Fidelity Top Stories
Business optimism in UK plumbs eight-year low
Optimism among small UK businesses plumbed an eight-year low in 2019 in the fourth quarter with Brexit, political uncertainty and slow growth all taking their toll, revealed a study on Monday.
Beijing will honour trade commitments, Chinese ambassador to US says
A top Chinese diplomat said Beijing would honour its commitments under the phase one trade deal that was soon to be signed between Beijing and Washington, even as he criticised talk of a new Cold War as "very irresponsible".
Carney warns firms must cut back on fossil fuel investments
Bank of England governor Mark Carney said all companies and financial institutions must justify their investment in fossil fuels and advised firms to cut down on them as assets in the sector could end up “worthless”.
Russia to broach gradual exit from output curbs in 2020, Novak says
Russia will discuss the need for an exit from current oil output curbs during the coming year, the country's energy minister said in an interview.
US national security adviser warns UK about Huawei 5G tech
US National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien warned the UK about allowing Huawei into its 5G tech networks claiming that it would pose a national security risk.
China expands list of products with reduced tariffs
Economic authorities in China unveiled tariff cuts at the start of the week in a bid to bolster domestic demand and further open up its economy.
Emails show Trump blocked aid to Ukraine after phone call with Zelenskiy
Newly-released government emails show Pentagon officials froze military aid for Ukraine 90 minutes after a controversial phone call last July between the US President, Donald Trump, and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
China praises Macau and says won't allow foreign forces to act in HK
President Xi Jinping said on Friday that China would never allow foreign forces to interfere with its special regions of Hong Kong and Macau, praising the latter for its patriotism.
China and Russia suggest lifting UN sanctions on N.Korea
China and Russia proposed late on Monday that the UN Security Council lift some of its sanctions on North Korea, risking heightened tensions with Washington, a draft seen by Reuters on Tuesday revealed.
BoE will cut rates twice in 2020, BofA says
Uncertainty around the future trading relationship between the UK and European Union will lead to two interest rate cuts by the Bank of England in 2020, a top-ranked research team said.
Boeing suppliers hit by 737 MAX suspension
Shares in global suppliers to Boeing fell across Europe on Tuesday as the aircraft maker said it was suspending production of its controversial 737 MAX passenger jet.
Fiscal watchdog ups borrowing forecasts by £20bn a year
The UK’s fiscal watchdog has increased its forecasts for annual borrowing by £20. 0bn a year, after changes to the way student loans are accounted for.
US Judiciary Committee set to bring articles of Trump impeachment to House floor
The House Judiciary Committee has sent two articles of impeachment against President Trump in advance to the House floor for a final vote in the chamber.
Trade talks have achieved 'major advance', China says
China confirmed that it has reached an agreement with Washington on a phase-one trade deal, including the roll-back of some US tariffs and the cancellation of the new duties that both sides had been preparing to impose on 15 December. The Wall Street Journal story on the China Deal is completely wrong, especially their statement on Tariffs. Fake News. They should find a better leaker! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 13, 2019.
US President denies WSJ report on US-China trade agreement
Reports that the US was set to cancel the new trade tariffs that were set to go ahead on the following and partially roll-back pre-existing ones might be wide of the mark.
US retail sales post modest rise in November, as expected
US retail sales posted a moderate increase last month, as expected.
Conservatives win majority as sterling surges
Boris Johnson's Conservative Party was set for a large majority in parliament after winning seats in traditional Labour heartlands as Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would not contest the next election.
US, China reportedly clinch phase-one trade deal
Negotiators from the US and China have inked the terms of a phase-one trade accord between the two countries, according to reports.
Will Johnson 'get Brexit done' if elected?
Conservative candidate and current Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeated throughout the six-week long election campaign that he will "get Brexit done" if elected, but he could face some hurdles even if he manages to get his Withdrawal Agreement past Parliament.
Varadkar hopes for 'decisive' outcome from UK general election
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said on Thursday that he is holding out for a decisive outcome from the UK general election on 12 December as more uncertainty would be problematic for negotiations with the European Union.