News And Announcements
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.
UK retail sales fall more than expected
UK retail sales fell more than expected in October amid uncertainty ahead of the Budget, according to figures released on Friday by the Office for National Statistics.
UK consumer confidence lifts post Budget - GfK
Consumer confidence jumped in November, a long-running survey showed on Friday, after uncertainty seen in the run-up to the Budget eased.
Factory owners upbeat despite output slide
British manufacturers expect conditions to improve in the coming months, a long-running survey showed on Thursday, despite seeing a slide in output in November.
Watchdog mulls giving car finance firms until late 2025 to handle complaints
The financial watchdog is considering giving firms up until the end of 2025 to handle car finance complaints, it confirmed on Thursday.
UK govt borrows more than expected in October
The UK government borrowed more than expected in October as spending and debt repayments outstripped tax receipts, official data showed on Thursday.
Tokyo metro operator grabs Elizabeth Line contract from China's MTR
Tokyo's metro system operator, Japanese trading company Sumitomo and Britain's Go-Ahead Group have won a contract to operate London's troubled Elizabeth Line, taking over from China's MTR, officials announced on Wednesday.
House prices push higher in September - UK HPI
UK house prices continued to grow in September, official data showed on Wednesday, despite weakness in the London market.
UK inflation rises more than expected amid higher energy bills
UK inflation jumped past the Bank of England’s target in October after energy bills rose, according to data released on Wednesday by the Office for National Statistics.
GMB union calls retailer jobs threat on tax measures 'pathetic'
The GMB Union on Tuesday called large UK retailers "utterly pathetic" over their threat to cut jobs in response to tax measures in the new Labour government's first Budget.
Retailers warn of £7bn spike in costs from Budget measures
More than 80 leading retail leaders signed an open letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Tuesday, expressing grave concerns about the economic impact of the Autumn Budget on the retail sector.
UK consumer sentiment dips as confidence in finances declines
Consumer confidence in the UK edged lower in November, according to the results of a survey from S&P Global on Monday, as falling optimism about job security and a gloomier outlook for household finances weighed on sentiment.
Energy prices expected to rise further in Q1
UK energy prices are expected to rise again in early 2025 to an average £1,736 per household, according to energy consultants Cornwall Insight.
Budget weighs on UK house prices - Rightmove
UK house prices eased in November, industry research showed on Monday, as uncertainty around the Budget weighed on demand.