Mastering the Financial Times: A Guide for Informed Readers

The Financial Times is a business daily newspaper headquartered in London. Founded in 1888, it covers international financial news and analyses. It takes pride in its global reach with a total of 1.3 million print and online subscribers, and 23 print sites around the world. It's main rival is the New York City-based Wall Street Journal. The Financial Times is printed on light salmon paper that allows you to spot it at a glance among other daily newspapers.

Step 1

Start with the Front Page Headlines. The front page contains the most significant financial news in the nation and the world. The headlines are printed in large bold letters that are designed to grab your attention and give you the essence of the story contents.

Step 2

Check the News Briefs Column. Located on the left-hand column of the front page, the News Briefs sums up the major stories in the issue, each with a headline, quick summary and corresponding page number. Use this column as a navigator for particular stories of interest, or a news digest of the main happenings.

Step 3

Read the Lex Column on the Back Page of the First Section. This column features critical analyses and opinions on a wide variety of financial matters, ranging from companies and their strategies to global economic topics. Based in the United States, Europe and Asia, the Lex writers communicate with a impartial, sharp and authoritative voice. The Financial Times calls the Lex its agenda-setting column. Two-thirds of the 1.3 million subscribers read it everyday.

Step 4

Browse the Market Data. You can find stock and bond quotes, indices, interest rates and currencies near the middle of the Company and Market News section. These reports feature market data and trends on national and international markets.