Your morning briefing. All the news you need to start your day

On today's podcast:

(1)  UK unemployment reached its highest since the pandemic and wage growth eased as the labor market continued to weaken, prompting traders to increase bets on further interest-rate cuts from the Bank of England.

(2) Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with the head of the UN’s atomic watchdog in Geneva on Monday, ahead of a second round of nuclear negotiations with the US.

(3) BHP Group posted earnings at the upper end of analyst expectations, as a years-long effort to shore up copper production combined with a historic metals rally to offset a lackluster period for its giant iron ore business.

(4) Elon Musk’s SpaceX and wholly owned subsidiary xAI are competing in a secretive new Pentagon contest to produce voice-controlled, autonomous drone swarming technology, according to people familiar with the matter.

(5) The UK government abandoned plans to cancel local elections scheduled for May in 30 areas, after the move sparked a fierce backlash including a lawsuit from Nigel Farage’s populist Reform UK party.

(6) Secretary of State Marco Rubio showered Viktor Orban with praise on a visit to Hungary as the US doubled down on its support for the strongman leader before an election that could bring an end to his 16 years in power. 

Podcast Conversation: Why ‘Burnout’ Feminism Is Replacing the Girlboss, Lean In Era

Your morning briefing. All the news you need to start your day On today's podcast: (1)&nbsp; UK unemployment reached its highest since the pandemic and wage growth eased as the labor market continued to weaken, prompting traders to increase bets on further interest-rate cuts from the Bank of England. (2) Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with the head of the UN&rsquo;s atomic watchdog in Geneva on Monday, ahead of a second round of nuclear negotiations with the US. (3) BHP Group posted earnings at the upper end of analyst expectations, as a years-long effort to shore up copper production combined with a historic metals rally to offset a lackluster period for its giant iron ore business. (4) Elon Musk&rsquo;s SpaceX and wholly owned subsidiary xAI are competing in a secretive new Pentagon contest to produce voice-controlled, autonomous drone swarming technology, according to people familiar with the matter. (5) The UK government abandoned plans to cancel local elections scheduled for May in 30 areas, after the move sparked a fierce backlash including a lawsuit from Nigel Farage&rsquo;s populist Reform UK party. (6) Secretary of State Marco Rubio showered Viktor Orban with praise on a visit to Hungary as the US doubled down on its support for the strongman leader before an election that could bring an end to his 16 years in power.&nbsp; Podcast Conversation: <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-16/why-burnout-feminism-is-replacing-the-girlboss-lean-in-era?srnd=phx-pursuits" data-destination="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-16/why-burnout-feminism-is-replacing-the-girlboss-lean-in-era?srnd=phx-pursuits">Why &lsquo;Burnout&rsquo; Feminism Is Replacing the Girlboss, Lean In Era</a>

Bloomberg Daybreak Europe is the daily morning podcast that helps you understand the stories shaping Europe and the world before the day gets going.

Produced in the early hours each weekday, the show delivers fresh reporting, sharp analysis and clear context on politics, business and global markets by 7am London time. From decisions made in Brussels and London to developments across the global economy, Daybreak Europe connects the dots between power, policy and money.

Hosted by Stephen Carroll in Brussels and Caroline Hepker in London, and powered by Bloomberg’s global network of more than 3,000 journalists and analysts, the podcast goes beyond headlines to explain what is changing, why it matters and what could come next.

Trusted by professionals, business leaders and investors, but made for anyone curious about how economics and politics shape everyday life, Bloomberg Daybreak Europe is the essential way to start your morning informed and ahead.

Bloomberg Daybreak Europe is the daily morning podcast that helps you understand the stories shaping Europe and the world before the day gets going.
Produced in the early hours each weekday, the show delivers fresh reporting, sharp analysis and clear context on politics, business and global markets by 7am London time. From decisions made in Brussels and London to developments across the global economy, Daybreak Europe connects the dots between power, policy and money.
Hosted by Stephen Carroll in Brussels and Caroline Hepker in London, and powered by Bloomberg&rsquo;s global network of more than 3,000 journalists and analysts, the podcast goes beyond headlines to explain what is changing, why it matters and what could come next.
Trusted by professionals, business leaders and investors, but made for anyone curious about how economics and politics shape everyday life, Bloomberg Daybreak Europe&nbsp;is the essential way to start your morning informed and ahead.

Bloomberg Daybreak: Europe Edition

UPDATE: UK Jobless Rate Hits 5-Year High, Social Media Backlash

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/ea3faca0-ed82-4944-9b1e-b3f4009d2dea/transcript