China’s third quarter GDP beats expectations, but it’s the weakest economic growth since 2009 October 19, 2015 China's economy grew by more than expected in the third quarter of this year, easing fears that it is slowing at a greater pace than previously thought. China's statistics bureau said this morning that the country's gross domestic product increased 6.9 per cent between July and September from a year ago, beating analysts' estimates for 6.8 [...]
UK power supply unlikely to meet demand next winter warns bank September 13, 2015 BRITAIN is at risk of severe power shortages next winter, with available generation unlikely to meet demand. The UK will have only 53 gigawatts (GW) of dispatchable generation available to meet forecast peak demand of around 56 GW in winter 2016/2017, according to research from investment bank Jefferies. “This would be the first time in [...]
Autumn Statement 2015: George Osborne’s speech transcript in full including stamp duty, business rates and corporation tax announcements November 25, 2015 Mr Speaker, this Spending Review delivers on the commitment we made to the British people that we would put security first. To protect our economic security, by taking the difficult decisions to live within our means and bring down our debt. To protect our national security, by defending our country’s interests abroad and keeping our [...]
European Central Bank chief economist Peter Praet says low interest rates reflect “economic malaise” September 10, 2015 The European Central Bank's (ECB) chief economist Peter Praet has that low interest rates are due to "economic malaise" in the euro area and across world. He said the central bank's hand was forced by uncomfortably low inflation across the single currency bloc, as well as persistent weakness in the economy. "Low interest rates are ultimately [...]
Jeremy Corbyn is Labour leader: But there are four reasons why he fails to convince me on his business policies September 14, 2015 Previously a life-long supporter, on Saturday I turned my back on Labour for good. Admittedly the rot started under Ed Miliband: I voted Conservative for the first time in May 2015 as I thought an Ed-led government would be disastrous for the economy and for business. Corbyn’s election as Labour leader meanwhile is [...]
Sanctions relief: Don’t bank on global finance returning to Iran November 2, 2015 The relief of nuclear-related sanctions on Iran is fast approaching. But for financial institutions seeking to assist clients in taking advantage of the opportunities opening up in the country after the agreement of a deal on Iran’s nuclear programme, the road ahead is fraught with complication. First, while Sunday 18 October witnessed the passing [...]
Greek parliament to vote on further bailout measures July 22, 2015 Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will be back in parliament today, attempting to cajole his MPs to vote in favour of a second package of bailout measures aimed at unlocking an aid programme worth as much as €86bn (£60bn). Given the support he's received from lawmakers so far, it's unlikely he'll have much trouble getting [...]
EU refugee crisis: Germany reinstates border controls and exits Schengen agreement as refugee system “reaches its limit” September 13, 2015 Germany has reinstated border controls with Austria and temporarily exited the Schengen system, overwhelmed by the number of refugees arriving to the country daily, as EU leaders gear up for an emergency summit about the biggest refugee crisis since World War II.. These emergency measures are designed to take some pressure off Germany's overheated asylum [...]
EU reform: Dear Donald – the full text of David Cameron’s EU renegotiation letter to Donald Tusk November 10, 2015 David Cameron has finally outlined his plans for EU renegotiation to European Council president Donald Tusk. But what did he actually ask for? The full thing comes in at a weighty 2,000 words across six pages. The letter suggests the pair are on first-name terms – beginning with "Dear Donald" and ending with a simple [...]
From the Paris attacks and Jeremy Corbyn’s rise to power to the Syria conflict, migrant crisis and Greece’s economic woes, these are the biggest political events of 2015 December 9, 2015 The last year has been one of frantic political events, across the UK, Europe and indeed the world. While there is still a few weeks to go until the end of 2015, with the political calendar winding down we’ve taken a look back over the key events that shaped the political agenda over the last [...]