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Global business’ deal making “suffered a record fall” in the final six months of this year as “rising interest rates and economic uncertainty” cooled firms from securing agreements, the Financial Times’ lead story reports. Mergers and acquisitions between firms over the period were valued at around $1.4 trillion (£1.2 trillion), $800bn less than over the same period in 2021 – the largest swing since records began in 1980, the paper says.

Financial Times Front Page 4th of February 2026

Police have opened a criminal inquiry into Lord Mandelson’s dealings with Jeffrey Epstein, examining claims sensitive information was shared while he held government roles. Mandelson has resigned from the Lords. Starmer called the conduct disgraceful and urged full co‑operation.

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Financial Times Front Page 2nd of February 2026

Emails reveal Peter Mandelson advised Jeffrey Epstein that JPMorgan should pressure the UK over the 2009 bankers’ bonus tax, urging contact with the chancellor. He says he sought to protect jobs and investment. Labour is under pressure to address the revelations.

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Financial Times Front Page 31st of January 2026

Donald Trump nominated Kevin Warsh to lead the Fed, signalling a firmer stance on inflation. Markets backed the dollar and trimmed expectations of rapid rate cuts. US yields rose while gold fell as investors priced in steadier policy and renewed questions over central bank independence.

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