Your morning briefing, the business news you need in just 15 minutes.

On today's podcast:

(1) China’s economic activity slowed more than expected across the board in August, adding to the likelihood that policymakers will roll out more stimulus to hit the official growth goal.

(2) US and Chinese representatives discussed TikTok, trade and the economy during a day of high-level talks in Madrid, a senior Treasury official said, as diplomacy between the world’s two biggest economies intensifies.

(3) The UK government defended its ill-fated decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington as pressure grows on Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his handling of the affair following the envoy’s ouster.

 
(4) The first US interest rate cut since Donald Trump became president again is likely to seize the spotlight in a week that will determine policy settings for half of the world’s 10 most-traded currencies.

(5) The Pope has singled out Elon Musk's wealth as part of a criticism of the widening pay gap between company bosses and the working class.

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