Economic News
Thursday preview: Spotlight on Unilever and Shell results, manufacturing PMIs
Thursday, the first day of February, sees some UK heavyweight companies reporting results, including Shell, Unilever and Vodafone, while the stream of macro data includes UK house prices and manufacturing surveys on the UK, US and China.
Surveyors have little faith in government housing strategy, RICS finds
The government's proposals to boost housebuilding are unlikely to be effective, according to an industry survey that found little more than one in 10 chartered surveyors backed the plans.
US Fed leaves interest rates unchanged; sees inflation on the rise
The US Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged on Wednesday as it forecast a rise in inflation this year, signalling a possible move on benchmark rates at its next meeting in March.
May under pressure to resign, says she's 'not a quitter'
British prime minister Theresa May answered critics on Wednesday, saying she will fight in the next election while reiterating that she still has a long-term job to do - deliver on Brexit.
FX round-up: sterling falls against the euro on further Brexit concerns
Sterling recovered early losses against the euro on Wednesday amid concerns about the terms on which Britain will leave the EU, and the pound gained against a weakening US dollar.
Chicago PMI points to solid US economy
Strong Chicago PMI figures for January underscored the solidity of the US economy as home sales rose as expected in December.
Ministry of Defence facing shortfall of nearly £21bn, audit office finds
Defence contractors such as Babcock, Ultra Electronics and QinetiQ were rattled by an official report that the budget to arm Britain's military could be facing a funding shortfall of anywhere between £4. 9bn and £20. 8bn.
US private sector employment grows in January - ADP
Private sector employment in the US grew in January, according to the latest figures from ADP.
European inflation remains well below target, unemployment unmoved
Eurozone inflation data was mixed on Wednesday morning, with the headline consumer prices falling less than expected but the core number strengthening in line with forecasts.
EU draws a line through City talks on bank passport rights
The European Union continued to maintain to a hardline approach to the British banking sector, after diplomats confirmed there was no room for discussion about passport rights.
Shop prices continued to fall in January, says BRC
Price deflation has continued beyond the festive season, according the British Retail Consortium, as non-food retailers extending promotions into January.
UK watchdog sets out concerns over high overdraft fees
The Financial Conduct Authority has warned banks and other lenders it is concerned about fees they charge customers for unauthorised overdrafts.
German unemployment hits record low in January
German unemployment hit a fresh record low in January, according to figures released by Destatis on Wednesday.
UK consumer confidence improves in January - GfK
UK consumer confidence improved in January, with Britons more optimistic about their own finances and the wider economic situation, according to a survey released earlier.