In BIG PICTURE NEWS, the US government stays shut, Cook gets to keep her job, China cracks down on Nokia and Ericsson, Britain wastes wind power, manufacturing suffers and crypto bros feel the pinch. In EMPLOYMENT TRENDS, US private sector sheds jobs and a study finds that AI doesn't hit jobs that badly after all. In IPO AND M&A NEWS, Fermi booms on debut, the UK changes stamp duty, Shawbrook readies itself to float and a PE firm goes for Costa Coffee. In MISCELLANEOUS NEWS, we look at the latest developments in cars, house prices, leisure and tech. AND FINALLY, I bring you "Ken"...