UK continues to ‘dodge recession’ as private sector growth at six month high December 15, 2023 This comes as the UK economy has been flirting with a recession for more than a year, battling stubborn inflation, high energy bills.
FTSE 100 close: Wizz Air nosedives while JD Sports and 3i shine in London January 26, 2023 London’s FTSE 100 jumped today, led higher by private equity firm 3i soaring after it dropped a strong crop of results, prompting traders to pile into its shares. The capital’s premier index climbed 0.22 per cent to 7,761.55 points, while the domestically-focused FTSE 250 index, which better reflects the health of the UK economy, leapt [...]
Truss accused of U-turn as she opens up to idea of direct cost of living payments August 10, 2022 Liz Truss has been accused of performing another policy U-turn, after the Tory leadership frontrunner hinted she was open to giving households cash payments to ease the cost of living crisis. Sources on her campaign today said “there is work going on in government on what more can be done” to help people cope with [...]
Ex Asda boss: Cutting prices for cash-strapped Brits is ‘very important’ after Sunuk plea June 23, 2023 Supermarkets regard cutting prices as “very important”, according to a former boss of Asda, after the Prime Minister warned retailers about pricing “responsibly and fairly”. Andy Clarke, who served as Asda’s chief executive officer between 2010 and 2016, said the big chains were “heavily focused” on competitive pricing as the industry hit back over suggestions [...]
FTSE 100 close: Barclays, HSBC and Easyjet shine on otherwise poor day in London January 25, 2023 London’s FTSE 100 today gave up morning gains to finish lower before stronger-than-expected retail earnings provided a balm against recession fears. The capital’s premier index fell 0.22 per cent to 7,740.34 points, while the domestically-focused mid-cap FTSE 250 index, which is more aligned with the health of the UK economy, slid 0.38 per cent to [...]
All quiet on the home front: a resettling is on the cards for new homes and mortgages December 12, 2022 The UK economy has weathered its fair share of turbulent storms over the past few years: from a global pandemic, to war, burgeoning energy prices and now escalating cost of living pressures and interest rates; yet the housing market has remained robust throughout. But rising costs are catching up with potential homebuyers. The next two [...]
Keir Starmer: Major UK business chiefs back Labour leader May 16, 2024 Keir Starmer has secured the backing of top business leaders, with the Boots boss and chief executive of housing developer Thakeham endorsing his party today. Their support was unveiled at a rally-style campaign event which saw the Labour leader and his shadow cabinet announce his six pledges which they call their “first steps for change”. [...]
The Notebook: Victoria Scholar on why the allure of luxury bags could bolster designer marques October 25, 2023 Where the City’s movers and shakers get a few things off their chest. Today, it’s Victoria Scholar of Interactive Investor Don’t discount the allure of luxury bags – or the stocks of their makers LVMH reported rather dismal results this month. The luxury goods giant, which owns brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior, announced third [...]
Union boss says crippling rail strikes to go ahead as no one is ‘coming to the table’ July 17, 2022 Crippling rail strikes are set to go ahead in just two weeks as train company bosses are not “coming to the table”, according to the head of the UK train drivers’ union. Mick Whelan, general secretary of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (Aslef) union, said “when train drivers don’t come to work, [...]
Rishi Sunak hits back at critics of inflation promise but warns government ‘can’t help anybody’ if prices don’t fall January 8, 2023 Rishi Sunak has today claimed halving inflation by the end of the year – one of his five promises to the British public – will happen “because of the plans [the government] have put in place”. Speaking to the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, the prime minister doubled down on a series of pledges [...]