News And Announcements
Global macro outlook "more uncertain", says Bank of England
The Bank of England has warned that the global economic outlook has become more uncertain and risks have increased, while a potential sharp correction in asset prices could hike the cost of borrowing.
Mortgage approvals hit two-year high - Bank of England
Mortgage approvals hit a two-year high in October, Bank of England data showed on Friday, as the UK housing market continued to regain ground.
UK house prices to rise 2.5% in 2025, Zoopla says
Lower mortgage rates have supported a return to house price growth across every region of the UK, according to Zoopla, which has predicted a 2. 5% increase in prices next year with buyer demand up by a quarter on last year.
UK retail footfall tumbles in November - BRC
Retail footfall tumbled in November, industry data showed on Friday, hit by stormy weather, weak consumer confidence and tough comparatives.
French borrowing costs mount on budget tensions
France’s borrowing costs briefly topped those of Greece on Thursday, as political tensions around controversial budget plans mounted.
UK car production tumbles 15pc in October
UK car manufacturing output declined 15. 3% in October, with just 77,484 vehicles produced, marking the eighth consecutive month of contraction, according to data released on Thursday by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
UK consumer sentiment remains weak - BRC
UK consumer confidence remained largely unchanged following the Budget, a survey showed on Thursday, weighed down by ongoing concerns about the strength of the economy.
RMT accepts pay offer, settles tube dispute with TfL
The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said it had settled its long running pay dispute with London Underground, calling the result a “substantial victory”.
FCA fines former Wizz Air exec for secret trading
The Financial Conduct Authority said on Wednesday that it has fined András Sebők, former chief supply chain officer at Wizz Air, for trading company shares when he wasn’t allowed and failing to disclose his trades.
Supermarket loyalty pricing not disadvantaging consumers - CMA
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published its findings on loyalty pricing in the UK grocery sector on Wednesday, concluding that such practices were not creating unfair disadvantages after a nearly year-long review.
RBNZ lowers interest rate, tempers expectations for future cuts
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand lowered its official cash rate (OCR) by 50 basis points to 4. 25% on Wednesday, marking its second consecutive half-point cut.
UK retailer sentiment falls at fastest pace in two years
UK retailer sentiment fell at the fastest pace in two years throughout November, according to the Confederation of British Industry.
UK shop price inflation slows further in November
Shop prices in the UK continued to decline in November, it was reported on Tuesday, but the rate of deflation slowed, signaling a potential shift in inflationary trends.
US composite PMI shows robust expansion for November
The US economy showed signs of robust expansion in November, with S&P Global's composite purchasing managers’ index (PMI) reaching a 31-month high of 55. 3, up from October's 54. 1.
CMA says Apple's browser policies hinder innovation
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced on Friday that it has provisionally found that Apple’s policies on mobile browsers hinder innovation, impacting UK businesses and millions of users.
Gatwick Airport terminal evacuated amid 'security incident'
A large part of Gatwick Airport's South Terminal was evacuated on Friday morning due to a “security incident”.
Life insurers need to work quicker to handle bereavements, says FCA
The Financial Conduct Authority has urged life insurers to avoid "unnecessary delays" when settling life insurance claims quicker and improve their customer experience.
Gensler confirms departure as SEC chief next January
US financial regulator chief Gary Gensler on Friday said he would stand down when president-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated in January.
UK business output contracts in November
UK business output contracted in November for the first time in more than a year, according to a survey released on Friday.
Ofgem hikes energy price cap to £1,738 per year
Th energy price cap for the first quarter of 2025 has been raised by 1. 2%, according to a statement on Friday by Ofgem, meaning that the average household could pay up to £1,738 a year on average for electricity and gas.