News And Announcements
No cheer for retailers ahead of Christmas, says CBI
UK retailers were struggling to find any cheer in the run up to Christmas as sales fell amid worries over rising costs next year, according to the Confederation of British Industry.
UK car production plummets 30.1pc in November
UK car manufacturing fell 30. 1% last month to the worst November performance since 1980, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
UK retail sales rise less than expected in November
UK retail sales missed expectations in November, but borrowing figures came in better than expected, according to data released on Friday by the Office for National Statistics.
Bank of England leaves interest rates unchanged
The Bank of England left interest rates on hold at 4. 75% on Thursday, in a move widely expected following a recent uptick in inflation.
Norges Bank leaves rates on hold at 4.50%, signals March rate cut
Norway's central bank kept interest rates on hold on Thursday at a 16-year high of 4. 50%, as widely expected.
FCA extends deadline for firms to respond to motor finance complaints
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) extended the deadline for firms to respond to complaints, it announced on Thursday, related to motor finance agreements without discretionary commission arrangements (DCAs), until 4 December 2025.
Factory output falls at fastest rate since mid-2020 - CBI
Output volumes in the manufacturing sector fell in the quarter to December at the fastest pace since mid-2020, according to the latest Industrial Trends survey from the Confederation of British Industry.
Halifax forecasts 'modest' house price growth in 2025
UK house prices are set to grow "modestly" in 2025, Halifax said on Wednesday, following a better-than-expected performance over the last 12 months.
UK house prices push higher while rents rocket - ONS
UK house prices sparked in October, government data showed on Wednesday, as the market continued to strengthen, while average rents surged by more than 9%.
Amazon reportedly settles with UK drivers over self-employment dispute
Amazon has reached a settlement with thousands of UK delivery drivers, it emerged on Wednesday, who claimed the company deprived them of fair compensation by misclassifying them as self-employed.
UK inflation pushes higher to reach 2.6%
UK inflation reached 2. 6% in November, official data showed on Wednesday, the second consecutive monthly rise.
German business sentiment unexpectedly improves in December - ZEW
German business sentiment unexpectedly improved in December, according to a survey released on Tuesday by the ZEW Center for European Economic Research in Mannheim.
Thames Water seeks High Court approval for £3bn emergency loan
Thames Water, the UK's largest water utility, is seeking High Court approval for a £3bn emergency loan to avert a cash crisis that could see the company run out of funds by March.
German business sentiment deteriorates in December - Ifo
German business sentiment deteriorated in December, according to a survey released on Tuesday by the Ifo Institute.
UK unemployment rate steady, pay growth picks up
The UK unemployment rate was steady in the three months to October, while pay growth picked up, according to figures released on Tuesday by the Office for National Statistics.
Manufacturing recession sees German economy contract further
Germany’s economy continued to contract in December, marking the sixth consecutive month of declining business activity, according to the latest HCOB flash purchasing managers’ index (PMI).
UK private sector employment sees fastest decline in nearly four years
The UK experienced the fastest decline in private sector employment for nearly four years in December, despite a marginal increase in output, according to a survey released on Monday.
UK house prices fall again in December - Rightmove
New seller asking prices fell again in December as the market slowed down in the run-up to Christmas, but activity remained strong compared to last year, according to data released by Rightmove on Monday.
German exports fall by more than expected 2.8% in October
German exports in October fell by a more-than-expected 2. 8% and imports dropped 0. 1% month on month on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to official data published on Friday.
Royal Mail fined £10.5m for missing delivery targets
Royal Mail has been fined £10. 5m by the communications regulator Ofcom for failing to meet delivery targets for first and second-class mail in the 2023-2024 financial year.