News And Announcements
Oil prices slump to fresh lows on tariffs, output hike
Oil prices continued to tumble on Friday, hit hard by Donald Trump’s swingeing tariff regime and a surprise output hike from Opec.
China announces 34pc retaliatory tariff on US imports
China announced a 34% tariff on all US imports on Friday, matching new duties imposed by US president Donald Trump earlier this week and sharply escalating trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
UK construction sector continues to struggle - PMI
The UK’s construction sector faltered in March, a closely-watched survey showed on Friday, as higher costs and a drop in new orders prompted companies to cut jobs.
Trump tariff regime poses 'significant risk' to global economy - IMF
The International Monetary Fund has warned that Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff regime poses a "significant" risk to the global outlook.
German factory orders stall, missing forecasts
German factory orders unexpectedly stalled in February, official research showed on Friday.
Retailers see tepid sales growth as consumer sentiment drops
Underlying sales at UK retailers rose by less than inflation last month, according to figures out on Friday from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO, as strong sales online were offset by weak growth in stores.
UK to probe possible retaliatory response to US tariffs
The British government has not ruled out retaliatory action against the US, it confirmed on Thursday, after Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs worldwide, including on the UK.
Eurozone producer prices nudge higher
Producer prices across the Eurozone nudged higher in February, official data released on Thursday showed.
UK private sector growth revised lower for March
Growth in UK private-sector activity was lower than previously thought in March but still reached its highest rate in five months, according to data out on Thursday from S&P Global.
Late Easter sees supermarket sales slow in March
Supermarket sales slowed in March, industry research showed on Wednesday, hit by the late timing of Easter.
Trump team preparing for sweeping 20pc tariffs - report
The Trump administration preparing a major shift in US trade policy was said to be looking at plans to impose tariffs of around 20% on most imports, it emerged on Tuesday.
Higher US tariffs could weigh on UK inflation, says BoE's Greene
Megan Greene from the Bank of England said on Tuesday that additional US import tariffs could actually lessen inflationary pressures in the UK, despite concerns that an escalating trade war will push up prices.
UK manufacturing output shrinks in March
Output in the UK manufacturing sector shrank in March, with new orders declining at the fastest pace in 19 months and business confidence slumping to a near two-and-a-half year low, according to a survey released on Tuesday.
UK house prices steady in March, likely to remain 'a little soft' - Nationwide
UK house prices were steady in March and are likely to remain "a little soft" in the coming months due to stamp duty changes, according to data released on Tuesday by Nationwide.