First-time buyer numbers ‘were lowest in a decade in 2023’ January 2, 2024 The number of first-time buyers who purchased a home with a mortgage in 2023 is estimated to be the lowest in a decade, according to a building society. Yorkshire Building Society calculated that, across the UK, there were around 290,000 first-time buyers in the mortgage market in 2023, shrinking by a fifth (21 per cent) [...]
Shift to smoke-free Britain continues as number of vape shops jumps again January 2, 2024 The number of independent vape shops has jumped again across the UK over the last year, amid plans to create a “smoke-free generation” by limiting their sale to children. Another 233 independent vape shops opened in 2023, a significant jump from 2022’s next increase of 61 and 2021’s net fall of 23, according to the [...]
Cost of living crisis? Champagne sales in House of Lords reach highest level for five years January 2, 2024 The cost is up slightly from the 2022 total, when 1,580 bottles were sold at a cost of £85,462.51.
What next at Next? Retailer to update on Christmas trading January 2, 2024 Retail investors across the UK will be eyeing up Next’s festive trading update as they attempt to figure out how good or bad the Christmas period was for the sector.
Warnings of further delays as Eurostar services restart December 31, 2023 Eurostar speed restrictions and uncertainty surrounding the second tunnel means further disruption is possible, the operator has warned.
UK recession forecasts will send ‘chill’ for workers, shopworkers union boss warns December 28, 2023 “It is a disgrace that many are struggling to make ends meet and do not get the respect they deserve. They need a government on their side.”
Last Friday before Christmas was busiest day of 2023 for cash withdrawals December 28, 2023 The last Friday before Christmas Day was “by far” the busiest day of this year to date for cash machine withdrawals, according to Link. The UK cash access and ATM network said Friday December 22 was not only the busiest day in 2023, but the biggest total it had seen for withdrawals since the start [...]
Paddington rail services including Elizabeth Line suspended after person hit by train December 28, 2023 Rail services at the UK’s second busiest station are suspended after a person was struck by a train, Great Western Railway (GWR) said. All lines serving London Paddington are blocked following the incident in the Slough area. The incident is affecting GWR and Elizabeth line services. Disruption is expected to continue until 11am. GWR said: [...]
FTSE 100: London climbs to three-month high after Christmas break December 28, 2023 London’s top index moved 0.36 per cent , or 27.44 points higher, to finish at 7,724.95.
Wall Street drifts higher as a strong year for markets winds down December 28, 2023 Wall Street drifted to a slightly higher close as trading remained light during the holiday-shortened week. The subdued activity in the market with two trading days left in the year is capping off a broader rally to a strong finish. The S&P 500 is coming of its eight straight winning week and is hovering just [...]