News And Announcements
Chicago PMI beats expectations in January
Economic activity in the Chicago area picked up in January, according to data released on Monday.
China factory growth struggles amid Covid surge
China’s manufacturing sector stalled in January, data showed on Monday, hit by a resurgence in Covid-19 cases and the re-introduction of stringent lockdown measures.
US consumer sentiment falls on Omicron, inflation woes
US consumer sentiment deteriorated in January to its lowest level in more than a decade amid worries about Omicron and inflation, according to a survey from the University of Michigan.
Retail sales fall as Omicron restrictions hit home
Retail sales slipped below seasonal norms in January, an industry survey showed on Thursday, as the rapid spread of Omicron hit trade.
UK car production falls to 66-year low in 2021
UK car production fell to its lowest level since 1956 last year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, with just under 860,000 new cars leaving British factories in 2021.
German ministry trims growth forecasts
The German government cut its economic growth forecast on Wednesday, after restrictions introduced to curb the spread of Omicron weighed heavily.
US consumer confidence deteriorates in January
US consumer confidence deteriorated in January as short-term expectations weakened, according to a survey released on Tuesday.
Prices set to jump as factories battle surging costs - CBI
UK manufacturers are poised to ramp up prices as they battle rising costs and labour shortages, a closely-watched survey showed on Tuesday.
German business sentiment improves in January - Ifo
German business sentiment unexpectedly improved in January, according to a survey released on Tuesday by the Ifo Institute.
UK borrowing drops more than expected in December
UK government borrowing fell more than expected in December thanks to improved tax revenues, according to figures released on Tuesday by the Office for National Statistics.
UK's Johnson defends proposed NI hike
Calls by a senior Conservative backbencher to scrap a planned UK National Insurance rise have been dismissed by the prime minister.
Gold prices continue to push higher
Gold prices pushed higher on Monday, fuelled by ongoing geopolitical concerns and rising inflation.
FCA staff to vote on potential strike action
Unite is to ballot staff at the Financial Conduct Authority over potential industrial action, the union confirmed on Monday.
Morgan Stanley reiterates 'buy' for FTSE 100, highlights 'defensive' qualities
Analysts at Morgan Stanley sounded a 'bullish' note on the outlook for the FTSE 100, highlighting its greater 'defensive' properties relative to rivals, higher dividend yields versus global peers, exposure to energy and record low expectations for growth in the profits of its constituent companies.
UK economy falters as Omicron wave hits service sector
The UK economy faltered in January, a closely-watched survey showed on Monday, after the rapid spread of Omicron weighed heavily on the service sector.
UK retail sales slump 3.7% in December as Omicron hits footfall
UK retail sales fell a worse-than-expected 3. 7% in December as the Omicron Covid variant deterred shoppers, according to official data released on Friday.
Mounting cost of living undermines UK consumer confidence - GfK
Consumer confidence in the UK weakened in January, a survey showed on Friday, as concerns about the rising cost of living mounted.
UK house prices continue to rise as new listings dwindle
The number of new properties coming to market continued to slide in December, a closely-watched survey showed on Thursday, pushing house prices higher.
BoE's Bailey flags risks of energy inflation becoming more embedded
A slower decline in energy prices than was expected up to just a few months ago risked embedding them for longer in overall inflation pressures, the Governor of the Bank of England said.
US housing starts unexpectedly rise in December
US housing starts unexpectedly rose in December and building permits surged, according to figures released on Wednesday by the Commerce Department.