Wednesday 16 July 2025
The Mighty Headlines
Economics: China’s economy grows but deflation concerns persist
Business and markets: FTSE reaches record high and then falls
Foreign Affairs: Japan’s Government faces challenge from insurgent party
Security and intelligence: Israel hits Syrian Government forces
Domestic politics: UK to change post-Financial Crisis rules
The Mighty Stats
FTSE = 8,938.32 (down 0.66%)
S&P 500 = 6,243.76 (down 0.4%)
Nasdaq = 20,677.80 (up 0.18%)
CAC40 = 7,766.21 (down 0.54%)
£1 = $1.34 / €1.15
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The Mighty Detail
Economics: China’s economy grew marginally more than expected in Q2, increasing by 5.2 per cent. Industrial output grew but retail sales have slowed from a year earlier. Concerns about deflation suggest further economic stimulus may be needed.
Business and markets: The FTSE 100 reached a record high yesterday and broke through the 9,000-point barrier for the first time before slipping in the afternoon. The index has increased by more than 10 per cent since the start of the year. The UK’s recent trade deal with the US is thought to have helped UK companies as global trade tensions rise.
Foreign Affairs: Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is at risk of losing control of the upper house in elections on Sunday. The LDP, which has dominated Japanese politics for 70 years, is struggling with rising living costs, the price of rice, and immigration. A new immigration-sceptic party, Sanseito, is rising in the polls, promising to put “Japan first”.
Security and intelligence: Israel hit Syrian Government forces in the southwest of Syria yesterday. Israel said it was protecting the Druze people, a minority ethnic group. The Syrian Government, which is struggling to contain ethnic tensions in some parts of the country, said it would take legal action against anyone committing “violations or abuses”.
Domestic politics: The UK Chancellor said yesterday that the UK Government would change ring-fencing rules introduced after the 2008 Financial Crisis. These rules currently protect ordinary investors’ money from investment banking activities. Rachel Reeves also announced new plans to help first-time buyers.
The Mighty Calendar
What’s happening today?
Final Prime Minister’s Questions in UK Parliament ahead of summer holidays
UK CPI inflation data (June)
US industrial and manufacturing production data (June)
Lookahead to tomorrow
G20 Finance Ministers’ meeting in South Africa
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visits UK to sign treaty
Queen Camilla’s 78th birthday
The Open Championship (golf) begins
UK unemployment data (June)
Eurozone CPI inflation data (June)
The Mighty Finale
🌤️Weather today
Sunny spells across most of the UK but heavy rain in Cornwall. High of 26C and low of 15C in London.
✏️Life coaching quote of the day
“Know that you are the perfect age. Each year is special and precious, for you shall only live it once. Be comfortable with growing older.” – Louise Hay
Mighty takeaway: Don’t take time for granted. Be adventurous and do the things you’ve always wanted to do!
That’s it for this morning. Thanks for reading!
Bye!
The Mighty Memo team