UK morning business news with Alice & Lewis

Blackstone's Vision for Capital Markets Recovery and Evergreen Fund Success
Alice and Lewis discuss Jonathan Gray's insights on restoring confidence in US financial assets and Blackstone's thriving evergreen funds.

Deutsche Bank's Remarkable Turnaround: A New Era of Growth
Deutsche Bank reports its highest second-quarter pre-tax profit in nearly two decades, driven by reduced litigation charges and strategic successes. We explore the implications of this milestone for the bank and its shareholders.

Goldman Sachs Avoids Further Cuts Amid Strong Performance
Goldman Sachs decides against second round of job cuts as investment banking fees surge 25% and trading revenue rises.

The Chip Market Showdown: SK Hynix Surpasses Samsung in the AI Era
SK Hynix reports record profits driven by the AI boom and high demand for memory chips, surpassing Samsung for two consecutive quarters.

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Merger: A New Era for US Rail?
The potential $200 billion Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger could reshape the US rail industry, creating a coast-to-coast giant. We explore the regulatory hurdles, market reactions, and potential benefits for efficiency and service.

Lloyds Banking Group: Profits Surge Amid Tax Debate and Legal Risks
Lloyds Banking Group reports a 31% jump in pre-tax profits to £2 billion, as CEO Charlie Nunn warns against tax hikes. But with a Supreme Court ruling on motor finance scandal looming, the financial sector faces both opportunity and uncertainty.

Google's Impressive Q2 Results: AI Investments Paying Off?
Google reports a 19% increase in net income to $28.2 billion, surpassing expectations, with strong growth in search advertising and cloud computing. The discussion covers the impact of AI on their business, including new features like AI mode and AI overviews, and the competitive landscape with OpenAI's ChatGPT.

The Rise of Post-Layoff Support Networks and Worker Resistance
In the wake of mass layoffs, workers are forming private online groups to support each other and resist corporate pressures. Today, we explore how these networks are reshaping the job market and worker solidarity.

The High-Stakes Bet on Sizewell C Nuclear Project
The UK government is investing billions in the Sizewell C nuclear project, but with risks and cost overruns from past projects, is this a gamble worth taking?

UK Borrowing Surpasses Expectations: What's Next for the Economy?
The UK government's June borrowing exceeded forecasts, driven by rising debt costs and interest payments. With a significant shortfall and political debates, what does this mean for the economy and potential tax changes? Tune in to find out.

Navigating Financial Regulation and Stability
The Chancellor's bold claims about financial regulation clash with the Bank of England's cautious stance. As the UK government pushes for reforms, the BoE emphasizes the importance of stability. What's at stake in this high-stakes debate?

Ireland's Ambitious Infrastructure Plan: A Game Changer or Political Move?
Ireland unveils a massive 212 billion euro infrastructure plan over the next decade, but is it enough to address real issues or just a political maneuver? Alice and Lewis dive into the details.