Monday 12 January 2026
The Mighty Headlines
Economics: CIA issues report on Cuba’s economy
Business and markets: Asian tech stocks outperforming US
Foreign Affairs: Germany and UK call for military presence in the Arctic
Security and intelligence: Trump to discuss Iran options tomorrow
Domestic politics: UK Treasury looks to attract and stem outflow of non-doms
The Mighty Stats
FTSE = 10,124.60 (up 0.8%)
S&P 500 = 6,966.28 (up 0.65%)
Nasdaq = 23,671.35 (up 0.81%)
Stoxx 600 = 609.67 (up 0.97%)
£1 = $1.34 / €1.15
Lab / Con / Reform = 20 / 18 / 31 per cent (Opinium, 7-9 January)
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The Mighty Detail
Economics: The CIA has said that key areas of Cuba’s economy, such as tourism and agriculture, are struggling amid blackouts and sanctions. Blackouts can last up to 20 hours a day and the potential loss of oil from Venezuela may further destabilise the country.
The CIA said it was unclear if these challenges would lead the Cuban Government to fall (as separately suggested by President Trump last week).
Business and markets: Asian technology stocks have outperformed their US counterparts in the first two weeks of the year. An Asian indicator grew by 6 per cent since the start of 2026 compared to 2 per cent for the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 index.
Foreign Affairs: Germany is to propose a new NATO operation to protect critical infrastructure in Greenland. NATO already has a similar operation to protect critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. The UK Government is also calling for a greater security presence in the Arctic region.
Security and intelligence: President Trump will meet with US intelligence officials tomorrow to discuss options for intervention in Iran.
Options include targeting Iran’s security services, with the aim of stopping the regime’s crackdown on protestors. Activists say over 500 people have already been killed.
Military strikes are also possible, but there are reportedly concerns that US strikes could increase support for the Iranian government and Iran has said it would retaliate.
Domestic politics: After abolishing the non-dom tax regime, the UK Government is now looking at new plans to attract wealthy investors and stem their outflow. The current four-year tax grace period may be extended and a “pay-to-play” visa may be introduced.
The non-dom tax regime previously meant that people living in the UK who had a permanent home overseas did not have to pay tax on the money they earned overseas.
The Mighty Calendar
What’s happening today?
Japan public holiday (Coming of Age day)
Germany’s Chancellor Merz makes two-day visit to India
Poland’s President Nawrocki visits the UK
UK Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Richard Knighton, appears before Commons Defence Committee
Housing Questions in House of Commons
US CPI inflation data (Dec) – set to remain at 2.7%
Company results from: TATA Consultancy
Lookahead to tomorrow
Canada’s PM Carney starts five-day visit to China
South Korea’s President Lee visit Japan
Marine Le Pen appeal trial begins on embezzlement
Scotland’s Finance Minister delivers the Scottish Budget
Resident Doctors’ strike begins in Scotland
Health Questions in House of Commons
Company results from: JPMorgan, BNY Mellon, Whitbread, Persimmon, Delta, Trustpilot
The Mighty Finale
🌤️Weather today
Heavy rain in northwest England. Light rain likely elsewhere. High of 12C and low of 8C in London. Light rain in Belfast. Sunny spells in Edinburgh.
✏️Life coaching quote of the day
“When you drink water from a cup, it becomes part of you. When water falls on you like rain, it evaporates a few minutes later.
Similarly, thoughts can be consumed or dismissed. Is this thought nourishing? Is this feeling something you should drink? Or is it more like getting caught in the rain?
You'll always feel the rain, but you don't have to drink the rain. You can let the thought pass and in a few moments the sun will return. You don't have to claim everything you feel.” – James Clear, writer
Mighty takeaway: What thoughts should you stop giving importance to?
That’s it for this Monday morning. We hope that you have a good start to this week.
Bye!
The Mighty Memo team
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