Your morning

briefing.

Small but

Mighty.

Mighty Memo Mighty Memo

Wednesday 14 May 2025

US-Saudi Arabia defence deal, China’s loans to Latin America and the Caribbean, Rheinmetall sales surge and more…

The Mighty Headlines

 

Economics: China offers billions in loans to Caribbean and Latin America

Business: Rheinmetall sees 46 per cent increase in Q1 2025 sales

Markets: US markets erase 2025 losses after tech surge

Foreign Affairs: Australia’s Liberal Party elects first woman leader

Security and intelligence: $142 billion US-Saudi Arabia defence deal

Domestic politics: UK MPs launch advocacy group on ‘play’ for children

 

The Mighty Stats

 

FTSE = 8,602.92 (down 0.024%)

S&P 500 = 5,886.55 (up 0.72%)

Nasdaq = 19,010.08 (up 1.61%)

CAC40 = 7,873.83 (up 0.3%)

 

£1 = $1.33 / €1.19

 

*If you’ve been forwarded the Mighty Memo, subscribe for free at www.mightymemo.co.uk. You’ll receive the Mighty Memo directly in your inbox as soon as it’s published!*

 

The Mighty Detail

 

Economics: At the China-CELAC Forum yesterday, the Chinese Government offered $9 billion in new credit to support development in Latin America and the Caribbean. In a veiled reference to the US, President Xi said China would help countries counter “unilateralism and protectionism” and that it would increase cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture and energy development.

 

Business: One of Europe’s largest arms manufacturers, Rheinmetall, saw a 46 per cent increase in sales in Q1 2025. The German company said that sales rose to €2.3 billion in the first three months of the year, with 70 per cent of sales made outside of Germany. Shares in Rheinmetall have increased by 170 per cent this year.

 

Markets: A rise in the value of the world’s biggest tech companies has erased the losses suffered by stock markets this year. Nvidia led the charge with its shares rising by 6 per cent after it was announced that the company would send 18,000 AI computer chips to Saudi Arabia. The broader market also continued to rise following the news of the US-China tariff agreement earlier this week.

 

Foreign Affairs: Australia’s conservative Liberal Party has elected a woman as its leader for the first time. Sussan Ley, a former pilot, was elected yesterday and will lead Australia’s Official Opposition. It comes after the Labor Government’s General Election victory on 3 May, in which Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s party increased its majority by 16 seats.

 

Security and intelligence: At the start of his visit to the Middle East yesterday, President Trump announced a $142 billion defence deal with Saudi Arabia and also said he would remove sanctions from Syria. He added that he wanted a deal with Iran but would “inflict massive, maximum pressure” if Iran did not agree.

 

Domestic politics: UK MPs have launched a new group to advocate on the importance of play and playgrounds for children. The all-party parliamentary group (APPG) will campaign to introduce a “play sufficiency duty” in planning law so that more children have access to outdoor play areas.

 

The Mighty Calendar

 

What’s happening today?

 

  • NATO Foreign Ministers meet in Turkey

  • NATO Defence Chiefs meet in Belgium

  • Prime Minister’s Questions in UK Parliament

  • Germany CPI inflation data (April)

  • South Korea trade data (April)

  • Company results from: Daimler, Porsche, E.ON, Sony

 

Lookahead to tomorrow

 

  • EU Trade Ministers meet in Belgium

  • US Supreme Court hears birthright citizenship case

  • Transport Questions in UK Parliament

  • US PGA Championship begins

  • UK, Japan, EU GDP data (Q1 2025)

  • UK, EU industrial production data (March)

  • US industrial production data (April)

  • EU employment data (Q1 2025)

  • US jobless claims (weekly)

  • US retail sales (April)

  • Company results from: Walmart, Alibaba, National Grid, ThyssenKrupp, RWE, Siemens

 

The Mighty Finale

 

🌤️Weather today

 

Another sunny and dry day across the UK. Will it rain anytime soon? High of 23C and low of 8C in London.

 

✏️Life coaching quote of the day

 

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act; the rest is merely tenacity.” – Amelia Earhart, aviator

 

Mighty takeaway: Take that decision and be done with it. Stop procrastinating on whatever it might be.

 

That’s it for this Wednesday morning. Thanks for reading.

 

Bye!

 

The Mighty Memo team

Read More
Mighty Memo Mighty Memo

Tuesday 13 May 2025

Zilch becomes UK’s fastest growing fintech unicorn, PKK disbands, Russian spy ring in the UK sentenced and more…

The Mighty Headlines

 

Economics: China hosts Latin American leaders for trade talks

Business: Zilch becomes UK’s fastest growing fintech unicorn

Markets: Stock markets rise after US-China trade talks

Foreign Affairs: Kurdistan Workers’ Party ends fight against Turkey

Security and intelligence: Russian spy ring in the UK sentenced

Domestic politics: UK Government publishes immigration policy paper

 

The Mighty Stats

 

FTSE = 8,604.98 (up 0.59%)

S&P 500 = 5,844.19 (up 3.26%)

Nasdaq = 18,708.34 (up 4.35%)

CAC40 = 7,850.10 (up 1.37%)

 

£1 = $1.32 / €1.19

 

*If you’ve been forwarded the Mighty Memo, subscribe for free at www.mightymemo.co.uk. You’ll receive the Mighty Memo directly in your inbox as soon as it’s published!*

 

The Mighty Detail

 

Economics: China is hosting leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean today to discuss trade and investment. The China-CELAC forum is said to challenge US geopolitical and economic influence in the region. Colombia confirmed yesterday that it would join China’s Belt and Road initiative which funds infrastructure projects in partner countries.

 

Business: Zilch, which offers Buy-Now-Pay-Later services in the UK has confirmed revenue of £145 million in Q1 2025. It also said it has made over £4 billion in total sales and now has over five million customers. The company is the UK’s fastest growing fintech (financial technology) unicorn. A unicorn is a private start-up company valued at over $1 billion.

 

Markets: Stock markets rose yesterday after the US and China agreed to cut additional tariffs on each other’s goods by 115 percentage points. China will reduce tariffs from 125 per cent to 10 per cent. The US will reduce tariffs from 145 per cent to 30 per cent. Negotiations for a permanent settlement continue.

 

Foreign Affairs: The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) is set to end its 40-year fight against Turkey to create an independent state. The PKK, which is designated as a terrorist group by Turkey, the US and EU countries, began its militant activities in 1984. The PKK is currently based in Iraq after having been pushed out of Turkey. Kurds make up around 20 per cent of Turkey’s 86 million population.

 

Security and intelligence: The leader of a Russian spy ring in the UK, Orlin Roussev, has been sentenced to almost 11 years in prison. Five other Bulgarian nationals were also sentenced. The Crown Prosecution Service said that the group targeted “journalists opposing the Russian regime” and “people in the UK fleeing persecution”.

 

Domestic politics: The UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has said that the UK is at risk of turning into an “island of strangers” unless immigration rules are changed. The Government’s Immigration White Paper, published yesterday, includes plans to make English language requirements and visas for skilled workers stricter.

 

The Mighty Calendar

 

What’s happening today?

 

  • President Trump expected to start Middle East trip

  • Foreign Office Questions in UK Parliament

  • Cannes Film Festival begins

  • UK earnings data (March)

  • UK unemployment rate (March)

  • US CPI inflation data (April)

  • Company results from: Honda, Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover, Bayer, SoftBank

 

Lookahead to tomorrow

 

  • NATO Foreign Ministers meet in Turkey

  • NATO Defence Chiefs meet in Belgium

  • Prime Minister’s Questions in UK Parliament

  • Germany CPI inflation data (April)

  • South Korea trade data (April)

  • Company results from: Daimler, Porsche, E.ON, Sony

 

The Mighty Finale

 

🌤️Weather today

 

Sunshine across the UK. High of 24C and low of 9C in London.

 

✏️Life coaching quote of the day

 

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” – Mark Twain, writer

 

Mighty takeaway: Trust your instinct and follow your goals and dreams.

 

That’s it for this Tuesday morning. Thanks for reading.

 

Cheerio!

 

The Mighty Memo team

Read More
Mighty Memo Mighty Memo

Monday 12 May 2025

Monzo in early talks for IPO, UK ISAs review, Colombia’s senior political arrests and more…

The Mighty Headlines

 

Economics: UK Chancellor to review ISAs

Business: Greater Anglia train service to be nationalised

Markets: Monzo in early talks for IPO

Foreign Affairs: Arrest of Colombia’s legislative presidents

Security and intelligence: Zelensky and Putin to meet for talks

Domestic politics: UK Government ends hiring of foreign care workers

 

The Mighty Stats

 

FTSE = 8,554.80 (up 0.27%)

S&P 500 = 5,659.91 (down 0.071%)

Nasdaq = 17,928.92 (up 0.0043%)

CAC40 = 7,743.75 (up 0.64%)

 

£1 = $1.33 / €1.18

 

*If you’ve been forwarded the Mighty Memo, subscribe for free at www.mightymemo.co.uk. You’ll receive the Mighty Memo directly in your inbox as soon as it’s published!*

 

The Mighty Detail

 

Economics: The UK Chancellor is set to launch a review of ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts). HM Treasury could be seeking to get more people investing in a shares ISA rather than keeping their money in a cash ISA. ISAs are exempt from income tax and capital gains tax and have an annual investment limit of £20,000.

 

Business: Greater Anglia, which runs trains to the east of England, will be nationalised in October. The Government says that bringing the UK’s private rail services into public ownership could save £150 million. Greater Anglia has 190 trains carrying around 82 million passengers a year.

 

Markets: It is being reported that Monzo is in talks to secure an IPO in London or New York. The digital bank is said to be in discussions with investment bankers at Morgan Stanley to formally begin work on a £6 billion stock market listing. Monzo, which was founded in 2015, has 11 million customers and has around 4,000 employees.

 

Foreign Affairs: Colombia’s Supreme Court has ordered the arrests of the former President of the Senate and the former President of the House of Representatives over allegations of corruption. Ivan Name and Andres Calle are accused of receiving around $1 million to secure the passage of legislation. Both deny the accusations.

 

Security and intelligence: President Zelensky and President Putin are set to meet for peace talks in Turkey this week. It comes after European leaders on Saturday told Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire or face new sanctions. President Putin then invited Ukraine to take part in “serious negotiations”. The meeting is expected to take place on Thursday.

 

Domestic politics: The UK Home Secretary said yesterday that the recruitment of care workers from overseas is to end. Immigration rules are expected to change this year, requiring care firms to either hire British care workers or extend the visas of those already in the UK.

 

The Mighty Calendar

 

What’s happening today?

 

  • Singapore public holiday (Vesak Day)

  • UK Government expected to publish Immigration White Paper

  • Joint Committee on National Security Strategy takes evidence on threat to undersea cables

  • Work and Pensions Questions in UK Parliament

  • Company results from: Fox

 

Lookahead to tomorrow

 

  • President Trump expected to start Middle East trip

  • Foreign Office Questions in UK Parliament

  • Cannes Film Festival begins

  • UK earnings data (March)

  • UK unemployment rate (March)

  • US CPI inflation data (April)

  • Company results from: Honda, Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover, Bayer, SoftBank

 

The Mighty Finale

 

🌤️Weather today

 

Light rain in the southeast and southwest of England. Sunny elsewhere. High of 23C and low of 12C in London. Rain in Belfast. Sunny spells in Edinburgh.

 

✏️Life coaching quote of the day

 

“Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald, writer

 

Mighty takeaway: Don’t give up too early.

 

That’s it for this Monday morning. Thanks for reading and we hope you have a good start to the week.

 

Bye!

 

The Mighty Memo team

Read More
Mighty Memo Mighty Memo

Friday 9 May 2025

US stocks rise following US-UK trade deal, Russia and China pledge to unite against the US, UK Government to tight migration rules for UK companies and more…

The Mighty Headlines

 

Economics: President Trump predicts “substantive” China trade talks

Business: Next increases profit forecast for 2025

Markets: US stocks rise after US-UK trade deal reached

Foreign Affairs: Russia and China pledge to stand together against the US

Security and intelligence: North Korea launches ballistic missiles

Domestic politics: UK Government to give UK firms new migration rules

 

The Mighty Stats

 

FTSE = 8,531.61 (down 0.32%)

S&P 500 = 5,663.94 (up 0.58%)

Nasdaq = 17,928.14 (up 1.07%)

CAC40 = 7,694.44 (up 0.89%)

 

£1 = $1.33 / €1.18

 

*If you’ve been forwarded the Mighty Memo, subscribe for free at www.mightymemo.co.uk. You’ll receive the Mighty Memo directly in your inbox as soon as it’s published!*

 

The Mighty Detail

 

Economics: President Trump has said that trade negotiations with China this weekend could be “substantive”. He suggested that 145 per cent tariffs on many Chinese goods could be lowered and that the US would “have a very good relationship” with China. The talks start in Switzerland today and end on Monday.

 

Business: Next has increased its profit forecast this year after better-than-expected spring sales. The high street retailer said that sales increase at the start of this year came to £55 million, with the warm weather leading to early sales of summer clothing. It expects profits before tax to reach £1.08 billion in 2025. It also warned, however, that UK tax increases could affect future sales.

 

Markets: The US stock markets rose yesterday following the news that a trade deal had been reached with the UK. The deal removes tariffs on British steel and aluminium, lowers tariffs on cars, provides for “reciprocal markets access on beef” but keeps a 10 per cent tariff on most other UK goods.

 

Foreign Affairs: President Putin and President Xi pledged yesterday to stand together against the “dual containment’ of Russia and China by the United States. In a veiled reference to the US, the two leaders also said they should be “true friends of steel” and would counter “unilateralism and bullying”. They added that they would deepen relationships in all areas, including military relationships.

 

Security and intelligence: North Korea launched a number of ballistic missiles at around 8.10am local time yesterday. The missiles travelled around 500 miles before landing into the sea. It is thought that North Korea may have been testing the missiles prior to exporting them. North Korean missiles have reportedly been used by Russia against Ukraine.

 

Domestic politics: The UK Government could require UK firms to train UK staff if they wish to hire staff from overseas. The Government’s immigration white paper is due to be published in the coming weeks and will seek to reduce net migration in the UK. Around 728,000 net migrants arrived in the UK in the year to June 2024.

 

The Mighty Calendar

 

What’s happening today?

 

  • President Macron and President Tusk expected to sign security deal

  • President Putin and President Xi attend VE Day parade in Moscow, Russia

  • Joint Expeditionary Force Leaders’ Summit, Oslo, Norway

  • European Foreign Ministers meeting, Kyiv, Ukraine

  • Giro d’Italia (cycling) begins

  • UK industrial and manufacturing data (March)

  • Canada employment data (April)

  • China trade data (April)

  • China CPI inflation data (April)

  • Company results from: International Airlines Group, Panasonic, Nippon Steel, Commerzbank

 

Lookahead to the weekend

 

Saturday 

  • Russia’s Ukraine ceasefire officially expected to end

  • Ice Hockey World Championships begin, Czech Republic

  • World Athletics Relays begin, China

 

Sunday 

  • Parliamentary elections in Albania

  • The Lord Mayor's Hot Air Balloon Regatta 2025 (weather dependent)

  • BAFTA TV awards

 

The Mighty Finale

 

🌤️Weather today

 

Mostly sunny across the UK but a bit of cloud in southwest England and in Scotland. High of 19C and low of 8C in London.

 

✏️Life coaching quote of the day

 

“Our entire life consists ultimately in accepting ourselves as we are.” – Jean Anouilh, French dramatist

 

Mighty takeaway: Accept yourself and your “imperfections”. It’s the only way to be happy.

 

That’s it for this week. Thanks for reading and we’ll see you next week.

 

Bye!

 

The Mighty Memo team

Read More
Mighty Memo Mighty Memo

Thursday 8 May 2025

US interest rates unchanged, Denmark summons US ambassador, Iranians arrested in UK over alleged terror plot and more…

*THERE WILL BE A NATIONAL TWO-MINUTE SILENCE IN THE UK AT 12.00PM TODAY TO MARK THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF VE DAY.*

 

The Mighty Headlines

 

Economics: US Federal Reserve keeps interest rates unchanged

Business: Trainline to take “assertive” stance with UK Government

Markets: Disney shares rise by over 10 per cent yesterday

Foreign Affairs: Denmark summons US ambassador over espionage claims

Security and intelligence: Iranians arrested over Israeli Embassy terror plot

Domestic politics: UK Government to tighten UK residency rules

 

The Mighty Stats

 

FTSE = 8,559.33 (down 0.44%)

S&P 500 = 5,631.28 (up 0.43%)

Nasdaq = 17,738.16 (up 0.27%)

CAC40 = 7,626.84 (down 0.91%)

 

£1 = $1.33 / €1.18

 

*If you’ve been forwarded the Mighty Memo, subscribe for free at www.mightymemo.co.uk. You’ll receive the Mighty Memo directly in your inbox as soon as it’s published!*

 

The Mighty Detail

 

Economics: The US Federal Reserve has kept US interest rates unchanged, keeping its range of 4.25 per cent to 4.5 per cent. It said that the US economy was resilient and doing “fairly well” but that tariffs had created economic uncertainty. Separately, the Bank of England will announce its interest rate decision at lunchtime today.

 

Business: The train ticketing company Trainline has said that it is taking an “increasingly assertive stance” with the UK Government over fairness and competition. It comes as the UK Government said it planned to launch a rival train ticketing service of its own. Trainline’s revenues increased to £442 million last year but its share price has fallen by a third because of concerns with the Government’s plans.

 

Markets: Shares in Disney rose by over 10 per cent during trading yesterday. It came as the entertainment company announced revenue for the quarter of $23.62 billion, beating analysts’ expectations. Disney also said yesterday that it would open a new theme park in Abu Dhabi, its first in the Middle East.

 

Foreign Affairs: Denmark is summoning the US ambassador to Copenhagen. It follows reports that US intelligence agencies have been ordered to increase their surveillance activities in Greenland. Priority areas are said to be Greenland’s independence movement and Greenlanders’ attitudes towards the US extracting resources from the territory.

 

Security and intelligence: It is being reported that the five Iranian men arrested in England on Saturday may have been planning a terrorist attack on the Israeli Embassy in London. A Home Office minister, Dan Jarvis, said earlier this week that the arrests were part of some of the “largest counter-state threats and counter-terrorism actions” seen in recent times.

 

Domestic politics: The UK Government is set to make it more difficult for migrants to gain permanent residency in the UK. Under the proposals, migrants could be required to wait 10 years before applying for permanent residency. The current qualifying period is 5 years. The policy may be the result of political pressure on immigration from UK opposition parties.

  

The Mighty Calendar

 

What’s happening today?

 

  • VE Day 80th Anniversary celebrations

  • King and Queen attend VE Day service at Westminster Abbey

  • Environment Questions in UK Parliament

  • Bank of England interest rate decision

  • UK house price data (April)

  • Germany trade data (March)

  • Japan household spending data (March)

  • US initial jobless claims (weekly)

  • Company results from: Toyota, Nintendo, Warner Bros, Paramount, Coinbase,  News Corp

 

Lookahead to tomorrow

 

  • President Macron and President Tusk expected to sign security deal

  • President Putin and President Xi attend VE Day parade in Moscow, Russia

  • Joint Expeditionary Force Leaders’ Summit, Oslo, Norway

  • European Foreign Ministers meeting, Kyiv, Ukraine

  • UK industrial and manufacturing data (March)

  • Canada employment data (April)

  • China trade data (April)

  • China CPI inflation data (April)

  • Company results from: Results from: International Airlines Group, Panasonic, Nippon Steel, Commerzbank

 

The Mighty Finale

 

🌤️Weather today

 

Patchy cloud and sun across England today. High of 18C and low of 6C in London. Bright sunshine in Belfast and Edinburgh.

 

✏️Life coaching quote of the day

 

“Maybe it's not about having a beautiful day, but about finding beautiful moments. Maybe a whole day is just too much to ask. I could choose to believe that in every day, in all things, no matter how dark and ugly, there are shards of beauty if I look for them.” – Anna White, writer

 

Mighty takeaway: Find one good thing that has happened to you if your day is not going to plan. Think how fortunate you were to have that one good thing happen to you! It was a unique moment, just for you.

 

That’s it for this Thursday morning. Thanks for reading and we’ll see you tomorrow.

 

Bye!

 

The Mighty Memo team

Read More
Mighty Memo Mighty Memo

Wednesday 7 May 2025

Poland accuses Russian of election interference, US stops bombing Houthis, Kellogg sales fall and more…

The Mighty Headlines

 

Economics: EU prepares €100 billion of tariffs on US goods

Business: Kellogg sales fall after weaker consumer demand

Markets: Tesla shares decline after UK and German sales fall

Foreign Affairs: US stops bombing Houthis

Security and intelligence: Poland accuses Russia of election interference

Domestic politics: UK and India agree trade deal

 

The Mighty Stats

 

FTSE = 8,597.42 (up 0.012%)

S&P 500 = 5,606.91 (down 0.77%)

Nasdaq = 17,689.66 (down 0.87%)

CAC40 = 7,696.92 (down 0.4%)   

 

£1 = $1.34 / €1.18

 

*If you’ve been forwarded the Mighty Memo, subscribe for free at www.mightymemo.co.uk. You’ll receive the Mighty Memo directly in your inbox as soon as it’s published!*

 

*India-Pakistan special update: Late last night, India announced that it had fired missiles at sites in Pakistan. The Indian Government said it hit “terrorist infrastructure”. The Pakistani military said it would respond to the attacks.

 

The Mighty Detail

 

Economics: It is being reported that the EU is prepared to impose tariffs on €100 billion worth of US goods if trade talks fail. The US has imposed tariffs of 25 per cent on EU steel, aluminium and cars and 10 per cent tariffs on other EU goods. These are currently subject to a 90-day pause which ends on the 8th July.

 

Business: The cereal producer WK Kellogg has announced a fall in sales of 6.2 per cent in Q1 2025. Sales fell from $707 million at the start of 2024 to $663 million at the start of 2025. The US company blamed the decline on weaker consumer demand and customers choosing healthier breakfast cereals.

 

Markets: Shares in Tesla fell by 1.75 per cent during trading yesterday. It comes after Tesla sales in the UK and Germany fell to their lowest level since 2023 even as demand for electric vehicles on the whole is growing.

 

Foreign Affairs: The US Government has said that it will stop bombing the Houthi rebels in Yemen with immediate effect. It comes after President Trump said that the Iran-backed group had agreed to stop hitting US shipping in the Red Sea. The Houthis have been targeting shipping in the Red Sea since the start of Israel’s offensive against Hamas in 2023. The Houthis said that they would continue to attack Israel.

 

Security and intelligence: Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister accused Russia yesterday of an “unprecedented attempt” to interfere with its presidential election on the 18th May. Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski said that Russia was attacking Polish critical infrastructure, including energy, water and sewage companies, to paralyse the country.

 

Domestic politics: The UK and India have agreed a trade deal to lower tariffs on each other’s goods. British and Indian workers temporarily transferred to each other’s countries will also benefit from a three-year exemption from social security payments. This means that social security will be paid by employers and employees only in their home countries rather than in both countries.

 

The Mighty Calendar

 

What’s happening today?

 

  • Papal conclave begins

  • UK Foreign Secretary attends EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting

  • Prime Minister’s Questions in UK Parliament

  • US Federal Reserve interest rate decision

  • EU retail sales data (March)

  • UK construction data (April)

  • Company results from: BMW, Uber, Novo Nordisk, Walt Disney, New York Times, DoorDash

 

Lookahead to tomorrow

 

  • VE Day 80th Anniversary celebrations

  • King and Queen attend VE Day service at Westminster Abbey

  • Environment Questions in UK Parliament

  • Bank of England interest rate decision

  • UK house price data (April)

  • Germany trade data (March)

  • Japan household spending data (March)

  • US initial jobless claims (weekly)

  • Company results from: Toyota, Nintendo, Warner Bros, Paramount, Coinbase,  News Corp

 

The Mighty Finale

 

🌤️Weather today

 

Sunny spells in England. High of 17C and low of 7C. Bright sunshine in Belfast. Sunny spells in Edinburgh.

 

✏️Life coaching quote of the day

 

“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” – Oscar Wilde, writer

 

Mighty takeaway: Don’t let the days pass you by. Don’t live in a trance. Don’t let other people make decisions for you. Decide for yourself.

 

That’s it for this Wednesday morning. Thanks for reading and we’ll see you tomorrow.

 

Cheerio!

 

The Mighty Memo team

Read More
Mighty Memo Mighty Memo

Tuesday 6 May 2025

Skechers’ shares rise by 24 per cent, Romanian Prime Minister resigns, Israeli Cabinet approves new Gaza plan and more…

The Mighty Headlines

 

Economics: Oil prices fall to four-year low

Business: Shell considers buying BP

Markets: Shoemaker Skechers’ shares rise by 24 per cent

Foreign Affairs: Prime Minister of Romania resigns

Security and intelligence: Israeli Cabinet approves new Gaza plan

Domestic politics: UK Prime Minister telephones French President

 

The Mighty Stats

 

FTSE = 8,596.35 (up 1.17%)

S&P 500 = 5,650.38 (down 0.64%)

Nasdaq = 17,844.24 (down 0.74%)

CAC40 = 7,727.93 (down 0.55%)

 

£1 = $1.33 / €1.17

 

*If you’ve been forwarded the Mighty Memo, subscribe for free at www.mightymemo.co.uk. You’ll receive the Mighty Memo directly in your inbox as soon as it’s published!*

 

The Mighty Detail

 

Economics: Oil prices have fallen to a four-year low. It comes amid oversupply from Saudi Arabia and a slowing global economy. Over the last few days, prices have fallen to $58 per barrel, the lowest level since February 2021.

 

Business: There are reports that Shell is considering purchasing BP. BP has struggled commercially in the last few years and its share price has fallen by over 30 per cent in the past year. Shell is said to be waiting for BP’s share price and oil prices to decline further before making a move.

 

Markets: Shares in the shoemaker Skechers increased by over 24 per cent yesterday. It comes as the investment firm 3G Capital announced that it would take over the company in a deal worth $9.41 billion. Skechers is the world’s third-largest shoe company with 5,300 stores and $8.9 billion in sales in 2024.

 

Foreign Affairs: The Prime Minister of Romania, Marcel Ciolacu, resigned yesterday. It comes after the candidate from the ruling coalition failed to secure a place in the final round of the Presidential Election. The nationalist candidate George Simion won the first round of voting on Sunday instead, with 40.5 per cent of the vote. He will compete against independent candidate Nicușor Dan in the final round.

 

Security and intelligence: The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has said that his Cabinet has approved a plan to “defeat Hamas and return the hostages”. The plan includes capturing Gaza and moving its population. The plan will not be implemented until after President Trump visits the region between the 13th and 16th May.

 

Domestic politics: UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron by telephone yesterday evening. The two leaders discussed the need for Russia to abide by a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine to allow for peace talks. They also discussed UK-French cooperation on defence, migration and security as well as recent developments in Gaza.

 

The Mighty Calendar

 

What’s happening today?

 

  • Japan public holiday (Greenery Day)

  • High court hearing for Prince Harry, Elton John and Liz Hurley versus the Daily Mail publisher

  • Friedrich Merz confirmed as new German Chancellor

  • EU services growth data (April)

  • US, Canada trade data (March)

  • Company results from: AMD, UniCredit

 

Lookahead to tomorrow

 

  • Papal conclave begins

  • UK Foreign Secretary attends EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting

  • US Federal Reserve interest rate decision

  • EU retail sales data (March)

  • UK construction data (April)

  • Company results from: BMW, Uber, Novo Nordisk, Walt Disney, New York Times, DoorDash

 

The Mighty Finale

 

🌤️Weather today

 

A little cloudy in England. High of 15C and low of 5C in London. Sunny in Belfast and Edinburgh.

 

✏️Life coaching quote of the day

 

“Focus more on your desire than on your doubt, and the dream will take care of itself.” – Mark Twain, writer

 

Mighty takeaway: Don’t focus on the negatives. Focus on the outcome you actually want.

 

That’s it for this Tuesday morning. Thanks for reading and we’ll see you tomorrow.

 

Adios!

 

The Mighty Memo team

Read More
Mighty Memo Mighty Memo

Friday 2 May 2025

Amazon shares fall, South Korea’s president indicted, Reform UK wins by-election and more…

The Mighty Headlines

 

Economics: UK house prices rise by 3.4 per cent in April

Business: Post Office makes deal with banks on cash access

Markets: Amazon shares fall as income outlook worsens

Foreign Affairs: South Korea’s President indicted for abuse of power

Security and intelligence: US emphasises relationship with Ukraine after deal

Domestic politics: Reform UK wins by-election and first mayoralty

 

The Mighty Stats

 

FTSE = 8,496.80 (up 0.023%)

S&P 500 = 5,604.14 (up 0.63%)

Nasdaq = 17,710.74 (up 1.52%)

CAC40 = 7,593.87 (up 0.5%)

 

£1 = $1.33 / €1.18

 

*If you’ve been forwarded the Mighty Memo, subscribe for free at www.mightymemo.co.uk. You’ll receive the Mighty Memo directly in your inbox as soon as it’s published!*

 

*Special news: Earlier this week, a British woman become the world’s oldest living person. Ethel Caterham is 115 years old and was born on 21 August 1909 in the reign of Edward VII. She has lived through World War I, the Russian Revolution, the Wall Street Crash, and World War II.

 

The Mighty Detail

 

Economics: House prices in the UK increased by 3.4 per cent in April. Analysts had expected an increase of 4.1 per cent. The difference is reported to be the result of stamp duty changes and a seasonal slump before home buying picks up again in the summer.

 

Business: The Post Office has reached an agreement with banks and building societies to provide customers with access to cash. Under a five-year deal, Post Office customers will continue to be able to withdraw and deposit cash as well as deposit cheques. Over 6,300 bank and building society branches have closed in the UK since 2015 and more people are now using Post Office branches for banking services.

 

Markets: Amazon has reported revenue of $155.67 billion for Q1 2025, beating analysts’ expectations. Shares fell by up to 5 per cent in after-hours trading, however, because Amazon is also forecasting weaker than expected growth in Q2. At least 50 per cent of items sold on Amazon are subject to tariffs and they could become more expensive following global tariff increases.

 

Foreign Affairs: South Korea’s former President Yoon Suk-yeol has been indicted on charges of abuse of power. Yoon briefly declared martial law in December 2024. In January, he was indicted for leading an insurrection. Serving presidents are protect from indictment for abuse of power but South Korea’s Constitutional Court removed Yoon from office last month.

 

Security and intelligence: The US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, has welcomed the minerals deal with Ukraine, saying it showed the “Russian leadership” that there was “no daylight between the Ukrainian people and the American people, between our goals.” The agreement gives the US preferential access to Ukraine’s mineral resources and establishes a reconstruction fund but will not be used as payment for the US’s past military support for Ukraine as previously proposed.

 

Domestic politics: Reform UK has won yesterday's by-election in Runcorn and Helsby by six votes. The seat was previously held by Labour MP Mike Amesbury, who resigned after assaulting a constituent. Labour's share of the vote in the seat decreased from 53 per cent at the General Election last year to 38.7 per cent this year. Reform UK has separately won the Greater Lincolnshire mayoralty as well.

 

The Mighty Calendar

 

What’s happening today?

 

  • China public holiday (Labour Day)

  • Eurozone manufacturing data (April)

  • Eurozone CPI data (April)

  • US factory orders (March)

  • Company results from: Shell, ExxonMobil, Standard Chartered, NatWest, BASF

 

Lookahead to the weekend

 

Saturday

 

  • General Election in Australia

  • Liverpool Sound City music festival

  • Jousting Tournament, Blenheim Palace

 

Sunday

 

  • Re-run of Presidential Election in Romania

  • Madrid Open Tennis Final

  • F1 Miami Grand Prix

  • Belfast Marathon

 

The Mighty Finale

 

🌤️Weather today

 

A little cloudy in the southwest of England. Sunny elsewhere. High of 27C and low of 10C in London. Sunny spells in Belfast and Edinburgh.

 

✏️Life coaching quote of the day

 

“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.” – Sun Tzu, Chinese philosopher

 

Mighty takeaway: Take the opportunities that are given to you. The may not come again.

 

That’s it for this week. To our UK readers, we hope you enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend.

 

Adios!

 

The Mighty Memo team

Read More
Mighty Memo Mighty Memo

Thursday 1 May 2025

Shein pauses London IPO, Spanish authorities deny power cut and renewables link, France accuses Russia of cyberattacks and more…

The Mighty Headlines

 

Economics: Chinese manufacturing falls to lowest level since 2023

Business: Facebook reports revenue of over $42 billion in Q1 2025

Markets: Shein pauses London IPO to focus on its US business

Foreign Affairs: Spanish authorities deny power cut and renewables link

Security and intelligence: France accuses Russia of cyberattacks

Domestic politics: UK local and mayoral elections today

 

The Mighty Stats

 

FTSE = 8,494.85 (up 0.37%)

S&P 500 = 5,569.06 (up 0.15%)

Nasdaq = 17,446.34 (down 0.085%)

CAC40 = 7 593,87 (up 0.5%)

 

£1 = $1.34 / €1.18

 

*If you’ve been forwarded the Mighty Memo, subscribe for free at www.mightymemo.co.uk. You’ll receive the Mighty Memo directly in your inbox as soon as it’s published!*

 

The Mighty Detail

 

Economics: China’s manufacturing activity fell in April to its lowest level in 18 months. According to official statistics, China’s manufacturing PMI stood at 49.0 last month – its lowest level since December 2023. Any number below 50 indicates a contraction and any number above indicates growth.

 

Business: Facebook’s parent group, Meta, has announced revenue of $42.31 billion in Q1 2025. This beats the forecast of $41.38 billion which had been expected. In Q4 2024, Meta reported revenue of $48.39 billion.

 

Markets: The fast-fashion company Shein is pausing its London IPO. The Chinese fashion company is instead reported to be looking at how to restructure its US operations which are facing tariffs. The US generates around 29 per cent of Shein’s annual $38 billion of revenue.

 

Foreign Affairs: The head of Spain’s national grid has said that the organisation knows the cause of the power outage on Monday and that it was not due to issues with renewable electricity. Beatriz Corredor, President of Red Eléctrica, also added that the large scale power cut was not linked to a cyber attack. Portugal’s authorities have said separately that they “still don’t know the cause of the blackout.”

 

Security and intelligence: French authorities are claiming that Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, has organised attacks against the French Government, French companies and the Paris Olympics. France’s cybersecurity agency states that the GRU has used the hacking group APT28 – also known as Fancy Bear – to attack a dozen French organisations since 2021.

 

Domestic politics: Local and mayoral elections are taking place across England today. A total of 1,641 council seats in 23 local authorities are up for election. Of these a total of 1,182 are currently held by the Conservative Party. Many of these elections were last held in 2021 when the Conservative Party was ahead in the polls following the Covid-19 vaccine rollout.

 

The Mighty Calendar

 

What’s happening today?

 

  • France, Spain, Italy, Germany, China, Brazil public holiday (Labour Day)

  • UK local and mayoral elections

  • President Trump delivers speech at University of Alabama

  • Tony Awards nominations

  • Business Questions in UK Parliament

  • UK house price data (April)

  • UK, US, Canada manufacturing data (April)

  • US initial jobless claims (weekly)

  • Company results from: Amazon, Apple, Lloyds, Whitbread, Drax, Eli Lilly, McDonald’s

 

Lookahead to tomorrow

 

  • China public holiday (Labour Day)

  • Eurozone manufacturing data (April)

  • Eurozone CPI data (April)

  • US factory orders (March)

  • Company results from: Shell, ExxonMobil, Standard Chartered, NatWest, BASF

 

The Mighty Finale

 

🌤️Weather today

 

Dry and sunny across England. High of 29C and low of 14C in London. Sunny spells in Belfast and Edinburgh.

 

✏️Life coaching quote of the day

 

“To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts.” – Roger Ebert, film critic

 

Mighty takeaway: Be as kind to yourself as you would be to a friend or family member.

 

That’s it for this Thursday morning. Thanks for reading and we’ll see you tomorrow.

 

Cheerio!

 

The Mighty Memo team

Read More
Mighty Memo Mighty Memo

Wednesday 30 April 2025

FTSE 100’s winning streak, EU bans Malta’s “golden passports”, Japan and the Philippines start talks on defence pacts and more…

The Mighty Headlines

 

Economics: US consumer confidence falls to near five-year low

Business: BP reports sharp fall in net profits to $1.4 billion

Markets: FTSE 100 rises in value for 12 consecutive days

Foreign Affairs: EU court bans Malta’s “golden passport” scheme

Security and intelligence: Japan and Philippines discuss defence deals

Domestic politics: Labour Party and Reform UK leading in polls

 

The Mighty Stats

 

FTSE = 8,463.46 (up 0.55%)

S&P 500 = 5,560.83 (up 0.58%)

Nasdaq = 17,461.32 (up 0.55%)

CAC40 = 7,555.87 (down 0.24%)

 

£1 = $1.34 / €1.18

 

*If you’ve been forwarded the Mighty Memo, subscribe for free at www.mightymemo.co.uk. You’ll receive the Mighty Memo directly in your inbox as soon as it’s published!*

 

*Canada election update: Canada’s Liberal Party has won the General Election as the largest party but may need to rely on smaller parties to pass legislation. Mark Carney remains as Prime Minister.

 

The Mighty Detail

 

Economics: US consumer confidence has fallen to a near five-year low. The Conference Board’s measure of confidence fell by eight points to 86. This is the lowest level since May 2020. It is the eighth consecutive monthly decline.

 

Business: BP has reported a sharp fall in net profits to $1.38 billion in Q1 2025. At the same point last year, it stood at $2.7 billion. BP has previously blamed higher corporate costs and lower customer volumes among others for poorer performance.

 

Markets: The FTSE 100 has now risen in value for longer than at any point in the last eight years. It has now seen 12 consecutive days of growth. Shares in HSBC, which have remained strong despite global trade uncertainty, are contributing to the FTSE 100’s winning streak.

 

Foreign Affairs: The EU’s top court has ordered Malta to shut down its “golden passport” scheme. The European Court of Justice said that Malta’s scheme, which allows wealthy individuals to buy Maltese citizenship – and EU citizenship by extension – is against EU law. The Maltese Government said that the programme had brought in $1.6 billion since 2015.

 

Security and intelligence: The governments of Japan and the Philippines are to start discussions on two new defence agreements. The aim is to increase security cooperation in the face of territorial claims in the East and South China Seas from China. The US signed a similar deal with the Philippines in November.

 

Domestic politics: Ahead of the local and mayoral elections in England tomorrow, polls suggest that the Labour Party and Reform UK Party are tied on 25 per cent of the vote each. The Conservative Party is on 21 per cent.

 

The Mighty Calendar

 

What’s happening today?

 

  • 100 days since the inauguration of President Trump

  • Prime Minister’s Questions in UK Parliament

  • US, Eurozone GDP data (Q1 2025)

  • Bank of Japan interest rate decision

  • Company results from: Meta, Microsoft, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Aston Martin, TotalEnergies, Barclays, Santander, UBS, Credit Agricole, Société Générale, Airbus, Next

 

Lookahead to tomorrow

 

  • France, Spain, Italy, Germany, China, Brazil public holiday (Labour Day)

  • UK local and mayoral elections

  • President Trump delivers commencement address at University of Alabama

  • Tony Awards nominations

  • Business Questions in UK Parliament

  • UK house price data (April)

  • UK, US, Canada manufacturing data (April)

  • US initial jobless claims (weekly)

  • Company results from: Amazon, Apple, Lloyds, Whitbread, Drax, Eli Lilly, McDonald’s

 

The Mighty Finale

 

🌤️Weather today

 

Sunny across the UK. Again! High of 26C and low of 11C in London.

 

✏️Life coaching quote of the day

 

“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” – Confucius, Chinese philosopher

 

Mighty takeaway: Small, consistent efforts will get you on the path to achieving your goals.

 

That’s it for this morning. Thanks for reading and we’ll see you tomorrow.

 

Bye!

 

The Mighty Memo team

Read More
Mighty Memo Mighty Memo

Tuesday 29 April 2025

Deliveroo shares soar on takeover bid, UK GDP to fall in 2025 and 2026, Russia and Ukraine peace talks and more…

The Mighty Headlines

 

Economics: EY forecasts lower UK GDP in 2025 and 2026

Business: French company in talks to buy ITV

Markets: Deliveroo shares rise after £2.7 billion takeover bid

Foreign Affairs: Russia says it is waiting on Ukraine for peace talks

Security and intelligence: IAEA in Iran for nuclear talks

Domestic politics: UK Government to publish immigration plans

 

The Mighty Stats

 

FTSE = 8,417.34 (up 0.025%)

S&P 500 = 5,528.75 (up 0.064%)

Nasdaq = 17,366.13 (down 0.097%)

CAC40 = 7,573.76 (up 0.5%)

 

£1 = $1.33 / €1.18

 

*If you’ve been forwarded the Mighty Memo, subscribe for free at www.mightymemo.co.uk. You’ll receive the Mighty Memo directly in your inbox as soon as it’s published!*

Spain update: Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, has declared a state of emergency following a power outage which hit large parts of Spain and Portugal yesterday afternoon.

 

The Mighty Detail

 

Economics: The consultancy EY has changed its forecast of UK economic growth in 2025 and in 2026. In 2025, it now predicts that the UK economy will grow by 0.8 per cent. This is down from the 1 per cent growth it previously predicted. In 2026, it has reduced its forecast for UK growth from 1.6 per cent to 0.9 per cent. It suggests that the weaker global economy and trade uncertainty are to blame.

 

Business: The French media group Banijay is in early talks to takeover ITV. It is being reported that Banijay would either purchase the broadcaster as a whole or its studio arm only. Analysts have said that ITV Studios alone could be worth around £3 billion.

 

Markets: Shares in Deliveroo rose by over 16 per cent yesterday. It comes as the food delivery company said on Friday that it had received a takeover bid from DoorDash. DoorDash is the US’s largest takeaway company. DoorDash is offering to buy Deliveroo for £2.7 billion.

 

Foreign Affairs: The Russian Government said on Monday that it is ready for peace talks but is waiting for a signal from Ukraine. It also announced a three-day ceasefire from 8 May. President Trump had criticised President Putin in recent days for continued delays, saying that “maybe [Putin] doesn’t want to stop the war” and is “just tapping me along”. 

 

Security and intelligence: A delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency arrived in Iran yesterday for technical talks on Iran’s nuclear programme. It follows three rounds of nuclear talks between the US and Iran. The US wants to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and Iran wants US sanctions to be lifted. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the weekend that all of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure should be removed.

 

Domestic politics: There are reports that the UK Government is set to publish a policy paper on immigration in an attempt to fight off Reform UK. Plans could include a goal to reduce net migration and introducing restrictions on graduate visas. The Home Office says that the plans are not in response to the threat from Nigel Farage’s party.

 

The Mighty Calendar

 

What’s happening today?

 

  • Japan public holiday (Showa day)

  • Prince and Princess of Wales visit Isle of Mull

  • President Trump holds rally to mark 100 days in office

  • UN Security Council debate on the Middle East

  • Energy Questions in UK Parliament

  • Eurozone consumer confidence data (April)

  • Japan industrial production data (March)

  • China manufacturing data (April)

  • Company results from: BP, General Motors, HSBC, Deutsche Bank, Associated British Foods, Spotify, AstraZeneca, Adidas, Lufthansa

 

Lookahead to tomorrow

 

  • Prime Minister’s Questions in UK Parliament

  • US, Eurozone GDP data (Q1 2025)

  • Bank of Japan interest rate decision

  • Company results from: Meta, Microsoft, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Aston Martin, TotalEnergies, Barclays, Santander, UBS, Credit Agricole, Société Générale, Airbus, Next

 

The Mighty Finale

 

🌤️Weather today

 

Sunny and dry across the UK. High of 24C and low of 9C in London.

 

✏️Life coaching quote of the day

 

“Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” – Roald Dahl, novelist

 

Mighty takeaway: If you don’t truly believe in your dreams, you’ll never achieve them.

 

That’s it for this Tuesday morning. Thanks for reading and we’ll see you tomorrow.

 

Goodbye!

 

The Mighty Memo team

Read More
Mighty Memo Mighty Memo

Monday 28 April 2025

General Election in Canada, California’s economy bigger than Japan’s, Russia detains Ukrainian special agent and more…

The Mighty Headlines

 

Economics: California’s economy now bigger than Japan’s

Business: Vanguard won’t re-enter China

Markets: US stock markets start the week on a positive

Foreign Affairs: General Election in Canada today

Security and intelligence: Russia detains Ukrainian agent over car bomb

Domestic politics: England set for an end to two-party politics

 

The Mighty Stats

 

FTSE = 8,415.25 (up 0.093%)

S&P 500 = 5,525.21 (up 0.74%)

Nasdaq = 17,382.94 (up 1.26%)

CAC40 = 7,536.26 (up 0.45%)

 

£1 = $1.33 / €1.17

 

*If you’ve been forwarded the Mighty Memo, subscribe for free at www.mightymemo.co.uk. You’ll receive the Mighty Memo directly in your inbox as soon as it’s published!*

 

The Mighty Detail

 

Economics: The US state of California has said that it has over taken Japan as the world’s fourth-largest economy. Governor Gavin Newsom said that California’s GDP has reached $4.1 trillion. Japan’s GDP stands at $4.02 trillion. The world’s largest economy is the US, followed by China and Germany.

 

Business: Fund manager Vanguard has said that it will not re-enter the Chinese market as it seeks to expand its operations. The US fund manager has $10 trillion in assets under management. It closed its Shanghai office in 2023, where it had partnered with a local firm, after saying that it would “prioritize regions where it offers its own investment products.”

 

Markets: The major US stock market indices start on a positive footing this week. The S&P 500 increased by 4.6 per cent last week and the Nasdaq rose by 6.7 per cent after a few weeks of turmoil. According to comments published on Friday, President Trump said he expected announcements on many trade deals “over the next three to four weeks”.

 

Foreign Affairs: A General Election is being held in Canada today. The two front runners are the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, and the Liberal Party, led by Mark Carney. The Conservative Party has focused on the cost of living and has support among younger voters. The Liberal Party has focused on the economic and political risk posed by the Trump administration and has support among older voters. The Liberal Party is in the lead according to opinion polls.

 

Security and intelligence: Russia’s security services say they have detained a Ukrainian special agent over a car bomb detonated on Friday in Moscow. Russian Lieutenant General Yaroslav Moskalik, was killed in the attack. Russian media claims that the bomb was denoted remotely from Ukraine. Ukraine has not commented on the incident.

 

Domestic politics: A leading elections analyst has said that the UK is set for “biggest challenge” to the two-party system for 100 years. Professor Sir John Curtice was speaking ahead of the local elections on Thursday in England. Labour and the Conservatives could lose votes to Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats.

 

The Mighty Calendar

 

What’s happening today?

 

  • General Election in Canada

  • Trial for men involved in Sycamore Gap tree felling begins

  • Education Questions in UK Parliament

  • CBI retail sales survey (April)

 

Lookahead to tomorrow

 

  • Prince and Princess of Wales visit Isle of Mull

  • President Trump holds rally to make 100 days in office

  • UN Security Council debate on the Middle East

  • Energy Questions in UK Parliament

  • Company results from: BP, General Motors, HSBC, Deutsche Bank, Associated British Foods, Spotify, AstraZeneca, Adidas, Lufthansa

 

The Mighty Finale

 

🌤️Weather today

 

The dry and warm weather continues across England. High of 24C and low of 9C in London. Cloudy in Belfast. Sunny spells in Edinburgh.

 

✏️Life coaching quote of the day

 

“The biggest temptation is to settle for too little.” – Thomas Merton, monk and writer

 

Mighty takeaway: Don’t aim too small in life!

 

That’s it for this Monday morning. Thanks for reading and we’ll see you tomorrow.

 

Bye!

 

The Mighty Memo team

Read More
Mighty Memo Mighty Memo

Friday 25 April 2025

Germany’s zero economic growth in 2025, Google’s Q1 revenue, Pakistan suspends peace treaty with India and more…

The Mighty Headlines

 

Economics: Germany set for no economic growth in 2025

Business: Google reports over $90 billion in revenue for Q1 2025

Markets: US stocks rise on prospect of interest rate cuts

Foreign Affairs: US to demand that Russia allows Ukraine its own military

Security and intelligence: Pakistan suspends peace treaty with India

Domestic politics: UK and Ireland could reach deal on Troubles in “weeks”

 

The Mighty Stats

 

FTSE = 8,407.44 (up 0.051%)

S&P 500 = 5,484.77 (up 2.03%)

Nasdaq = 17,166.04 (up 2.74%)

CAC40 = 7,502.78 (up 0.27%)

 

£1 = $1.33 / €1.17

 

*If you’ve been forwarded the Mighty Memo, subscribe for free at www.mightymemo.co.uk. You’ll receive the Mighty Memo directly in your inbox as soon as it’s published!*

 

The Mighty Detail

 

Economics: The German Government has cut its growth forecast for the year to zero, citing the impact of US tariffs. It now faces a third consecutive year without growth. Last year, Germany’s economy shrank by 0.2 per cent. In 2023, it shrank by 0.3 per cent.

 

Business: Google’s parent company, Alphabet, reported revenue of $90.2 billion in Q1, beating analysts’ estimates. Revenue of $89.1 billion had been expected. Google’s search engine generated $50.7 billion in revenue while Google’s cloud service brought in $12.3 billion.

 

Markets: US stocks rose yesterday on the news that the Federal Reserve could cut interest rates before the summer and that global trade tensions are easing. The Chair of the Cleveland Federal Reserve said that rates could be cut as soon as June while US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that an “agreement on understanding” with South Korea on trade could come next week.

 

Foreign Affairs: There are reports that the US intends to demand that Russia accepts Ukraine’s right to its own military as part of peace negotiations. Additional concessions could include Russia returning the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and returning land in Kharkiv.

 

Security and intelligence: Pakistan has suspended the Simla peace treaty with India following an Islamist militant attack in Indian Kashmir which killed 26 people on Tuesday. India has linked the attacks to Pakistan. Pakistan denies involvement.

 

Domestic politics: The UK and Irish Governments have said that an agreement on resolving issues from the Troubles could be reached “within weeks”. They largely relate to how to deal with killings during the conflict in Northern Ireland. The UK’s Northern Ireland Secretary met the Irish Deputy Prime Minister at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in Northern Ireland yesterday.

 

The Mighty Calendar

 

What’s happening today?

 

  • Australia and New Zealand public holiday (ANZAC Day)

  • ANZAC services at Westminster Abbey, London

  • National Rifle Association annual meeting begins, Atlanta, Georgia

  • UK, Canada retail sales data (March)

  • Private Members’ Bills in UK Parliament

  • Company results from: Colgate-Palmolive

 

Lookahead to the weekend

 

Saturday

 

  • Just Stop Oil holds final demonstration in Westminster, London

  • White House Correspondents’ Association annual dinner, Washington DC

  • Koningsdagviering “King’s Day” Celebration at the Dutch Church, London

  • Guinness Women’s Six Nations: Italy vs Wales

  • Guinness Women’s Six Nations: Scotland vs Ireland

  • Guinness Women’s Six Nations: England vs France

 

Sunday

 

  • London Marathon

  • Women’s Golf Major: The Chevron Championships, Texas

 

The Mighty Finale

 

🌤️Weather today

 

Light rain in the southwest. Cloudy in the northwest and sunny spells everywhere else. High of 16C and low of 8C in London. Light rain in Belfast. Sunny spells in Edinburgh.

 

✏️Life coaching quote of the day

 

“What really frightens and dismays us is not external events themselves, but the way in which we think about them. It is not things that disturb us, but our interpretation of their significance.” – Epictetus, ancient philosopher

 

Mighty takeaway: Change your interpretation of events to a happier one. You will become happier too. It’s your choice.

 

That’s it for this week. Thanks for reading and we’ll see you next week.

 

Adios!

 

The Mighty Memo team

Read More
Mighty Memo Mighty Memo

Thursday 24 April 2025

Apple and Facebook fines, explosions in Moscow, Palestinian President calls on Hamas to lay down arms and more…

The Mighty Headlines

 

Economics: UK private sector activity shrinks to lowest level since 2022

Business: EU fines Apple and Facebook €700 million

Markets: European stocks close higher as US-China tensions ease

Foreign Affairs: Explosions in Moscow’s business district

Security and intelligence: Palestine’s Abbas asks Hamas to drop weapons

Domestic politics: Conservative Party and Reform UK could unite

 

The Mighty Stats

 

FTSE = 8,403.18 (up 0.9%)

S&P 500 = 5,375.86 (up 1.67%)

Nasdaq = 16,708.05 (up 2.5%)

CAC40 = 7,482.36 (up 2.13%)

 

£1 = $1.33 / €1.17

 

*If you’ve been forwarded the Mighty Memo, subscribe for free at www.mightymemo.co.uk. You’ll receive the Mighty Memo directly in your inbox as soon as it’s published!*

 

The Mighty Detail

 

Economics: Private sector activity in the UK has shrunk to its lowest level since 2022. UK manufacturing export sales have also declined at a level not seen since the Great Financial Crisis in February 2009 (aside from the Covid-19 pandemic). US tariffs are considered to be a major contributing factor.

 

Business: The European Commission has fined Apple and Facebook €500 million and €200 million respectively for breaching EU competition rules. Apple was fined for breaching rules on its app store while Facebook was fined for requiring users to pay for ad-free versions of Facebook and Instagram. The Trump administration has previously criticised the EU for imposing such fines.

 

Markets: The pan-European Stoxx 600 stock index closed 1.7 per cent higher yesterday. It comes as traders expect a thaw in US-China trade relations. President Trump said this week that tariffs on Chinese goods could fall while US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, said that there would be a “de-escalation in tensions” very soon and there was an “opportunity for a big deal”.

 

Foreign Affairs: There have been reports of three explosions in Moscow’s business district. According to Russian media, a car exploded in an underground car park of a shopping mall. It is not yet clear if the attacks are linked to the war in Ukraine. It comes a day after an explosion at a Russian ammunition depot east of Moscow, which the authorities said was due to a safety lapse.

 

Security and intelligence: The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged Hamas yesterday to put down its arms and cede control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority. Abbas added that Hamas must “transform into a political party.” Hamas ousted the Palestinian Authority from Gaza in 2007 and has rejected US and Israeli calls to lay down arms.

 

Domestic politics: The Shadow Justice Secretary, Robert Jenrick, has allegedly called for the Conservative Party to unite with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party. In a leaked speech to the UCL Conservative Association dinner in March, the former Conservative Party leadership contender said that he was still battling against Reform UK. He added, however, that at the General Election the right should be “united” and that “one way or another, I’m determined to do that.”

 

The Mighty Calendar

 

What’s happening today?

 

  • International Energy Agency summit, London

  • Cannes International TV festival begins

  • Cabinet Office Questions in UK Parliament

  • Japan CPI inflation data (April)

  • UK, France, Germany, Italy new car registrations data (March)

  • US jobless claims (weekly)

  • US existing home sales (March)

  • Company results from: Google, Intel, Asos, Merck, Nokia, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble

 

Lookahead to tomorrow

 

  • Australia and New Zealand public holiday (ANZAC Day)

  • ANZAC services at Westminster Abbey, London

  • National Rifle Association annual meeting begins, Atlanta, Georgia

  • UK, Canada retail sales data (March)

  • Private Members’ Bills in UK Parliament

  • Company results from: Colgate-Palmolive

 

The Mighty Finale

 

🌤️Weather today

 

Sunny spells in northwest England. Cloudy elsewhere. High of 17C and low of 6C in London. Sunny spells in Belfast and Edinburgh.

 

✏️Life coaching quote of the day

 

“A great attitude does much more than turn on the lights in our worlds; it seems to magically connect us to all sorts of serendipitous opportunities that were somehow absent before we changed.” – Earl Nightingale, motivational speaker

 

Mighty takeaway: You’ll be amazed at what a change of attitude can do.

 

That’s it for this morning. Thanks for reading and we’ll see you tomorrow.

 

Bye!

 

The Mighty Memo team

Read More
Mighty Memo Mighty Memo

Wednesday 23 April 2025

IMF global growth forecasts, China’s trade warning, Ukraine peace conference and more…

The Mighty Headlines

 

Economics: IMF cuts global growth forecasts for 2025

Business: Finance bonuses in the UK are highest in the world

Markets: Sterling set for historic gains against the dollar

Foreign Affairs: China warns countries against unfavourable US trade deals

Security and intelligence: UK hosts Ukraine peace conference today

Domestic politics: Badenoch promises to reverse farms tax

 

The Mighty Stats

 

FTSE = 8,328.60 (up 0.64%)

S&P 500 = 5,287.76 (up 2.51%)

Nasdaq = 16,300.42 (up 2.71%)

CAC40 = 7,326.47 (up 0.56%)

 

£1 = $1.33 / €1.17

 

*If you’ve been forwarded the Mighty Memo, subscribe for free at www.mightymemo.co.uk. You’ll receive the Mighty Memo directly in your inbox as soon as it’s published!*

 

The Mighty Detail

 

Economics: The IMF has cut global growth forecasts for 2025 from 3.3 per cent to 2.8 per cent. This follows an increase in tariffs imposed on trade around the world. The IMF has also predicted that inflation in the UK will be the highest in the G7 this year at 3.1 per cent. The US will see inflation of 3 per cent.

 

Business: Bonuses in the UK financial services industry were higher than anywhere else in the world last year. According to recent data, people in the industry received an average bonus of $149,000 in 2024. This is compared to $145,800 in the North America and $108,500 in the EU. It comes after the UK Government abolished the EU’s bonus cap in 2023.

 

Markets: The pound is on course for its longest run of sustained increases against the dollar for over 50 years. It has risen by 3.5 per cent against the dollar since the 2nd April when the Trump administration announced global tariffs.‎ The FTSE 100 has also risen for seven days in a row - its best result since 2023.

 

Foreign Affairs: The Chinese Government is warning countries not to make trade deals with the US which could in turn be unfavourable to China. The Chinese Government added that it would “resolutely take countermeasures” against the countries involved.

 

Security and intelligence: The UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, will host French, German, US and Ukrainian negotiators today to discuss a Ukrainian peace deal. Ukraine has proposed a ceasefire on civilian infrastructure for 30 days. The US has separately proposed formally recognising Crimea as Russian. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had been expected to attend but pulled out yesterday.

 

Domestic politics: The Conservative Party Leader, Kemi Badenoch, has said that she would reverse the Government’s inheritance tax proposals on farms if her party were to win the next election. From April 2026, people with agricultural properties will pay a tax of 20 per cent on agricultural assets over £1 million.

 

The Mighty Calendar

 

What’s happening today?

 

  • St George’s Day

  • UK Turner Prize shortlist announced

  • Prime Minister’s Questions in UK Parliament

  • UK, US, EU, Japan manufacturing and services growth data (April)

  • UK Government borrowing data (March)

  • US new homes sales data (March)

  • South Korea GDP data (Q1 2025)

  • Company results from: Heathrow, Boeing, Chipotle, AkzoNobel, Babcock

 

Lookahead to tomorrow

 

  • International Energy Agency summit, London

  • Cannes International TV festival begins

  • Cabinet Office Questions in UK Parliament

  • Japan CPI inflation data (April)

  • UK, France, Germany, Italy new car registrations data (March)

  • US jobless claims (weekly)

  • US existing home sales (March)

  • Company results from: Google, Intel, Asos, Merck, Nokia, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble

 

The Mighty Finale

 

🌤️Weather today

 

Rain in the southeast of England. Largely dry elsewhere. High of 13C and low of 8C in London. Sunny spells in Belfast and Edinburgh.

 

✏️Life coaching quote of the day

 

“Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else.” – Les Brown, motivational speaker

 

Mighty takeaway: How your life turns out and evolves is up to you. You have the power to change at any moment and at any stage.

 

That’s it for this morning. Thanks for reading and we’ll see you tomorrow.

 

Adios!

 

The Mighty Memo team

Read More
Mighty Memo Mighty Memo

Tuesday 22 April 2025

Details on Pope Francis’s funeral, US VP in India for trade talks, US dollar falls to three-year low and more…

The Mighty Headlines

 

Economics: US Vice President visits India to discuss trade

Business: Netflix increased revenue to over $10 billion in Q1

Markets: Dollar falls to three-year low

Foreign Affairs: Details of Pope Francis’s funeral emerge

Security and intelligence: Iran’s Foreign Minister visits China today

Domestic politics: UK Government launches “breakfast clubs”

 

The Mighty Stats

 

FTSE = 8,275.66 (up 0.00073%)

S&P 500 = 5,158.20 (down 2.36%)

Nasdaq = 15,870.90 (down 2.55%)

CAC40 = 7,285.86 (down 0.6%)

 

£1 = $1.33 / €1.17

 

*If you’ve been forwarded the Mighty Memo, subscribe for free at www.mightymemo.co.uk. You’ll receive the Mighty Memo directly in your inbox as soon as it’s published!*

 

The Mighty Detail

 

Economics: The US Vice President, JD Vance, began a four-day visit to India yesterday. Vance is expected to discuss trade with the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. US-India trade was worth $129 billion in 2024. Earlier this month, the Trump administration had imposed 26 per cent tariffs on Indian goods which have been now paused.  

 

Business: Netflix increased its revenue to $10.54 billion in Q1 2025. This is a 12.5 per cent increase from the same time last year and exceeds analysts’ expectations. The company is forecasting revenue of between $43.5 billion and $44.5 billion for 2025.

 

Markets: The dollar fell to a three-year low against the world’s major currencies yesterday. It comes after President Trump criticised the Chair of the US Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, last week for not lowering interest rates. President Trump also said that the “termination” of Powell as Chair “cannot come fast enough”.

 

Foreign Affairs: Following Pope Francis’s death yesterday, his funeral is expected to take place within four to six days. Voting by the College of Cardinals for a new People typically happens within 15 to 20 days. Of the 252 Cardinals, only 132 may vote because those over the age of 80 are not allowed to vote.

 

Security and intelligence: Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, is visiting China today. It comes ahead of a third round of discussions between the US and Iran on Iran’s nuclear capabilities later this week. Araqchi has said that Iran has always had “close consultations with our friends China and Russia” on the “nuclear issue”.

 

Domestic politics: The UK Government has said that it is launching 750 breakfast clubs for children across the UK today. The programme will provide 30 minutes of free childcare which the Government says will help parents “get up to 95 hours back a year”. Details on a national roll-out have not yet been published.

 

The Mighty Calendar

 

What’s happening today?

 

  • Earth Day

  • IMF World Economic Outlook report published

  • UK Chancellor travels to IMF Spring Meeting, Washington DC

  • Justice Questions in UK Parliament

  • Eurozone consumer confidence data (April)

  • Company results from: 3M, Lockheed Martin, Moody’s, Tesla, SAP

 

Lookahead to tomorrow

 

  • St George’s Day

  • UK Turner Prize shortlist announced

  • Prime Minister’s Questions in UK Parliament

  • UK, US, EU, Japan manufacturing and services growth data (April)

  • UK Government borrowing data (March)

  • US new homes sales data (March)

  • South Korea GDP data (Q1 2025)

  • Company results from: Heathrow, Boeing, Chipotle, AkzoNobel, Babcock

 

The Mighty Finale

 

🌤️Weather today

 

Sunny spells across most of England but light rain in the southwest. High of 18C and low of 9C in London. Heavy rain in Belfast and sunny intervals in Edinburgh.

 

✏️Life coaching quote of the day

 

“Decisions without actions are worthless.” – W. Clement Stone, business and motivational writer

 

Mighty takeaway: Take action – it’s the only way things will change for you.

 

That’s it for this Tuesday. Thanks for reading and we’ll see you tomorrow.

 

Adios!

 

The Mighty Memo team

Read More
Mighty Memo Mighty Memo

Wednesday 16 April 2025

China stops Boeing aircraft deliveries, Prisons attacked in France, UK banknote printer's shares soar and more…

TO: Mighty Memo Readers

FROM: Mighty Memo Editorial Department

 

SUBJECT: Easter break

 

The Mighty Memo office will be closed between Thursday, 17 April and Monday, 21 April for the Easter break. Your next issue of the Mighty Memo will arrive in your inbox on Tuesday, 22 April. If you wish to contact us during this time, please send your email to hello@mightymemo.co.uk. We will respond to you as soon as we can.

Happy Easter to all of our readers!

 

The Mighty Headlines

 

Economics: EU waits on the US for a trade deal

Business: Chinese Government stops Boeing aircraft deliveries

Markets: Shares in UK banknote printer rise by 17 per cent

Foreign Affairs: Prison attacks in France

Security and intelligence: China names US agents accused of cyberattacks

Domestic politics: UK Business Secretary rows back on China comments

 

The Mighty Stats

 

FTSE = 8,249.12 (up 1.41%)

S&P 500 = 5,396.63 (down 0.17%)

Nasdaq = 16,823.17 (down 0.049%)

CAC40 = 7,335.40 (down 0.86%)

 

£1 = $1.32 / €1.17

 

*If you’ve been forwarded the Mighty Memo, subscribe for free at www.mightymemo.co.uk. You’ll receive the Mighty Memo directly in your inbox as soon as it’s published!*

 

The Mighty Detail

 

Economics: Trade negotiations between the US and the EU ended without a decisive breakthrough yesterday. The EU claimed that an “additional level of engagement from the US” would be needed to “keep the ball rolling forward”. The EU has offered 0 per cent tariffs on industrial goods including cars. President Trump had previously suggested that the EU should buy $350 billion of US energy to receive tariff relief.

 

Business: The Chinese Government has ordered Chinese airlines to stop receiving deliveries of Boeing aircrafts as well as associated parts. The news is the latest development in escalating trade tensions with the US. Boeing shares fell by just over 2 per cent yesterday.

 

Markets: Shares in the British banknote printer De La Rue increased by nearly 15 per cent yesterday. It comes on the news that it is set to be taken over by US private equity firm Atlas Holdings at 130 pence a share for £263 million. De La Rue was founded in 1821 and rejected an offer of 900 pence a share by a French firm in 2010.

 

Foreign Affairs: Prisons across France have been targeted by violent behaviour. Shots from an automatic weapon were fired at a prison in Toulon and vehicles were set on fire. Prisons in Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Valence, Nîmes, Luynes, Nanterre and Villepinte were also affected. The attacks are reportedly a response to the French Government’s new anti-narcotics strategy.

 

Security and intelligence: China has put three US intelligence officers from the National Security Agency on a wanted list. It accuses them of carrying out cyberattacks against the Asian Winter Games in February. Although the US and China regularly accuse each other of cyberattacks, it is unusual for individual operatives to be named.

 

Domestic politics: The UK Business Secretary has rowed back on comments he made at the weekend that China should no longer be involved in the UK steel industry. Jonathan Reynolds now says that Chinese involvement will instead be considered in “a different way”. The Chinese Embassy had rebuked the UK for “politicising” the steel situation.

 

The Mighty Calendar

 

What’s happening today?

 

  • UK Parliament on recess

  • WTO release trade growth forecast

  • China holds press conference on GDP

  • Canada interest rate decision

  • UK, Eurozone CPI inflation data (March)

  • US retail sales data (March)

  • US industrial and manufacturing production data (March)

  • Japan trade data (March)

  • Company results from: ASML, WHSmith, Heineken, United Airlines

 

Lookahead to tomorrow

 

  • Norway and Mexico Public holiday (Maundy Thursday)

  • The King and Queen distribute the Royal Maundy

  • President Trump hosts Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni

  • English-language leaders General Election debate, Canada

  • ECB interest rate decision

  • UK Parliament on recess

  • US jobless claims (weekly)

  • Japan CPI inflation data

  • Company results from: Sainsburys, Netflix, TSMC, UnitedHealth Group, American Express

 

The Mighty Finale

 

🌤️Weather today

 

Rain in the west. Dry but cloudy in the east of England. High of 16C and low of 5C in London. Heavy rain in Belfast. Light rain in Edinburgh.

 

✏️Life coaching quote of the day

 

“The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled, the books that were never written, the songs that were never sung, the inventions that were never shared, the cures that were never discovered, all because someone was too afraid to take that first step, keep with the problem, or determined to carry out their dream.” – Les Brown, motivational speaker

 

Mighty takeaway: Don’t let your talents and skills go to waste by not using them!

 

That’s it for this morning. Thanks for reading and we’ll see you next week.

 

Bye!

 

The Mighty Memo team

Read More
Mighty Memo Mighty Memo

Tuesday 15 April 2025

Facebook’s potential breakup, Russia’s attack on Sumy, Leftist group claims responsibility for Athens bombings and more…

The Mighty Headlines

 

Economics: US tariffs may lead to pandemic-era trade drop

Business: Facebook faces potential breakup

Markets: US markets falter but end higher following tech tariffs news

Foreign Affairs: Russian attack on Sumy draws mixed opinion

Security and intelligence: Leftist group responsible for Athens bombing

Domestic politics: UK Government “demands explanation” from China over banned MP

 

The Mighty Stats

 

FTSE = 8,134.34 (up 2.14%)

S&P 500 = 5,405.97 (up 0.79%)

Nasdaq = 16,831.48 (up 0.64%)

CAC40 = 7,273.12 (up 2.37%)

 

£1 = $1.32 / €1.16

 

*If you’ve been forwarded the Mighty Memo, subscribe for free at www.mightymemo.co.uk. You’ll receive the Mighty Memo directly in your inbox as soon as it’s published!*

 

The Mighty Detail

 

Economics: New data suggest that US tariffs could lead to a 2.3 per cent fall in global trade by 2028. The research from Oxford Economics suggests that the drop in trade could be close to the fall seen during the Covid-19 pandemic and the US recession in 1975.

 

Business: Facebook faces a potential breakup as an anti-trust lawsuit gets underway in the United States. The US’s competition regulator, the Federal Trade Commission, claims that Facebook bought Instagram and WhatsApp in 2012 and 2014 to eliminate competition and gain a monopoly in the social media market. Facebook could be forced to sell the companies if it loses.

 

Markets: US markets rose yesterday morning before trailing off and then recovering by market close. It comes as enthusiasm for President Trump’s exemption on tariffs for tech goods fades after the President suggested they were temporary.

 

Foreign Affairs: The death toll from Russia’s attack on Sumy in Ukraine on Sunday has risen to 35 people along with 117 people wounded. Russia claims that it was targeting a meeting of Ukrainian military leaders and “Western colleagues”. President Zelensky condemned the attack. President Trump called the strikes “horrible” but also said “I was told [the Russians] made a mistake”.  

 

Security and intelligence: A new leftist group has claimed responsibility for the bombs that exploded in Athens last week and in February. The Revolutionary Class Self-Defence group claims that the attacks are an act of “opposition to the state” and are dedicated to the “Palestinian people and their heroic resistance”. The bombs went off outside the offices of Hellenic Train and near the Labour Ministry. There were no injuries.

 

Domestic politics: The British MP who was banned from entering Hong Kong last week has accused Beijing of holding a “blacklist” of banned politicians. Vera Hobhouse was travelling with her husband to visit her son and newborn grandson who live in Hong Kong. The British Government has said it has demanded an explanation from senior Chinese officials.

 

The Mighty Calendar

 

What’s happening today?

 

  • 80th anniversary of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen

  • UK Foreign Secretary holds conference on Sudan

  • UK Parliament on recess

  • UK earnings data (March)

  • Eurozone industrial production data (March)

  • Canada CPI inflation data (March)

  • China GDP data (Q1 2025)

  • China industrial production data (March)

  • China retail sales data (March)

  • China unemployment data (March)

  • Company results from: Bank of America, Johnson & Johnson, Citigroup, Ericsson

 

Lookahead to tomorrow

 

  • UK Parliament on recess

  • WTO release trade growth forecast

  • China holds press conference on GDP

  • Canada interest rate decision

  • UK, Eurozone CPI inflation data (March)

  • US retail sales data (March)

  • US industrial and manufacturing production data (March)

  • Japan trade data (March)

  • Company results from: ASML, WHSmith, Heineken, United Airlines

 

The Mighty Finale

 

🌤️Weather today

 

Rain across England tomorrow. High of 17C and low of 8C. Dry in Belfast and light rain in Edinburgh.

 

✏️Life coaching quote of the day

 

“Your mind will take the shape of what you frequently hold in thought, for the human spirit is coloured by such impressions.” – Marcus Aurelius, Ancient Roman emperor and philosopher

 

Mighty takeaway: What you think about most often, becomes the reality you live every day.

 

That’s it for this morning. Thanks for reading and we’ll see you tomorrow.

 

Cheerio!

 

The Mighty Memo team

Read More
Mighty Memo Mighty Memo

Monday 14 April 2025

Hong Kong’s last major opposition party to disband, EU official in US to talk tariffs, occupied Ukrainians denied healthcare and more…

The Mighty Headlines

 

Economics: EU Trade Commissioner in US to talk tariffs

Business: Apple airlifts 1.5 million iPhones out of India

Markets: Stock markets start week on a high

Foreign Affairs: Hong Kong’s last major opposition party to disband

Security and Intelligence: Occupied Ukrainians denied healthcare

Domestic politics: UK Government provides £10 billion to relieve tariff impact

 

The Mighty Stats

 

FTSE = 7,964.18 (up 0.64%)

S&P 500 = 5,363.36 (up 1.81%)

Nasdaq = 16,724.46 (up 2.06%)

CAC40 = 7,104.80 (down 0.3%)

 

£1 = $1.31 / €1.15

 

UK: Con / Lab / Reform = 22 / 24 / 24 per cent

 

*If you’ve been forwarded the Mighty Memo, subscribe for free at www.mightymemo.co.uk. You’ll receive the Mighty Memo directly in your inbox as soon as it’s published!*

 

The Mighty Detail

 

Economics: The EU Trade Commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič, is travelling to the US today to discuss tariffs with US counterparts. Šefčovič is due to meet with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The EU is offering 0 per cent reciprocal tariffs on industrial goods.

 

Business: It is being reported that Apple airlifted 600 tons of iPhones from India at the end of March so that they would arrive before tariffs came into effect. This equates to around 1.5 million iPhones. Apple also reportedly secured a customs “green lane” at Chennai airport to reduce clearance times from 30 hours to 6 hours.

 

Markets: Stock markets rose on Friday after a turbulent week. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq rose by their highest levels since November 2023 and November 2022 respectively. The remain, however, lower than before US tariffs were announced on the 2nd April.

 

Foreign Affairs: Hong Kong’s last major opposition party is set to disband. According to members of the Democratic Party, they have been warned by Chinese officials to disband or face serious consequences including arrest. Until Beijing changed electoral rules in 2021 to allow only “patriots” to run for election, the Democratic Party achieved around 50 per cent to 60 per cent of the vote in elections.

 

Security and intelligence: There are reports that Ukrainians living in occupied territories are being denied healthcare and free movement unless they take up Russian citizenship. The news comes as President Trump said on Saturday that “there is a point when you have to put up or shut up” on the Ukraine-Russia negotiations but the Kremlin said there cannot be “instant results”.

 

Domestic politics: The UK Government has said that it will provide £10 billion of additional support for businesses impacted by US tariffs. Alongside this, an expanded Growth Guarantee Scheme will provide £500 million specifically for small businesses.

 

The Mighty Calendar

 

What’s happening today?

 

  • President Trump meets President of El Salvador

  • South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-Yeol’s criminal trial starts

  • UK Parliament on recess

  • China, South Korea trade data (March)

 

Lookahead to tomorrow

 

  • 80th anniversary of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen

  • UK Foreign Secretary holds conference on Sudan

  • UK Parliament on recess

  • UK earnings data (March)

  • Eurozone industrial production data (March)

  • Canada CPI inflation data (March)

  • China GDP data (Q1 2025)

  • China industrial production data (March)

  • China retail sales data (March)

  • China unemployment data (March)

  • Company results from: Bank of America, Johnson & Johnson, Citigroup, Ericsson

 

The Mighty Finale

 

🌤️Weather today

 

Raining in the southwest and northwest of England. Dry elsewhere. High of 17C and low of 9C in London. Light rain in Belfast and Edinburgh.

 

✏️Life coaching quote of the day

 

“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear.” – Rosa Parks, activist

 

Mighty takeaway: Action removes fear. Don’t hesitate!

 

That’s it for this Monday morning. Thanks for reading and we’ll see you again tomorrow.

 

Bye!

 

The Mighty Memo team

Read More
Mighty Memo Mighty Memo

Friday 11 April 2025

France to recognise Palestinian state, US holds nuclear talks with Iran tomorrow, Prada buys Versace for €1.25 billion and more…

The Mighty Headlines

 

Economics: Bank of England delays bond sales after market turmoil

Business: Prada buys Versace for €1.25 billion

Markets: US markets fall again as scale of China tariffs revealed

Foreign Affairs: France set to recognise Palestinian state

Security and intelligence: US to hold nuclear talks with Iran tomorrow

Domestic politics: Farage rejects formal coalition with Conservative Party

 

The Mighty Stats

 

FTSE = 7,913.25 (up 3.04%)

S&P 500 = 5,268.05 (down 3.46%)

Nasdaq = 16,387.31 (down 4.31%)

CAC40 = 7,126.02 (up 3.83%)

 

£1 = $1.30 / €1.16

 

*If you’ve been forwarded the Mighty Memo, subscribe for free at www.mightymemo.co.uk. You’ll receive the Mighty Memo directly in your inbox as soon as it’s published!*

 

The Mighty Detail

 

Economics: The Bank of England has said that it is delaying the sale of long-term government debt because of recent “market volatility”. The significant selloff in the bond markets in recent days, following US tariffs, saw yields on 30-year UK debt reach its highest level since 1998. The Bank will instead sell £750 million of short-dated debt next week and sell long-dated debt in Q3.

 

Business: Prada has bought Versace in a €1.25 billion deal. It is being reported that the original deal uniting the two fashion companies had been set at €1.43 billion but €180 million was taken off because of the recent market volatility. Prada reported revenues of €5.4 billion in 2024, 17 per cent higher than in 2023.

 

Markets: After rising on Wednesday, US stock markets accelerated downwards yesterday after the White House confirmed that tariffs on China would actually stand at 145 per cent and not 125 per cent as previously understood. Shares in Apple – which has significant supply lines in China – fell by over 8 per cent yesterday and have fallen by nearly 26 per cent this year.

 

Foreign Affairs: President Macron of France has said that his government plans to recognise a Palestinian state in the coming months. Macron said that he was not doing so for unity but because “at some point it will be fair.” Israel’s Foreign Minister said that the decision would be a “reward for terrorism and a boost for Hamas”. None of the G7 countries currently recognises Palestine as a state.

 

Security and intelligence: The US is to hold direct talks with Iran tomorrow to discuss the country’s nuclear activities. The US Secretary of State said that he hoped the talks would “lead to peace”. President Trump said earlier this week that if the talks were not successful Iran would be in “great danger”.

 

Domestic politics: The leader of Reform UK, Nigel Farage, has dismissed the proposal that his party could form a coalition with the Conservatives after the local elections next month. The idea had been proposed by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. Farage did not, however, rule out the possibility of “working relationship” in local councils.

 

The Mighty Calendar

 

What’s happening today?

 

  • UK convenes Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting in Brussels

  • UK Parliament in Easter Recess

  • UK GDP data (February)

  • UK industrial and manufacturing data (February)

  • Company results from: Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase, BNY Mellon, Blackrock

 

Lookahead to the weekend

 

Saturday

  • Passover begins

  • Presidential election in Gabon following 2023 coup

  • Chelsea versus Liverpool in Women’s FA Cup semi-final

  • “Moonies” Church holds mass wedding ceremony in South Korea

 

Sunday

  • Presidential runoff election in Ecuador

  • Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race

  • The Masters final (golf)

  • Paris Marathon

  • Manchester United versus Manchester City in Women’s FA Cup semi-final

  • F1 Grand Prix, Bahrain

 

The Mighty Finale

 

🌤️Weather today

 

Sunny and dry across the UK. Again! High of 22C and low of 7C in London.

 

✏️Life coaching quote of the day

 

“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” – Henry Ford, entreprenuer

 

Mighty takeaway: You need to put in the effort to achieve your aims.

 

That’s it for this Friday and for this week. Thanks for reading and we’ll see you again next week.

 

Cheerio!

 

The Mighty Memo team

Read More