News And Announcements
German economy 'slipping into recession' - Ifo
Germany is on the brink of recession, a leading economic institute warned on Monday, after business sentiment slumped to levels not seen since the start of the pandemic.
UK house prices continue to rise - Rightmove
House prices continued to push higher in September, industry data showed on Monday, despite the cost-of-living crisis and interest rates at 14-year highs.
US business activity eases again in September
US business activity shrank again in September, albeit at a slower pace, according to a survey released on Friday.
Chancellor slashes taxes in bid to boost growth
Newly-appointed chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng unveiled his plans to boost economic growth on Friday, including axing the cap on bankers’ bonuses, abolishing the highest rate of income tax and permanently increasing the stamp duty threshold.
Retail sales slide in September - CBI
Retail sales fell sharply in September, a closely-watched industry survey showed on Friday, reversing a brief return to growth seen over the summer.
UK business activity declines amid cost pressures, waning demand
UK business activity fell in September at the fastest rate since January 2021, as cost pressures and waning demand took their toll, according to a survey released on Friday.
Confidence slumps as UK consumers 'buckle' under cost of living crisis
Consumer confidence has tumbled to fresh lows, a closely-watched survey showed on Friday, as the cost of living crisis continues to weigh heavily.
National Insurance increase to be reversed from November
Kwasi Kwarteng confirmed on Thursday that the 1. 25 percentage point rise in National Insurance that came into force in April will be reversed from November.
BoE hikes rates by 50 basis points
The Bank of England hiked interest rates by 50 basis points to 2. 25% on Thursday as it looks to combat surging inflation.
UK government lifts ban on fracking for shale gas
The government has lifted a ban on fracking for shale gas "to bolster the UK’s energy security".
Norway lifts rates by 50 basis points, expects another hike in November
The Norges Bank hiked its benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points to a 10-year high of 2. 25% on Thursday as it looks to tackle rising inflation, and indicated that rates will most likely be lifted again in November.
UK govt considering QE change to avert £10bn payout to banks - report
UK Prime Minister Liz Truss’s new government has reportedly looked at changing the Bank of England’s money-printing programme to save the UK taxpayer billions of pounds.
Outlook weakens for UK manufacturers - CBI
Manufacturers are braced for a tough winter, a closely-watched industry survey showed on Wednesday, after output softened.
Link facing £50m fine in Woodford probe
Link Fund Solutions is facing a £50m fine for its role in the collapse of the Woodford Equity Income Fund, the UK's financial watchdog confirmed on Wednesday.
Business energy bills to be capped during winter months
Business energy bills are to be discounted for six months, the government confirmed on Wednesday, in response to surging wholesale energy prices.
Truss to announce stamp duty cut - report
UK housebuilders rallied on Wednesday following a report that Friday’s mini-budget could include a plan to cut stamp duty.
Government borrowing outstrips forecasts
Public borrowing far outstripped forecasts in August, official data showed on Wednesday, as the cost of servicing debt surged.
US housing starts rise in August
US housing starts rose in August, according to figures released on Tuesday by the Commerce Department, but analysts argued the gain may be short-lived.
Sweden hikes interest rates
Sweden’s central bank upped interest rates on Tuesday, as it warned that further increases were likely.
German producer prices surge at record pace
German producer prices surged last month, official data showed on Tuesday, pushed higher by the soaring cost of energy.