Westminster and Holyrood set to clash over fracking August 15, 2014 Moves to liberalise the regulations for fracking natural gas face a rough ride north of the border, with Scotland's energy minister Ferus Ewing pledging to oppose plans that would prevent householders from objecting to drilling under their homes. The Department of Energy and Climate Change is running a consultation over whether to allow companies to [...]
Back to the 90s: What’s in store for 2015 markets November 11, 2014 US equities will stay in bull mode, but the problems for Europe look likely to persist. As we approach the end of 2014, many investors will be reviewing the performance of their portfolios, with a view to repositioning them ready for 2015. Here are my thoughts on where the major markets are heading. [...]
UK to talk with industry over North Sea tax July 14, 2014 The government yesterday reaffirmed its argument that only a unified UK can give the North Sea the support it needs, as it called on industry to give its views on the UK oil and gas tax regime. The North Sea’s potentially lucrative resources have been used as a political pawn in the Scottish independence debate, [...]
Boris Johnson: Don’t savage London powerhouse – Tory party conference September 29, 2014 Boris Johnson will today launch a valiant defence of London’s dominant position in the UK, telling the Conservative party conference that the capital’s success is crucial for British economic growth. He will also seek to boost his party’s morale in the face of recent defections to Ukip, warning Conservatives against jumping ship. Johnson is expected [...]
Bitcoin market is the “wild west”, says US regulator August 14, 2014 A US government agency has warned consumers that they may be stepping into the "Wild West" when entering the cryptocurrency market. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released a report this week saying cryptocurrencies have potential benefits, but the public needed to be wary when entering the world of digital currencies. The agency highlighted the principle [...]
ECB rates, growth and stimulus: Four charts that tell you what you need to know September 4, 2014 Today has been a busy day for central bank watchers. The Bank of England's monetary policy committee voted to keep rates at a record low of 0.5 per cent – but the European Central Bank (ECB) was where today's action really was. The ECB, against expectations, cut interest rates to 0.05 per cent and later [...]
Will interests rates rise early after No vote in the Scottish independence referendum? September 19, 2014 The No vote in the Scottish independence referendum could make an interest rate next spring more likely. Despite the No vote, however, the consensus is that it remains unlikely that rates will rise before then. A Yes vote could well have postponed any hike. In a recent speech Mark Carney said he saw a rate rise next [...]
Ministers take a step closer to plain packaging for cigarettes June 26, 2014 The government moves a step closer to introducing plain packaging for cigarettes today, with a statement introducing a final consultation on the measure. Health minister Jane Ellison yesterday announced a six-week consultation, ending on 7 August, to include draft legislation as an advance warning to tobacco manufacturers. In November last year, the government commissioned Sir [...]
Global oil firms welcome Egypt fuel subsidy cut July 7, 2014 INTERNATIONAL oil companies yesterday welcomed the Egyptian government’s decision to slash subsidies on fuel and natural gas, which took effect over the weekend. The cut was met with anger by a number of minibus and taxi drivers in the country, after it sent fuel prices up more than 70 per cent, but the government is [...]
Mary Queen of Shops flagship scheme failing to make an impact August 2, 2014 Mary Portas' government funded scheme to restore the high street has failed to have a significant impact, reports Sky News. Portas' high street revival project received £1.2m in public funding and focused on 12 town centres. Wolverhampton was one those chosen to pilot the scheme and received £100,000. The results were mixed, with five retail [...]