The British economy grew only 0.1 percent in the final quarter of 2025, below expectations and increasing pressure on Starmer’s government. The weak growth was largely offset by higher government spending, while business investment declined, household consumption remained subdued, and the services sector effectively stalled. Overall, the economy expanded about 1.3 percent in 2025, but the growth was uneven and slowed markedly in the second half after a stronger performance in the first half of the year.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Donald Trump’s actions may create the conditions necessary to reach a new agreement with Iran and avoid military action. Referring to his recent meeting with Trump, Netanyahu said any agreement must include halting Iran’s nuclear program, limiting ballistic missiles, and restraining proxy forces. While Washington has threatened potential military action if no agreement is reached, Tehran has said it is ready to discuss nuclear limitations in exchange for sanctions relief, but considers its missile program non-negotiable.

The cryptocurrency market stabilized somewhat in Asian trading after an overnight decline in the United States; a warning from Standard Chartered about the possibility of further Bitcoin weakness was cited as a recent source of pressure. The bank lowered its end of 2026 Bitcoin price forecast from 150000 dollars to 100000 dollars and warned that a drop toward the 50000 dollar range is also possible. Meanwhile, weak results from Coinbase Global Inc., which reported a quarterly loss of 667 million dollars and declining revenue, reflected the impact of lower token prices on trading activity. Analysts say that ETF outflows, weaker macroeconomic conditions, and correlation with declines in other risk assets continue to preserve downside risk in the crypto market.

The United States Supreme Court has designated February 20, 24, and 25 as potential decision release dates, and financial markets are awaiting this institution’s ruling on the tariff case. This case could define the scope of Donald Trump’s trade authority and influence the direction of US trade policy. Analysts say any limitation on tariffs could reduce trade uncertainty and even strengthen expectations for interest rate cuts.