Bonds
S&P lifts RBS's long-term credit rating to BBB
Standard&Poor's has revised its rating on Royal Bank of Scotland's long-term debt higher, arguing that its strengthened balance sheet and improved earnings have boosted the lender's ability to navigate the uncertain political and economic landscape in the UK.
US housing starts beat forecasts in April, despite homebuilder skepticism
Residential construction activity in the States picked up more quickly than expected last month but remained below year-ago levels and there were signs of continued caution among homebuilders.
US industrial production extends slide in April, led by factories and utilities
Industrial output growth in the States missed forecasts by a wide margin last month as manufacturing added to a growing list of monthly declines.
BoE questioned wisdom of criminal charge against Barclays
The Bank of England warned prosecutors that criminal charges against Barclays could destabilise the bank, the Financial Times reported.
Economists puzzled by unexpected dip in US retail sales for April
US retail sales dipped unexpectedly last month, amid weak outturns for those of motor vehicles and parts, electronics and building materials, leaving some economists scratching their heads given the recent strength in the closely-watched weekly retail sales surveys from Redbook.
US import prices miss forecasts in April
US import prices edged higher last month on the back of dearer fuel imports.
US small business optimism creeps forward in April
Small business optimism improved throughout the month of April, increasing by 1. 7 points to 103. 5, with one index component falling, another unchanged and the remaining eight improving.
UK labour market holds steady at historic high
The UK’s historic levels of employment continued to hold steady in the first quarter, with a record number of people in work.
BoE deputy warns Brexit delay may further dampen business investment
Deputy governor of the Bank of England Ben Broadbent warned on Monday that another Brexit delay might damage the long-term economic outlook as the resulting uncertainty weighed on investor spirits.
US producer prices rise less than expected in April
Wholesale prices in the States edged up last month, buoyed by dearer energy as well as transportation and warehousing costs and for some economists the most likely direction of travel going forwards was pointing upwards.
BoE's Broadbent reinforces message on rate rises
The Bank of England’s deputy governor reinforced the central bank’s stance on interest rates a day after it signalled borrowing costs were likely to rise faster than expected.
US non-farm payrolls jump past forecasts in April, but not wages?
Monthly non-farm payroll growth stormed past forecasts again, helped by hiring for the US census, but only a bit.
'Transitory' factors may only explain part of the decline in prices, Fed's Evans says
A top US central bank official sounded a 'dovish' note on the outlook for interest rates, helping to stoke sharp gains on Wall Street.
MPC votes unanimously to keep policy on hold
Policymakers at the Old Lady on Threadneedle Street voted unanimously on Thursday to keep policy unchanged.
Tesla planning $2.3bn fundraising
Electric car maker Tesla plans to raise around $2. 3bn from investors, including a big purchase by chief executive Elon Musk.
US Q1 labour productivity grows above post-WWII trend
Labour productivity in the States grew at its fastest pace in over eight years at the start of 2019, edging past its post-WWII average, but economists cautioned such gains could not be sustained.
Barclays sees off Bramson board bid
Barclays has thwarted a bid by Edward Bramson to force his way on to the board, the activist investor conceded before the bank's annual meeting.
Mortgage market activity picks up, BoE figures show
Mortgage market activity picked up in March as households borrowed an extra £4. 1bn secured on property, Bank of England figures showed.
Lloyds could pay out £1bn after BoE eases capital buffer
The Bank of England has eased capital requirements for Lloyds Banking Group, raising the prospect of the bank returning £1bn to shareholders.
Sirius Minerals raises $425m for polyhalite mine project
Sirius Minerals on Wednesday confirmed that it has successfully raised $425m to finance the next stage of development of its Woodsmith polyhalite mine in North Yorkshire.