In BIG PICTURE NEWS, US interest rates look like they'll be higher for longer, Sunak faces a reckoning, councils suffer, UK manufacturing falters and UK universities face more course closures. In RETAIL, CONSUMER GOODS & LEISURE NEWS, Mulberry sales fall, Next surges, Mango plans more UK stores, Flutter shareholders vote for New York and Viking has a decent debut. In CAR-RELATED NEWS, Chinese EV makers post higher sales, Tesla's move away from charging freaks companies out and Aston Martin makes more promises. In MISCELLANEOUS NEWS, Johnson & Johnson wants to make a deal, OnlyFans faces investigation and UK house prices fall. AND FINALLY, I bring you what looks like a very satisfying beverage...