Reform UK reviews if it underpaid VAT on tickets and merchandise

Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, has suggested that the government should consider cutting VAT on energy bills to help alleviate the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. This proposal is significant as it aims to provide financial relief to households struggling with rising energy costs, highlighting the government's commitment to addressing economic challenges faced by citizens.

A leaked video has exposed significant tensions within Reform UK's Kent County Council, highlighting a clash between leader Linden Kemkaran and councillor Paul Thomas. The footage shows Thomas challenging Kemkaran's leadership, leading to a heated exchange that ends with her muting him. This incident raises concerns about the party's ability to govern effectively, especially as Kent County Council is seen as a crucial test for Reform UK under Nigel Farage's leadership.

A leaked video has exposed significant infighting within Reform UK's Kent council, revealing tensions among councillors over budget disputes and allegations of bullying. In the footage, council leader Linden Kemkaran harshly admonishes members, telling them to 'suck it up' if they disagree with decisions. This internal strife not only highlights the challenges facing the party but also raises concerns about its leadership and unity, which could impact their effectiveness in governance.

Zions Bancorporation has reported impressive earnings for the third quarter of 2025, surpassing both earnings per share (EPS) and revenue forecasts. This positive performance highlights the bank's strong financial health and effective management strategies, which are crucial for maintaining investor confidence and supporting future growth. Such results not only reflect the bank's resilience in a competitive market but also indicate a promising outlook for the financial sector as a whole.

BHP's recent report reveals that its iron ore production has fallen short of estimates due to maintenance works, raising concerns among investors. This shortfall could impact the company's financial performance and market position, highlighting the challenges faced in maintaining operational efficiency. As one of the largest mining companies globally, BHP's production levels are closely watched, and any deviations can influence commodity prices and investor confidence.

Jeff Moon, the former Assistant U.S. Trade Representative to China, highlights the significant leverage China now holds over rare earth materials, a situation that could reshape U.S.-China relations. He discusses this on 'The Close' with Katie Greifeld and Romaine Bostick, suggesting that both nations are on the brink of a new era in trade dynamics. This is important as it could impact global supply chains and economic strategies moving forward.

Dageville, the founder of Snowflake, has sold $6.15 million worth of SNOW stock, a move that has caught the attention of investors and analysts alike. This sale is significant as it may indicate Dageville's confidence in the company's future or a strategic financial decision. Understanding the implications of such stock sales can provide insights into market trends and investor sentiment.

Despite an Amazon Web Services outage that caused some disruptions, Wall Street experienced a significant surge, with the S&P 500 rising by 1.1%. This positive momentum was largely driven by strong performances from Apple and a general optimism as investors look forward to a busy earnings week. The resilience of the market in the face of challenges highlights the confidence investors have in leading tech stocks.

The Trump administration is considering a potential offering for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, with the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) director indicating that this could happen as early as the end of 2025. This development is significant as it could reshape the housing finance landscape, impacting mortgage rates and availability for homebuyers. Stakeholders in the housing market are closely monitoring these discussions, as changes could influence both the economy and individual homeowners.