Friday 19 December 2025
The Mighty Headlines
Economics: Bank of England cuts interest rates
Business and markets: Walmart offers $115,000 salary for lorry drivers
Foreign Affairs: Bolivian Government declares economic emergency
Security and intelligence: US approves $11 billion arms deal with Taiwan
Domestic politics: Labour backbench opposition to jury trial policy
The Mighty Stats
FTSE = 9,837.77 (up 0.65%)
S&P 500 = 6,774.76 (up 0.79%)
Nasdaq = 23,006.36 (up 1.38%)
CAC40 = 8,150.64 (up 0.8%)
£1 = $1.34 / €1.14
Lab / Con / Reform = 14 / 18 / 33 per cent (Find Out Now, 17 Dec)
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The Mighty Detail
Economics: The Bank of England cut interest rates yesterday to 3.75 per cent. The closeness of the 5-4 vote in favour of a cut could suggest that policy makers are still concerned about the level of inflation in the UK (currently at 3.2 per cent). Separately, the European Central Bank held its main interest rate at 2.15 per cent yesterday.
Business and markets: Walmart, the grocery store chain in the US, is paying its lorry drivers a starting salary of $115,000 (around £86,500 or €98,000). There are lorry driver shortages in the US and the retailer’s business model depends on moving goods across the country within tight deadlines.
Foreign Affairs: The Bolivian Government has declared an economic emergency, with inflation running at just over 20 per cent, and national shortages of fuel and US dollars.
After two decades of socialist rule, the new centrist Bolivian President, Rodrigo Paz, said the Government would end fuel subsidies, ease the country’s rigid exchange rate system, and increase some welfare payments.
Security and intelligence: The US administration has approved arms sales to Taiwan totalling $11 billion. This is one of the US’s largest ever arms deals with the island and includes artillery systems, drones and howitzer guns.
China’s Foreign Affairs spokesman, Guo Jiakun, condemned the move and said the US should “exercise the utmost caution” over Taiwan.
Domestic politics: The UK Government is facing a potential rebellion over its plans to reduce the number of jury trials. A total of 39 Labour MPs – from the left wing of the party – have written to the Prime Minister calling for a change of policy.
The Mighty Calendar
What’s happening today?
President Putin holds major year-end news conference
Bank of Japan interest rate decision
Boxing: Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua, Florida, USA
Carols by Candlelight, York Minister
Lookahead to tomorrow
Saturday
Christmas Carols with Chelsea Pensioners, Soane Stable Yard, Chelsea, London
Sunday
Winter Solstice (longest day)
President Putin hosts meeting of CIS leaders (former USSR countries)
Snooker: Scottish Open final, Edinburgh
Football: Africa Cup of Nations begins
The Mighty Finale
🌤️Weather today
Sunny and dry in the east of England. Sunshine with some light rain possible in the west. High of 11C and low of 4C in London. Dry with light cloud in Belfast. Gusty winds and light rain in Edinburgh.
✏️Life coaching quote of the day
“You cannot do kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Mighty takeaway: Nothing further to add!
That’s it for this morning. We hope that you have a happy weekend.
Bye!
The Mighty Memo team
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