News And Announcements
UK private sector output growth hits six-month high
Output growth in the UK private sector hit a six-month high in March, thanks to a rebound in the services sector, according to a survey released on Monday.
Heathrow had enough power capacity during outage - National Grid CEO
National Grid’s chief executive said over the weekend Heathrow Airport had sufficient electrical capacity to remain operational during Friday’s fire-related power outage, intensifying questions over the airport’s decision to close for nearly 18 hours.
Heathrow to resume limited flights after fire causes power cut
London’s Heathrow airport said some operations would resume on Friday after a fire at a local electricity substation overnight caused a power outage, hitting more than 1,300 flights and disrupting air travel globally.
IATA criticises Heathrow over possible 'planning failure'
The airline industry trade body has attacked Heathrow management for what appeared to be a "clear planning failure" in not having a sufficient backup power source after a fire at a local electricity substation causing an outage and closed the airport.
UK borrowing overshoots expectations in February
UK borrowing significantly overshot expectations in February, according to data released on Friday by the Office for National Statistics.
UK consumer confidence up in March but still 'fragile', GfK says
Consumer confidence in the UK improved slightly in March, but remained "fragile", the results of a closely followed survey showed.
Bank of England leaves interest rates on hold
The Bank of England left the cost of borrowing at 4. 5% on Thursday, in a widely-expected decision.
German producer prices rise by less than forecast
Producer prices across Germany rose by less than expected in February, official data showed on Thursday.
SNB sets rates at 0.25pc in fifth consecutive cut
Switzerland’s central bank reduced its policy interest rate by 25 basis points to 0. 25% on Thursday, marking its fifth consecutive cut since March 2024.
UK unemployment rate steady, wage growth remains 'relatively strong'
The UK unemployment rate was unchanged in January, while wage growth slowed slightly but remained "relatively strong", according to figures released on Thursday by the Office for National Statistics.
Demand for bigger homes driving house price growth - Halifax
Demand for larger homes is driving house price growth across the UK, industry data published on Thursday suggested.
UK consumer sentiment stabilises, but outlook still uncertain
UK consumer sentiment improved slightly in March, according to a new survey out from the British Retail Consortium on Thursday, bouncing back after a record-low reading in February.
Southern Water seeking debt relief from some creditors - reports
Southern Water is seeking debt relief from some of its creditors, it was reported on Wednesday, as its owner Macquarie Asset Management injected fresh capital into the struggling UK utility.
Bank of Japan keeps key policy rate at 0.5%
The Bank of Japan maintained its key policy rate steady at 0. 5% on Wednesday, as expected.
VR headsets and yoga mats added to inflation basket
Exercise mats, pre-cooked pulled pork and VR headsets have all been added to the basket of goods used to calculate inflation, the Office for National Statistics confirmed on Tuesday.
Gold hits fresh high as global tensions mount
Gold prices hit fresh highs on Tuesday on the back of mounting geopolitical tensions, including renewed hostilities in the Middle East and the prospect of a global trade war.
OECD cuts global growth forecasts on trade war risks
Global economic expansion is expected to slow over 2025 and 2026 as policy uncertainty hits investment and household consumption, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which cut its growth outlook on Monday.
UK consumers more pessimistic as job insecurity persists
UK consumers grew a little more pessimistic about their finances in March as job insecurity persisted, according to a survey released on Monday.
House prices rise in March; decade-high choice to benefit Spring buyers
The average price of a home coming to market rose in March in line with the long-term average increase for that month, as many new sellers priced sensibly amid decade-high competition to sell, according to Rightmove.
Gold prices top $3,000 as macro, geopolitical fears hit risk appetite
Gold prices topped the $3,000 mark for the first time in history on Friday as investors continue to seek safe havens amid fears about the global economy and the uncertain geopolitical environment.