News And Announcements
China inflation nudges higher, narrowly misses forecasts
Inflation in China nudged marginally higher in May, official data showed on Wednesday, while producer prices eased.
UK economy stagnates in April
The UK economy stagnated in April, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics on Wednesday, having just come out of a recession a month earlier.
UK's Sunak pledges £17bn in tax cuts, but questions remain over reliability of planned funding
Embattled UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has promised almost £17bn in tax cuts in an effort to kick-start his faltering election campaign that sees his Conservative Party trailing badly in the polls ahead of the vote on July 4.
UK mortgages in arrears hit highest level since 2016
The share of outstanding UK mortgages in arrears rose to its highest level in nearly eight years in the first quarter of 2024, according to statistics released on Tuesday by the Bank of England, as elevated borrowing costs took their toll on household finances.
Heathrow sees record passenger numbers in year to May
Heathrow served a record number of passengers over the past year after the the busiest-ever May, the UK airport announced on Tuesday.
UK wages grow faster than expected
Wages grew faster than expected in the three months to April, according to figures released on Tuesday by the Office for National Statistics, dashing hopes of a rate cut this summer.
Retail sales tick higher - BDO
UK retail sales nudged higher last week, industry data showed on Friday, helped by improving weather.
House prices static in May - Halifax
House prices were largely unchanged last month, industry data showed on Friday, as the market continued to stabilise.
German economy improving but inflation remains 'stubborn' - Bundesbank
The German economy is gaining momentum after two years of weakness, the Bundesbank said on Friday, despite "stubborn" inflation.
German industrial production unexpectedly falls, exports tick higher
German exports pushed higher in April, official data showed on Friday, but industrial production continued to disappoint.
ECB cuts rates for first time in five years
The European Central Bank cut interest rates by 25 basis points on Thursday, as widely expected.
UK economy to grow by more than expected - BCC
The British Chambers of Commerce upgraded its outlook for the UK economy on Thursday, but warned long-term growth was likely to be subdued.
UK construction sector grows at fastest pace in two years
The UK construction sector grew in May at its fastest pace in two years, according to a survey released on Thursday.
Eurozone construction sector continues to struggle
The Eurozone’s beleaguered construction sector saw another sharp fall in orders in May, official data showed on Thursday, weighing heavily on employment.
US private sector adds fewer jobs than expected in May - ADP
Private sector employment in the US rose less than expected in May, according to figures released on Wednesday by ADP.
UK services sector expands in May, price pressures ease
The UK’s services sector continued to expand last month, a closely-watched survey showed on Wednesday, although the pace of growth eased.
Electric and hybrid sales drive new car registrations higher in May
New car sales in the UK climbed in May on the back of strong growth in hybrid and electric vehicles, offsetting a decline in demand for diesel and petrol models.
China’s services sector expands again in May - Caixin
Activity in China’s services sector accelerated in May at its fastest pace in 10 months, according to data released on Wednesday.
Card spending at three-year low as consumers rein in non-essential purchases
Spending growth on UK credit and debit cards slowed to its lowest in more than three years in May as consumers cut back on discretionary spending, especially on non-essential food and drink, in the face of rising household bills.
Bank holidays help UK retail sales inch higher in May
UK retail sales inched higher in May, staging a minor rebound after a disappointing performance in April, according to figures out on Tuesday from the British Retail Consortium and KPMG.