Inflation surprise scuppers hope of Christmas interest rate cut Economics A bigger than expected rise in inflation last month has all but scuppered hopes of a cut to interest rates by the Bank of England in December. While economists had been expecting rising energy prices to push inflation beyond the Bank of England’s two per cent target last month, a sharper than expected lift in [...]
Lower interest rates not enough to rally consumer confidence Retail After a steady climb throughout the year so far, consumer confidence dipped in November amid warnings it could continue to fall into 2025. Overall confidence fell from 47.3 in October to 46.9 in November, according to the S&P Global UK Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI) survey. The neutral mark is 50. Chief business economist at S&P, [...]
Has London’s commercial property market finally recovered from the pandemic? Property High-quality office space in London has “continued and sustained appeal” in London, with property take-up finally exceeding pre-pandemic levels, while retail vacancy rates have similarly dipped to their lowest level since 2019. Cushman & Wakefield and Savills have both reported that the central London property market has begun to stabilise, while British property investment trust [...]
Clearscore: Credit score checker returns to profit October 14, 2024 Credit score checker Clearscore returned to the black despite its turnover taking a hit during its latest financial year, it has been revealed. The London-headquartered fintech business has reported a pre-tax profit of £4.8m for 2023, according to newly-filed accounts with Companies House. The total comes after Clearscore posted a pre-tax loss of £9.9m in [...]
Eurozone inflation falls below target for the first time since mid-2021 October 1, 2024 Annual inflation fell to 1.8 per cent in September, down from 2.2 per cent in August and below the 1.9 per cent expected by economists.
House prices rise at fastest pace in two years September 30, 2024 House prices have risen at their fastest pace in two years as easing mortgage rates shift the UK’s property market back into gear, new figures reveal. House prices across Britain rose by 3.2 per cent year on year in September and 0.7 per cent month on month, according to Nationwide’s house price index. “Mortgage rates [...]
Bank of England holds interest rates but Andrew Bailey flags further cuts September 19, 2024 The Bank's decision comes after the Fed reduced interest rates by 50 basis points last night, the first cut since the pandemic.
Why the Bank of England will hold interest rates tomorrow September 18, 2024 The firm consensus is for the Bank of England to hold rates tomorrow, but this will not prevent a further cut in November.
Rightmove: Average price tag on a home jumped by almost £3,000 in September September 16, 2024 The average price tag on a home jumped by nearly £3,000 in September, according to a property website. Across Britain, the typical price being asked for a home coming onto the market increased by 0.8 per cent or £2,974 to reach £370,759. September usually sees a month-on-month price jump, but this year’s increase of 0.8 [...]
Square Mile and Me: Capital Rise CEO Uma Rajah on navigating London’s fintech scene September 12, 2024 Each week we ask a City figure to take a trip down memory lane. Today, Uma Rajah, CEO of Capital Rise, looks back on her journey from car factory floor to fintech boss.