK local elections are framed as a potential referendum on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government, with rising discontent over appointments and slow progress on cost-of-living issues, possibly signaling a shift toward a multi-party political landscape.