News And Announcements
Japan factory activity contracts more slowly in December
Japan’s factory activity contracted at a slower pace in December, suggesting the sector could be moving closer to stabilising after months of declines.
South Korean factory output falls further than anticipated
South Korea's factory output contracted more sharply than anticipated in November, reflecting mounting challenges from slowing exports and waning business confidence.
Inflation in Tokyo accelerates in December
Inflation in Tokyo accelerated in December, with core consumer prices rising 2. 4% year-on-year, slightly below market expectations of 2. 5%, according to government data released on Friday.
China industrial profits decline more slowly in November
China’s industrial profits declined by 7. 3% in November compared to a year earlier, a significant improvement from the 10% drop recorded in October, according to fresh data released on Friday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
More retailers in 'critical financial distress'
The number of UK retailers facing "critical" financial problems rose more than 25% in the last three months, according to data released earlier by restructuring firm Begbies Traynor.
Private sector outlook at lowest in over two years, CBI says
Private sector firms in the UK expect activity to fall in the first quarter of 2025, with expectations at their weakest levels in more than two years.
UK economy stagnates in third quarter
The UK economy stagnated in the third quarter of the year, according to figures released on Monday by the Office for National Statistics.
No cheer for retailers ahead of Christmas, says CBI
UK retailers were struggling to find any cheer in the run up to Christmas as sales fell amid worries over rising costs next year, according to the Confederation of British Industry.
UK car production plummets 30.1pc in November
UK car manufacturing fell 30. 1% last month to the worst November performance since 1980, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
UK retail sales rise less than expected in November
UK retail sales missed expectations in November, but borrowing figures came in better than expected, according to data released on Friday by the Office for National Statistics.
Bank of England leaves interest rates unchanged
The Bank of England left interest rates on hold at 4. 75% on Thursday, in a move widely expected following a recent uptick in inflation.
Norges Bank leaves rates on hold at 4.50%, signals March rate cut
Norway's central bank kept interest rates on hold on Thursday at a 16-year high of 4. 50%, as widely expected.
FCA extends deadline for firms to respond to motor finance complaints
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) extended the deadline for firms to respond to complaints, it announced on Thursday, related to motor finance agreements without discretionary commission arrangements (DCAs), until 4 December 2025.
Factory output falls at fastest rate since mid-2020 - CBI
Output volumes in the manufacturing sector fell in the quarter to December at the fastest pace since mid-2020, according to the latest Industrial Trends survey from the Confederation of British Industry.
Halifax forecasts 'modest' house price growth in 2025
UK house prices are set to grow "modestly" in 2025, Halifax said on Wednesday, following a better-than-expected performance over the last 12 months.
UK house prices push higher while rents rocket - ONS
UK house prices sparked in October, government data showed on Wednesday, as the market continued to strengthen, while average rents surged by more than 9%.
Amazon reportedly settles with UK drivers over self-employment dispute
Amazon has reached a settlement with thousands of UK delivery drivers, it emerged on Wednesday, who claimed the company deprived them of fair compensation by misclassifying them as self-employed.
UK inflation pushes higher to reach 2.6%
UK inflation reached 2. 6% in November, official data showed on Wednesday, the second consecutive monthly rise.
German business sentiment unexpectedly improves in December - ZEW
German business sentiment unexpectedly improved in December, according to a survey released on Tuesday by the ZEW Center for European Economic Research in Mannheim.
Thames Water seeks High Court approval for £3bn emergency loan
Thames Water, the UK's largest water utility, is seeking High Court approval for a £3bn emergency loan to avert a cash crisis that could see the company run out of funds by March.