The London Stock Exchange (LSE) is experiencing its largest exodus of companies since the financial crisis of 2009, as numerous firms are opting to list in the United States. This trend has been attributed to the U.S. stock markets' dominance and higher valuations, which have lured FTSE 100 groups away from the LSE. The number of new entrants to the LSE has also dwindled, raising concerns about the future of the exchange. In parallel, the UK government has approved a £3.6 billion takeover of Royal Mail by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, a move that has sparked discussions about the implications for postal services and the potential for increased scrutiny due to Kretinsky's Russian ties. The government asserts that the deal will protect workers and maintain key services, while the sale of Royal Mail has been described as a significant moment in the history of one of the UK's oldest institutions, which began as a royal service in the 1500s.