Fidelity Top Stories
Spanish Socialist leader announces deal to study Constitutional reform
Spain's Socialist leader welcomed a deal with the country's Prime Minister to analyse a possible reform of the Constitution.
Spain takes first step towards invoking Article 155
Spain's government has taken a first step towards invoking article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, which would open the door to the possible suspension, in part or in whole, of the region of Catalonia's autonomy.
Madrid mulls response to Puigdemont's 'suspended independence'
Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy will chair a special meeting of his cabinet on Wednesday after Catalan president Carles Puigdemont simultaneously declared and suspended independence for the region.
IMF bumps up global GDP forecasts for 2017 and 2018
The world's financial watchdog bumped its forecasts for global economic growth this year and next even as it marked down projections for the US and UK in comparison to the prior set of estimates made in July.
Trade deficit worsens as exporters 'hoard cash due to Brexit risks'
UK exports improved slightly but the trade deficit widened to almost its highest in a year, the Office for National Statistics revealed on Tuesday, which is likely to have dragged on national growth in the third quarter.
Government eyes Nafta membership if 'no deal' reached in Brexit talks
The government is examining whether Britain could attach itself to the North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement (Nafta) in the event of a 'no deal Brexit', according to a reports on Tuesday.
BAE Systems 'streamlining' will see almost 2000 jobs axed
BAE Systems will cut 1,925 jobs from its UK workforce as the giant defence contractor attempts to keep production "at competitive costs".
Improving manufacturing sector boosts pound, though sceptics remain
UK industrial and manufacturing data has improved more than expected, giving a slight lift to the pound on Tuesday as Bank of England watchers were sceptical over the likely impact on national growth and interest rates.
UK construction activity makes modest recovery after four-month lull
Thanks to a modest revival in infrastructure and private housebuilding, UK construction activity showed more signs of life last month after four consecutive months of negative growth for the industry.
Catalan crisis reaches D-Day as Puigdemont set to deliver key speech
All eyes will be on Spain and Catalonia later today as Catalan president Carles Puigdmeont prepares a key speech in front of the regional parliament on the next stage of the independence movement.
US and Turkey suspend visa services indefinitely
Turkey and the United States have mutually suspended visa services between the two countries after a row between the two consular departments.
Catalan officials make conflicting remarks, some see olive branch
A top Catalan official says the regional government is willing to talk to the central government, blaming Madrid for the impasse, even as other officials in Barcelona hint at pursuing a more drawn out declaration of independence, lasting perhaps weeks or months.
China FX reserves increase slightly in September
China's foreign exchange reserves were little changed last month as capital outflows from Asia's largest economy remained small.
Decline in UK consumer spending continues - Visa
The latest spending data from Visa UK showed a continued decline in household expenditure throughout September, the fourth fall in the past five months.
Spanish government representative apologises for Catalonia violence
A representative for the Spanish government in Catalonia has apologised for the violence which marred Sunday’s illegal referendum in the region.
UK productivity falls further to eat into Chancellor's buffer
Already low British productivity is worsening, official figures showed on Friday, which is expected to lead to reduced growth forecasts and limit.
US jobs growth misses forecasts in September, yet unemployment slumps
US non-farm payrolls figures for September surprised on the downside, but wage growth accelerated very quickly, although economists put the latter down to the impact of hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
Kevin Warsh clear favourite to take over as Fed Chair, Oxford Economics says
Former Federal Reserve Board governor and Morgan Stanley banker Kevin Warsh has a 40% chance of being appointed as the new chair of the Fed, according to Oxford Economics.
UK high street sales solid in September but October starts badly
UK retail sales were solid in September but growth remained weak amid rising prices, a consumer crunch and declining high street footfall.
BoE's Woods warns Brexit transition deal needs to happen by Christmas
Banks would start to move out of the UK if a Brexit transition deal was not agreed by Christmas, a Bank of England deputy governor warned.