**The Week Ahead: A Busy Week for US Politics, Markets, and Economy**
Hello and welcome to the work week. As the days of the Biden administration are numbered, the Fast FT Washington team will keep a close eye on any last-minute moves by the outgoing president, particularly on Ukraine and climate, as he looks to cement his legacy.
This week, the US Congress will preside over the Electoral College count that will certify Donald Trump’s election victory. While this is usually a minor formality, the last event four years ago was overshadowed by the attack on the US Capitol. Trump’s presidency will end soon, but his legacy will live on in the decisions he makes in the coming days.
Aside from domestic politics, the UK’s major retailers will release their quarterly updates, giving insight into the strength of consumers this Christmas. Analysts will be looking for clues on which supermarkets can withstand the headwinds of Labour’s 2025 budget, which will see increased employers’ national insurance contributions squeeze grocery profits.
**Key Economic and Company Reports**
This week, several key company reports and economic data are expected, including:
* Monday: Greggs Q4 trading update, Bam third quarter transaction statement, Marks & Spencer Christmas trading update, and Tesco third quarter and Christmas trading statement.
* Tuesday: Peru interest rates and Bank of Mexico’s Monetary Policy Meeting minutes.
* Friday: US Supreme Court to hear arguments on a law that would ban TikTok if it is not sold to a US company.
**World Events**
This week’s other notable events and milestones include:
* Monday: US Congress meets to confirm Trump’s election, Antony Blinken meets with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol, Golden Globe Awards, and Malaysian Court of Appeal to hear imprisoned former Prime Minister Najib Razak’s application for house arrest.
* Tuesday: US Supreme Court to hear arguments on a law that would ban TikTok if it is not sold to a US company, and President Biden to meet with Pope Francis and Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni in Rome.
* Tuesday: Donald Trump to be sentenced in ‘hush money’ trial.
* Saturday and Sunday: Film and television fans can spend the next few days binge-watching the Critics’ Choice Awards, National Board of Review Gala, AARP Awards, and Golden Globes.
**FAQs**
Q: What is the significance of the Electoral College count?
A: The Electoral College count is a formality that confirms the winner of a presidential election. In this case, it will confirm Donald Trump’s election victory.
Q: What is the significance of the US Supreme Court’s decision on TikTok?
A: The US Supreme Court’s decision on TikTok will determine whether the social media platform can continue to operate in the US or if it will be banned if it is not sold to a US company.
Q: What is the significance of the UK retailers’ quarterly updates?
A: The quarterly updates will provide insight into the strength of consumers this Christmas and the impact of Labour’s 2025 budget on grocery profits.
**Conclusion**
This week is packed with significant events, from US politics to economics and entertainment. The Fast FT Washington team will be keeping a close eye on any last-minute moves by the outgoing president, while the UK’s major retailers release their quarterly updates. As the world continues to navigate the complexities of politics, economics, and culture, it is essential to stay informed and engaged.
