Ewan Potts

You carry on and you recognise too that governments sometimes, particularly incumbent governments, have it hard.

Having previously threatened to hike tariffs on auto imports as soon as this week, Donald Trump has extended his deadline for the EU to ratify its trade deal.

The move comes after Trump spoke to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Negotiators from the European Parliament and member states discussed potential amendments to the deal earlier this week, but we're told didn't reach any conclusive decisions.

In London, I'm Ewan Potts, Bloomberg Radio.

Karen and Nathan, the British government continues to call for freedom of navigation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

But Bloomberg has learned the UK will not take part in President Trump's plan to blockade the waterway.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to lead another round of talks with other nations on reopening the strait.

But on the US blockade, Starmer's position is again at odds with the US president.

In London, I'm Ewan Potts, Bloomberg Radio.

Karen, Christine Lagarde's eight-year term as boss of the European Central Bank is due to run until October 2027.

But the FT reports today that Lagarde plans to step down before the French presidential election in April of next year, allowing current president Emmanuel Macron the chance to take part in selecting the ECB's next leader.

The bank itself has issued a statement saying Lagarde is totally focused on her mission and has not taken any decision regarding the end of her term.

In London, I'm Ewan Potts, Bloomberg Radio.

The UK's financial technology sector attracted just shy of $11 billion last year, down from about $13.5 billion in 2024.

The numbers come from a KPMG report citing PitchBook data.

In total, 418 fintech deals closed last year, with a blockbuster $4 billion fundraising by Revolut at a valuation of $75 billion, making up a big chunk of the total raised.

The UK's fintech sector was dwarfed by the US, which accounted for close to half of all cash raised globally.

But to underline the country's relevance, UK fintechs attracted more funding than those in France, Germany, Belgium, the Nordics, Ireland, China and Brazil combined.

In London, I'm Ewan Potts, Bloomberg Radio.