Monday 23 February 2026
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The Mighty Headlines
Economics: US says its trade deals still stand despite tariff ruling
Business and markets: Rathbones say 6,000 entrepreneurs have left the UK
Foreign Affairs: Hungary and Slovakia pressure Ukraine for Russian oil
Security and intelligence: Leadership changes in Iran and military preparations
Domestic politics: Poll puts the Green Party first in Thursday’s by election
The Mighty Stats
FTSE = 10,686.89 (up 0.56%)
S&P 500 = 6,909.51 (up 0.69%)
Nasdaq = 22,886.07 (up 0.9%)
Stoxx 600 = 630.56 (up 0.84%)
£1 = $1.35 / €1.14
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The Mighty Detail
Economics: The US Government says that its trade deals still stand and that its broad tariff policy hasn’t changed. It comes after the US Supreme Court ruled last week that President Trump’s tariff policies were unlawful. President Trump said in response that he would impose 15 per cent global tariffs.
Business and markets: Research from wealth manager Rathbones suggests that close to 6,000 owners of high-growth businesses have left the UK in the last two years. The UAE was the most attractive destination followed by Spain and the US. A total of 3,182 business owners came to the UK over the same period.
Foreign Affairs: Hungary’s Foreign Minister has said that he will block the latest package of EU sanctions against Russia unless Russian oil deliveries to Hungary resume. Slovakia, meanwhile, has said that it will cut off electricity supplies to Ukraine today for the same reason.
Ukraine says that the Druzhba oil pipeline, which delivers Russian oil to central Europe, was damaged by a Russian drone attack last month.
Security and intelligence: There are reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has side-lined President Pezeshkian and appointed Ali Larijani to run the country. Larijani is head of the Supreme National Security Council.
Iran has also reportedly deployed ballistic missile launchers on its western borders near Israel and on the southern shores of the Persian Gulf to prepare for US strikes.
Domestic politics: Results from a new opinion poll has put the Green Party in first place in the Gorton and Denton by election. Of those polled, 33 per cent said they would support the Green Party, 29 per cent the Reform Party and 26 per cent the Labour Party. The by election takes place on Thursday.
The Mighty Calendar
What’s happening today?
Japan public holiday (Emperor’s Birthday)
China public holiday (Chinese New Year)
Ukraine’s ambassador to London gives speech on future of the war
UK Government White Paper on Schools expected
Housing Questions in UK House of Commons
Lookahead to tomorrow
4th anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
President Trump delivers State of the Union address
Bank of England Governor appears at Commons Treasury Committee
Health Questions in UK House of Commons
Company results from: Standard Chartered, HP, Home Depot
The Mighty Finale
🌤️Weather today
Light rain possible (highest chance in the northwest of England). High of 13C and low of 10C in London. Rain from late afternoon in Belfast. Light rain possible in Edinburgh in the morning.
✏️Life coaching quote of the day
We’ve got another quote from James Clear for you this morning. They are always thought provoking!
“Environment can multiply (or divide) your effort. Before you plant the garden, study the soil. After you plant the garden, tend the weeds.
First, selection. Think carefully about the right person to marry or business to pursue or city to live in.
Then, cultivation. Once you choose, care for it lovingly and nurture it into the best it can be.” – James Clear, writer
Mighty takeaway: What environment could you change to make yourself happier – a job, a home, a relationship?
That’s it for this morning. Thank you as ever for reading and we hope that you have a lovely start to this week!
Bye!
The Mighty Memo team
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