Inflation puts strain on UK households February 22, 2010 THE rapid pace of inflation means that British households are still feeling the strain almost two months after the country officially emerged from recession, a survey revealed yesterday. Markit/YouGov data showed that UK consumer finances worsened again in February, partly because income levels were unable to keep pace with increases in prices for goods and [...]
Doubts about the pace of the recovery will soon surface October 4, 2009 After Friday’s weaker-than-expected US jobs data and ensuing sell-off in stock markets, doubts are creeping back in as to whether the global economic recovery can be sustained, and the risk of a double-dip recession, although low, is rising. There is a heavy dose of economic data and central bank policy announcements on the calendar this [...]
All eyes on Ben Bernanke’s testimony to Congress February 21, 2010 A QUICK look at last week’s performance data for European equities and bonds would suggest at first glance that the economic outlook for Europe had improved. The DAX and FTSE tacked on gains while German and UK bond yields moved higher. However, looks can be deceiving: we received a barrage of weak UK economic data [...]
Britons more bullish on jobs and outlook September 8, 2009 BRITISH consumers are more confident about the future economic situation and sentiment about the present has also improved, the Nationwide consumer confidence survey will say today. The survey indicates that all the confidence indices rose during August with the expectations index rising by three points to 94. The present situation index, which has generally been [...]
Britons more bullish on jobs and outlook September 8, 2009 BRITISH consumers are more confident about the future economic situation and sentiment about the present has also improved, the Nationwide consumer confidence survey will say today. The survey indicates that all the confidence indices rose during August with the expectations index rising by three points to 94. The present situation index, which has generally been [...]
Bernanke will tighten fiscal screws on US February 10, 2010 Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke indicated the central bank will soon begin tightening the screws on the US money supply. He said the central bank will reduce the stimulus package by removing some cash from the financial system and then raising interest rates. The cuts will not be implemented for some time but the statement [...]
Japan boosted by GDP growth February 15, 2010 JAPAN yesterday beat forecasts by reporting fourth-quarter GDP figures which maintained its position as the world’s second largest economy. Real GDP grew 1.1 per cent from October to December last year compared to the previous quarter – equivalent to an annualised growth rate of 4.6 per cent, according to official government figures. The boost means [...]
TUI Travel hit by traditional winter slump February 9, 2010 INTERNATIONAL holiday company TUI Travel’s operating losses trebled to £107m in the three months ending 31 December, the company revealed yesterday, as it reported sales of £2.5bn, an eight per cent reduction on the previous year. The company typically experiences losses in this period, with core business based in summer. The increased loss was attributed [...]
Car scrappage scheme boosts sales by 280,000 January 13, 2010 NEARLY 290,000 cars have been sold through the government’s scrappage scheme. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said yesterday that 284,479 new cars were registered through the scrappage scheme between May and December. The scheme, which rewards consumers trading in their old vehicle for a new, fuel-efficient one with a £2,000 subsidy, accounted [...]
ANALYST VIEWS: HOW ROSY IS THE OUTLOOK FOR GREENE KING? January 27, 2010 MARK BRUMBY | ASTAIRE SECURITIES “Greene King is performing strongly. There is a note of caution regarding the remainder of the year, but the group is confident it will hit targets. The economic environment is uncertain and the employment outlook in Scotland is set to worsen but Greene King, which trades at ten times earnings, [...]