The brutal tax trap hurting the UKeconomy - Verdict on Trump page 4

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Elsa

Financial Times Asia edition reports on the UK’s economic strain linked to a “brutal tax trap,” alongside focus-group insights into US voters and how Trump’s policies are viewed abroad. It also covers renewed French street unrest and the resulting pressure on President Macron, including government responses such as curfews, bans, and police accountability. Market tables and bond yield moves track the wider impact on investors across regions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages18

Reading Time45 min

AccessFree to download

The brutal tax trap hurting the UK economy

Trump and US voter sentiment

Bank death allegation and public reaction

Verdict on Trump (page 4)

French debt rout after street clashes

Curfews and protest bans

FINANCIALTIMES TUESDAY 20 OCTOBER 2026 # The brutal tax trap hurting the UKeconomy Trump-whispering isn't working for Ukraine FT focus groupBellwether USvoters gather Briefing Some ofthe14American voters who arepart of the FT's first US political focusgroup,held this month at the HistoricBethlehem Hotel in Pennsylvania'sformer steelmakingtownof Bethlehem. The votersin the bellwether districtinaswing state that has voted for the win- where the FT is pursuing a years-longreporting project-shared views on theeconomy and the Iran war,and Presi-dentDonald Trump's otherpolicies. ▶Bank death allegationA former Monte dei Paschi di Jim says he is disappointed thatTrumphas not “figured outhow to shuthis mouth”.Roberta says she has"neverfelt so much anger and unhappinessinthe general public".While Robin saysshe is“a little disappointed”inthe presi-dent's performance:"Things are costingall ofussomuch more." Verdict on Trumppage4 Challenges facing Macron deepen afterstreet clashes reignite French debt rout ▶EU retreat on drillingban Anthropic share giveaway ◆10-year bond yield sharply upoLocal curfews imposedoPresident faces high-stakes election appreciated the president's words butadded:“I would have preferred,likemillions ofFrench people,decisionsandinitiatives allowing areturn toorder." ▶Exports boost China GDP Rioters had marauded through citieson Saturday,lootingat least 3,000storesandbusinesses,accordingtothegovern-ment,damage that the French RetailFederation said could cost“several hun- The socialist mayorsof Paris and Mar-seille demanded explanations from Index expulsion warning ministers on howthe police lost control. Saying he was still livid”,Benoit Payan, mayor of Marseille,yesterday accusedpolice of not adequately defending the Day in markets page 11 | China | RMB30 | | --- | --- | | Hong Kong | HKS38 | | India | Rup220 | | Indonesia | Rp45000 | | Japan | ¥6500ncJCT) | | Korea | W4,50 | | Malaysia□ | RM1L50 | | Phippines | Peso 140 | | Singapore | 5580(in GST | | Taiwan | NTS140 | | Thailand | Bhr140 | Empoweringpeople with data | wwwftcom/AsiaSubs
Tet(852)58033388 | STOCK MAKETS | | | CURRENCIES | | | GOVERMMENT BONDS | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | Det 19 | Prev %chg | Pair | | | | Oct19 | | | | Forthe latest news go to
www.f.com
⑧THE FINANCIAL TIMES LTD 2026
No:42,386★
Pinted in London,LerpoD Gasgow.Dublin
Frankfurt,Milan,Madrid,New York.Chicago.San
Franclsco,Tokyo.Hong Kong.Singapore,Seoul,
Dubal
9770307176821 | S8P500 | 770146 | 7655.44055 | STE | 1.1221.123
0892
ES | 0891 | US2Y | 4.77 | 4.77 | | | | Nasdag Composite
DowJoneslInd | 26594.42
52014.11 | 26140031.74
52002.41002 | SM | 0.751
1.187
D8420842 /E | 0.750
1.187 | US 10Y
US30Yr | | 5.13
54 | | | | Euro Stoxx 50 | 614481 | 6204.23 -096 | WS
E
SIr/E | 58445158115 WE
17728177500 | | UK2YY | | | | | | FTSuroirst 300 | 255180 | 2573.26-083
2572260 | | 11.009210.75 flhdex 85.784
0.92B 0926 Stre二
1.100 | 8539
1099 | UK10Y
UK30Y | | 537 | | | | FTSE 100二 | | 0881.90 -1.08 | | | | | | | 006 | | | | 10754.69 | | | | | | | | | | | FSEAIShare | 579996 | 5858B4-102 | CRYPTO | | %chg
071 | JPN2Y | | | | | | CAC40二 | 7858.05 | 7956.70 -1.1 | Bitoin | 0c 19二
Prev二 | | JPN 10Y
JPN 30Y | | 4.04 | 000 | | | eta Dax | Z5319.77 | 25622.61 -1.18 | | 818420281261.24二 | | | | | 0.033 | | | Nikei | 64916.70 | 65324.29 -052 | Ethereum
COMMO | Z39135 4Z8.65
DITIES | | GER 10Y二 | | | 0n | | | Hang Seng | 2418683 | 24186.83□ | | Dct 19 | %chg | GER30Y | | | 0.03

FAQs

What issue is described as harming the UK economy?

The article highlights a “brutal tax trap” that is hurting the UK economy.

How does the report characterize public and political reactions to Trump?

It includes remarks from a Financial Times focus group and reaction to Trump’s performance, framing it as not solving key concerns and increasing public frustration about costs.

What response does the report say the French government took during the unrest?

It states that curfews would be applied when necessary and that demonstrations could be banned, including specific protest bans and nighttime curfews in multiple cities.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Elsa