US markets tumble as Fed signals fewer interest rate cuts in 2025 December 19, 2024 US markets plunged last night after the Federal Reserve signalled that it would take a more cautious path to interest rate cuts next year. Following the Fed’s announcement, the Dow Jones fell 2.6 per cent, the S&P 500 fell three per cent, and the Nasdaq fell 3.6 per cent. This was the biggest decline in [...]
Outsourcing giant Serco: Shares spike as business pipeline “at its best for a decade” December 19, 2024 British outsourcing giant Serco has said that its pipeline of business opportunities is at its strongest in over a decade thanks to a boost from North American defence contracts. Shares subsequently spiked more this seven per cent in early trades. The FTSE 250 firm told markets this morning that underlying operating profit was £270m in 2024, [...]
Household water bills to rise by an average £31 a year from April December 19, 2024 Household water bills in England and Wales will increase by an average £31 a year over the next five years, regulator Ofwat has announced.
Thames Water allowed 35 per cent bill hike but faces £18m fine over dividend payouts December 19, 2024 Ofwat will use new powers to fine Thames Water £18m for two dividend payments it made in the last year and a half.
FCA extends motor finance complaint deadline December 19, 2024 The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has extended the time that companies have to respond to motor finance complaints following a landmark high court ruling. In an announcement today, the City watchdog said firms will have until 4 December 2025 to provide a final response to customer complaints over the use of non-discretionary commission arrangements (non-DCAs). [...]
CHMC ACCREDITATION: Elevating Standards in the UK’s Professional Services Sector December 19, 2024 | Sponsored Competition is alive and well in the UK’s professional services sector. It drives businesses to continually evolve and adapt and SMEs are always seeking ways to stand out and break through. Professionals are continually looking to improve their skills, develop their talents and prove their worth. Buyers are insisting on ever-greater value for money and [...]
I’m putting Markel International ‘on the map’, says president December 19, 2024 The London insurance market is the "jewel in the crown'", it's no surprise that US insurer Markel International has the City at the heart of its strategy
Why one US hedge fund is taking aim at the UK’s biggest investment trusts December 19, 2024 A shake up could be coming for the UK’s investment trust industry after US hedge fund Saba Capital launched a campaign to topple the boards of seven different companies yesterday. “Like the Ghost of Christmas Past, Saba has descended upon the investment trust industry, urging self-reflection,” said Shavar Halberstadt, analyst at Winterflood. There have been [...]
A turbulent year for London’s markets… in four graphs December 19, 2024 “There’s always light at the end of the tunnel,” said one London Stock Exchange executive in March, just after two more firms announced they were heading for the exit. “Don’t lose your head amongst all the doom-mongering.” It is a mantra that London’s bourse has had to hold onto over the past 12 months as [...]
Square Mile and me: Co-founder of Wildfarmed Edd Lees December 19, 2024 Each week we dig into the memory bank of the City’s great and good. Today, Edd Lees, takes us through his career which went from finance to farming What was your first job? Working on a stall in Leeds market. What was your first role in the city/business world? Junior in a derivatives trading firm immediately [...]