The Muskverse enters a new era

4 February 2026 · 11m

FT News Briefing

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Show notes

US tech stocks fell on Tuesday over AI concerns, Elon Musk is charting a new path for his “Muskverse” of companies, and the US military shot down an Iranian drone as Middle East tensions escalate. Plus, domestic energy companies in Argentina have benefitted from the country’s volatile economy, and Peter Mandelson is no longer a member of the House of Lords after Epstein scandal revelations.

Mentioned in this podcast:

US stocks drop on fears AI will hit software and analytics groups

Tesla lurches into the Musk robotics era

SpaceX buys xAI in $1.25tn deal to unite crucial parts of Elon Musk’s empire

US shoots down Iranian drone as Middle East tensions escalate

Police launch criminal investigation into Mandelson over Epstein scandal

Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts

Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Fiona Symon, Victoria Craig and Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Kent Militzer. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s Global Head of Audio. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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