News And Announcements
UK house price growth accelerates in December - ONS
Growth in average UK house prices accelerated in December, according to data released on Wednesday by the Office for National Statistics.
RBNZ slashes cash rate but warns on slower global growth, trade wars
New Zealand’s central bank slashed its benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points on Wednesday but warned on geopolitical tensions and slower global growth.
Inflation hits higher-than-expected 3% in January
The annual rate of consumer price inflation rose to 3% in January from 2. 5% the month before, versus expectations for a smaller uptick to 2. 8%, according to figures released on Wednesday by the Office for National Statistics.
NAHB housing market index falls to five-month low
The National Association of Housebuilders' housing market index fell to 42 in February, down from 47 in January for the lowest reading in the last five months. Concerns regarding tariffs, elevated mortgage rates and high housing costs weighed on the gauge.
Government launches consultation on Great British Railways plans
The UK government expanded on its plans to overhaul the country’s rail system on Tuesday, introducing a new independent passenger watchdog and establishing Great British Railways (GBR) to unify track and train operations.
UK wage growth accelerates, unemployment rate unchanged
UK pay growth accelerated in the three months to December, while the unemployment rate was steady, according to figures released on Tuesday by the Office for National Statistics.
Employer confidence slides ahead of NI, minimum wage increases
Employer confidence in the UK had weakened significantly, according to fresh industry research released on Monday, with businesses increasingly planning job cuts and scaling back investment in response to rising employment costs, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
BoE's Andrew Bailey says economy remains 'static' despite surprise Q4 GDP growth
Andrew Bailey has played down the upside surprise in last week's fourth-quarter GDP figures, saying that UK economic growth still remains "static".
Rate cuts boost UK consumer confidence, but sentiment still subdued
Consumer confidence in the UK was given a boost in February by recent interest-rate cuts, but views on household finances still remain subdued.
UK house price growth slows in February - Rightmove
UK house price growth slowed in February as the stamp duty deadline loomed, but activity remained "robust", according to data released by Rightmove on Monday.
Eurozone industrial production falls sharply in December
The Eurozone’s ailing manufacturing sector ended 2024 on the back foot, official data showed on Thursday, after industrial production fell by more than expected.
Surveyors upbeat despite house market dip - Rics
The UK house market softened slightly in January, a closely-watch survey showed on Thursday, as the year got off to a slower start.
UK economy unexpectedly expands in Q4
The UK economy unexpectedly grew in the fourth quarter, according to figures released on Thursday by the Office for National Statistics.
BoE's Catherine Mann plays down inflation concerns
Subdued domestic demand and a weak labour market are likely to keep a lid on inflationary pressures this year, according to a Bank of England policymaker who voted for an ‘activist’ 50-basis point cut in interest rates last week.
UK retail sales jump in January, but cost pressures on the rise
UK shoppers braced stormy weather in January to take advantage of promotional deals, according to data out on Tuesday, with sales rising strongly compared with the year before.
German industrial production slumps by more than expected
German industrial production slumped in December, official data showed on Friday, as Europe’s biggest economy ended 2024 on the back foot.
House prices jump in January - Halifax
House prices jumped in January to reach fresh highs, industry data showed on Friday, reversing December’s fall.
UK retail footfall jumps in January, despite wintery weather
Retail footfall jumped in January, industry data showed on Friday, as shoppers braved winter weather to hit the January sales.
Bank of England cuts rates to 4.5%
The Bank of England trimmed interest rates by a quarter point on Thursday, as widely expected.
UK construction sector slumps in January
The UK construction sector slumped in January, a closely-watched survey showed on Thursday, as concerns about the economy weighed heavily.