This article is a live version of our Week Ahead newsletter. Subscribers can sign up here to receive the newsletter every Sunday. Explore all our newsletters here
Hello and welcome to the work week.
On Monday, the U.S. 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 U.S. Capitol.
The days of the Biden administration are numbered. The FT Washington team will be keeping a close eye on any last-minute moves by the White House in the coming days, particularly on Ukraine and climate, as the outgoing president looks to cement his legacy.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol on Monday, the first high-level diplomatic talks since the impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol. (A lunch with the Financial Times last week was an illuminating guide to Blinken’s foreign policy thinking.) In the coming days, South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party plans to subpoena Yoon for a parliamentary hearing and appoint a special prosecutor to investigate his failed campaign. Activity.
On Friday, Trump will appear in court in a criminal “hush money” case in New York. Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over the trial, said in an order last week that the president-elect can attend hearings virtually and face no jail time on conviction.
On the same day, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on a law that would ban TikTok from being sold to American companies in the country. The ban will take effect on January 19, the day before Trump takes office. However, the president-elect urged the court to delay the ban, saying he preferred “to seek a political solution.”
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is about to be sworn in for a third term after winning a disputed election victory in July. Since the vote, Maduro has suppressed his political opponents. The passports of dozens of human rights activists and journalists have been revoked, and opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez has sought political asylum in Spain. An elaborate show of power is expected as his government remains on high alert.
UK retailers have released a host of deal updates this week, including Tesco, sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer. Analysis is expected of what the report reveals about the strength of consumers this Christmas. In addition, analysts will pore over the reports for clues as to which supermarkets can withstand headwinds from Labour’s 2025 budget, as rising employers’ national insurance contributions squeeze grocery profits.
One more thing. . .
It’s a big week for film and television. Movie lovers can spend the next few days binge-watching the Critics’ Choice Awards, National Board of Review Gala, AARP Awards and Golden Globes. I won’t join them. I haven’t watched anything this year. Sadly, I missed all 10 of the critics’ best films of 2024.
What must-see movie did I miss in the past 12 months? let me know harvey.nriapia@ft.com.
Key economic and company reports
Here’s a more complete list of company reports and economic data expectations for this week.
on Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
-
Greggs Q4 trading update, bam Third Quarter Transaction Statement, Marks & Spencer Christmas trading update, Tesco Third Quarter and Christmas Trading Statement
-
peru interest rates
-
Central Bank of Mexico Monetary Policy Minutes
Friday
world events
Finally, here’s an overview of the week’s other events and milestones.
on Monday
-
U.S. Congress meets to confirm Trump’s election
-
Antony Blinken meets with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol
-
golden globe award
-
Malaysia’s Court of Appeal to hear imprisoned former Prime Minister Najib Razak’s application for house arrest
-
Epiphany
Tuesday
Friday
-
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments over a law that would ban TikTok if it is not sold to a U.S. company
-
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro sworn in for third term after controversial election victory
-
President Biden to meet with Pope Francis and Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni in Rome
-
Donald Trump to be sentenced in ‘hush money’ trial
Saturday
Sunday
Newsletters recommended for you
internal politics — What you need to know about British politics. Register here
US election countdown — Money and politics in the White House race. Register here
