Watches of Switzerland: Shares crater 30 per cent as demand for luxury flattens January 18, 2024 Shares in Watches of Switzerland have fallen by over 30 per cent after the luxury watch maker warned on its earnings for the year. . In an update, the Rolex seller said that it was bruised by “challenging macroeconomic conditions” over Christmas which impacted consumer spending in luxury retail. It now expects revenue for the [...]
Solid services sector ‘bodes well’ for UK economy despite stubborn price pressures August 5, 2024 Business activity in the services sector picked up in July, according to a closely watched business survey, suggesting that the economy will continue to grow in the months ahead. S&P’s purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for the services sector picked up to 52.5 last month, rising from 52.1 in June and marginally ahead of the 52.4 [...]
St James’s Place confirms overhaul of controversial fees after regulatory pressure October 17, 2023 St James's Place has confirmed it will overhaul its fee structure and scrap a controversial exit fee today after reportedly coming under pressure from regulators to fall in line with stringent new consumer rules.
Interflora’s losses widen as flower delivery giant attempts ‘boldest pivot in 100-year history’ May 28, 2024 Losses widened at the UK arm of flower delivery firm Interflora widened its pre-tax losses last year, as the firm continued to struggle with customers spending less.
Mulberry blames tourist tax and slowdown in luxury demand for falling sales January 17, 2024 British fashion house Mulberry has blamed a slowdown in demand for luxury spending for a nine per cent decline in sales over the golden quarter.
Retailers put all their chips on inflation cooling during golden Christmas run-up September 22, 2023 A better than expected inflation reading, and growing consumer confidence and sales, have offered a glimmer of hope for the UK’s retail sector, as they turn their focus to the vital Christmas trading months. According to today’s ONS figures, retail sales volumes rose by 0.4 per cent in August 2023, partially recovering from a fall [...]
UK mortgage market still ‘precarious’ amid uncertainty over timing of interest rate cuts July 1, 2024 Tom Cuppello, director of risk at Broadstone, said the housing market's recovery remained "precarious" amid uncertainty over the timing of interest rate cuts.
Advertisers bump up spending on Rightmove despite ‘volatile’ housing market November 27, 2023 Advertisers are upping their spend in the battle for eyeballs on housing marketplace Rightmove.
FTSE 100 close: London markets round off the week higher as investors boosted by improved consumer confidence May 19, 2023 Markets closed higher on Friday as investors were boosted by an increasingly positive consumer outlook in the UK. The capital’s premier index jumped 0.40 per cent to 7,773.80 points, while the domestically-focused mid-cap FTSE 250 index, which is more aligned with the health of the UK economy, remained roughly steady at 19,300.04 points. Investors were [...]
UK economy in ‘early stages of recovery’ as families shrug off inflation and interest rate hikes April 21, 2023 Britain’s economy could be in the early stages of a recovery, with consumers holding up pretty well under the pressure of high inflation and interest rate increases, a closely watched survey out today indicates. Families’ outlook on how well the economy will perform over the coming year is improving, while confidence in their own personal [...]