China soft data signals economic recovery running out of steam May 16, 2023 China’s April industrial output and retail sales growth undershot forecasts, suggesting the economy lost momentum at the beginning of the second quarter and intensifying pressure on policymakers to shore up a wobbly post-Covid-19 recovery. Tuesday’s batch of data, which also showed a further decline in property investment, adds to concerns about the outlook for the [...]
We must stand united with Ireland and our European partners in this time of crisis February 28, 2022 At a time when tensions across Europe are at the highest they’ve been for a generation, it is critical for like-minded allies to work together in close partnership. That will be my message when I cross the Irish Sea and return to my roots in Dublin this week. Strengthening financial and professional services links following [...]
UK bans export of luxury goods to Russia and introduces hiked import tariffs March 15, 2022 The UK has banned the export of luxury goods to Russia, including designer handbags and works of art. The Chancellor also outlined new import tariffs that will represent a 35 percentage point increase on current rates. The fresh tariffs will hit products like Russian vodka, fertiliser and steel. Products no longer allowed to be exported [...]
As we move on from Russia, let’s be clear-eyed about our relationship with the Saudis August 18, 2022 When it comes to foreign policy, hawkishness is clearly in vogue. In the Conservative leadership contest, both the Truss and Sunak camps have vied to accuse each other of being dovish on China and soft on Russia. Would prime minister Truss or Sunak be a surer friend to Volodymyr Zelensky? Who would bring the hammer [...]
Russia-Ukraine talks boost London’s top indexes March 14, 2022 Reports of progress in talks between Russia and Ukraine boosted London’s top indexes today. The capital’s premier FTSE 100 index jumped 0.53 per cent to close at 7,193.47 points, while the domestically-focused FTSE 250 index, which is more aligned with the health of the UK economy, soared 1.31 per cent to 20,471.25 points. Negotiations between [...]
Why is the FTSE 100 nearing a record high with a recession looming? It ain’t the economy, stupid January 24, 2023 The FTSE 100 is becoming one massive hedge fund. That’s why it’s doing so well when all the doomsters have warned the UK is headed for a long, albeit shallow, recession over the next year. Of course, the stock market isn’t the economy. How many high street coffee shop owners do you know that worry [...]
Shell set to sell Russian petrol stations May 13, 2022 UK-based oil giant Shell has announced it will sell its petrol stations in Russia as it continues plans to exit the country.
Nations allowing a deluge of Russian money are a threat to our global democracies March 29, 2022 In the month since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the West has come together to face what could be the greatest military crisis since the beginning of the Cold War. This has clearly wrong-footed Putin and the invasion has not gone according to his plan. This geopolitical explosion has been a long time in the making, [...]
S&P 500 to shed fifth of value if US tips into recession, Goldman Sachs warn July 10, 2022 Wall Street will suffer heavy losses if the US economy tips into recession, according to investment bank Goldman Sachs. The S&P 500 index, a broad measure of corporate America, will shed 19 per cent and close 2022 at 3,150 points if the American economy suffers a tough recession, Goldman said in a note to clients [...]
Rolls-Royce gives staff £2k to help with cost of living crunch June 20, 2022 Rolls-Royce is set to pay three-quarters of its workers £2,000 help with the cost of living crunch.