Venezuela’s leader starts another disputed term

Key takeaways

The US is expected to see a significant increase in gas power plants due to the energy demands from AI.
Recent sanctions against Venezuela's Maduro are a joint stance against his regime, though their effectiveness may be limited.
The UK Apple antitrust lawsuit marks a significant legal challenge against corporate monopoly practices.
Potential changes to private equity regulations in the US could offer consumers access to higher returns but come with substantial risks.

Summary

The US Gas Power Plant Boom

In this episode, experts discuss the anticipated boom in the US natural gas industry, forecasting the construction of up to 80 new power plants by 2030. This surge is tied to the increased energy demands of artificial intelligence data centers, which rely heavily on electricity. However, this growth raises concerns for the US's carbon-free electricity grid goal set for 2035, as the gas plants emitted record levels of CO2 in the previous year.

Sanctions on Venezuela's Maduro

Following Nicolás Maduro's inauguration for a third term, the US and allied nations, including the EU, UK, and Canada, imposed synchronized sanctions on key Venezuelan officials. This coordinated action signifies a rejection of Maduro's legitimacy after accusations of electoral fraud. Experts highlight that while the sanctions send a strong message, their immediate impact may be limited, given the prior sanctions already imposed.

Apple's Antitrust Lawsuit

Apple faces a £1.5 billion class-action lawsuit in the UK concerning allegations of monopoly abuse within its App Store. The lawsuit represents consumers asserting that Apple's practices stifle competition by imposing high commissions on developers. This case is historic, as it's one of the first mass legal actions under competition law to proceed to trial in the UK.

Access to Private Equity for US Savers

Individual investors in the US might gain increased access to private equity through retirement accounts as regulations potentially loosen under the new Trump administration. While private equity firms claim they can provide higher returns, concerns exist regarding the risks, fees, and illiquidity associated with these investments. Experts suggest a cautious approach, emphasizing that traditional public market investments will likely remain the foundation for most retirement accounts.

Show notes

The US is on the cusp of a gas boom and the west hits Venezuelan officials with fresh sanctions. A £1.5bn class action lawsuit against Apple goes to trial in the UK, and US private equity firms may soon have access to people’s retirement savings.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Gas construction expected to boom this year in the US

Venezuelan officials hit with fresh sanctions as Nicolás Maduro begins third term

Apple £1.5bn class action case kicks off in UK courts

Mom and pop pension savers could benefit from private markets, at the right price

The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Lulu Smyth, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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