Telegram leapt to a $540mn profit last year despite the ongoing legal threat to its leadership, yields on the longest-dated Japanese government bonds surged to record highs, and UK inflation rose more than expected to a 15-month high. Plus, Germany is considering banning the far-right Alternative for Germany party, but has it become too big to outlaw?

Mentioned in this podcast:

Telegram jumps to $540mn profit despite founder facing legal peril

Japan’s long-term borrowing costs hit record high on demand fears

UK inflation jumps to 3.5% in April

Will Friedrich Merz ban the far-right Alternative for Germany?

Today’s FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Lulu Smyth, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Simon Panayi, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s acting co-head of audio. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Will Germany ban the far-right AfD?

FT News Briefing

Will Germany ban the far-right AfD?