Stock markets around the world received a boost yesterday as there have been reports that a US government shutdown deal looks likely to go ahead. There were concerns that Democrats and Republicans could not reach a compromise, but a potential crisis looks to have been averted for now, with the approval of $1.4 billion for a border wall. That is some way short of the $5.7 billion Donald Trump has demanded, but he will be under extreme pressure to sign the deal off.
Last night, Trump said that he was not happy or thrilled at the funding deal, which is hardly surprising. The former reality TV star has a reputation for throwing spanners into the works and being highly unpredictable, but surely he won’t refuse to sign the deal and shut the government down again?! Will he? Nothing surprises these days. He did say he would build the wall anyway, but then he says lots of things.
Today we will see the inflation rate for January as well as mortgage applications up to 8 February 2019. If Trump decides he won’t sign the agreement, then that will dominate headlines around the world.
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