FTSE rallys on commodities but Eurozone doubts linger May 24, 2011 BRITAIN’S top shares rose yesterday as rallying commodity stocks helped the index recover some of its poise, but the advance may be short-lived as investors find themselves hemmed in by Eurozone debt concerns. The FTSE 100 closed up 22.52 points or 0.4 per cent at 5,858.41, having hit a two-month closing low on Monday after [...]
MORE FIRMS JOIN NORTH SEA MUTINY March 30, 2011 PRESSURE mounted on George Osborne to rethink his oil profit tax raid yesterday, as more oil firms threatened to shelve lucrative projects in the North Sea in protest at the chancellor’s surprise levy. Gas giant Centrica, oil explorer Valiant and French group Total all said yesterday they are reviewing current and future investments in the [...]
Miliband to warn on inflation February 27, 2011 LABOUR leader Ed Miliband will today warn of a “cost of living crisis” for middle-earners, who he claims will be hit the hardest by looming inflation. Miliband will argue in a speech this morning that a mix of rising prices, spending cuts and benefit changes will make life difficult for middle-income families. In an effort [...]
Labour goes to war over living costs February 28, 2011 THE squeeze on middle earners exploded into a political battle yesterday, after Labour leader Ed Miliband accused the government of imposing a “cost of living crisis for ordinary families… for years to come.” The Conservatives hit back, attacking Labour for causing “the deepest recession since the war” while leading the UK to a record annual [...]
The knock-on cost of pricey commodities February 27, 2011 Inflation is the word on everyone’s lips at the moment. RPI inflation – the measure that best reflects the true rise in the cost of living in the UK – is now at 5.1 per cent a year as producers raise prices to protect their profits. But even the biggest brand owners are struggling to [...]
Soaring cost of living hits households February 20, 2011 HOUSEHOLD finances have taken a massive hit this month, according to a Markit index which saw inflation surge to an all time survey high. The cost of living measure showed 85 per cent of households reporting a rise in prices, Markit revealed today. Mortgage holders were particularly downbeat, as price pressures increase the chance of [...]
ICB has to strike a difficult balance April 10, 2011 With such a broad mandate to recommend how to promote greater financial stability and competition within UK banking, the Independent Commission on Banking has a wide range of options to choose from. And while the level of concern within UK-based banks is understandable, it is important to remember that the paper is merely an interim [...]
Petrol prices are inflicting huge pain February 24, 2011 BRITAIN is not quite America, where the price of petrol is one of the most important determinants of who wins elections. But the fact that one litre of unleaded now sets you back a crippling £1.29 is starting to become a major issue for the public here in Britain – and it is also beginning [...]
Petrol prices are inflicting huge pain February 24, 2011 BRITAIN is not quite America, where the price of petrol is one of the most important determinants of who wins elections. But the fact that one litre of unleaded now sets you back a crippling £1.29 is starting to become a major issue for the public here in Britain – and it is also beginning [...]
Euro versus dollar: a scrappy fight May 10, 2011 OVER the last fortnight, the euro-dollar pairing has turned into a bit of an ugly dog contest, with both sides competing to see who carries the fewest fleas. However, the euro came out second best in this challenge last week, hit with attacks from all sides. The tipping point for the pairing came when the [...]