Economic News
Calls for delay to pension age hike as life expectancy gap widens
A growing gap in life expectancy gap between the rich and the poor in England should force the government to shelve its plan to raise the state pension.
US manufacturing sector expands at fastest pace in nearly 14 years - ISM
Growth in the US economy’s manufacturing sector unexpectedly rose in February, according to data from the Institute for Supply Management.
Markit's US manufacturing PMI eases in February
Growth in the US manufacturing sector eased back a touch in February, according to data released on Thursday.
US retailers rethink gun sales policies as Trump backs tighter controls
In the aftermath of the massacre at a Florida high school last month, Donald Trump has backed gun control proposals in opposition to the powerful National Rifle Association and much of his own party.
US initial jobless claims drop to lowest level in 49 years
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits hit its lowest level in 49 years last week, according to data from the Labor Department.
US 'core' PCE accelerates in January
Personal income and spending printed ahead of forecasts at the start of the year, alongside a hefty 0. 9% jump in disposable incomes as recently approved tax cuts kicked-in, according to a keenly awaited release from the Department of Commerce.
National Grid warns of gas shortage, asks suppliers for more
As the nation continued to shiver at the behest of both Storm Emma and the ‘Beast from the East’, National Grid warned the country could run out of natural gas on Thursday.
Planes grounded, trains cancelled, roads closed amid big freeze
Whether travelling by air, rail or road, Britons face a tough journey on Thursday, with snow and ice having severe effects on the country’s transport infrastructure.
Putin finds Russian poverty 'unacceptable' and vows to halve it in 6 years
Putin has vowed to halve levels of poverty in Russia within the next six years, labelling the current situation as "unacceptable" in his annual speech before the two chambers of the Russian parliament.
UK achieves Osborne's deficit target - two years late
The UK has eliminated the deficit on its current budget two years later than George Osborne, the former chancellor, planned when he cut public spending in 2010.
Households keep borrowing, BoE figures show
Consumers borrowed an extra £1. 4bn in January as increased credit card lending more than offset a reduction in other loans and advances, Bank of England figures showed on Thursday.
Eurozone unemployment rate holds steady at lowest since Dec 2008
Eurozone unemployment held steady at its lowest level since December 2008 in January, according to figures released by Eurostat on Thursday.
UK manufacturing shows further signs of slowing
UK manufacturing growth slowed slightly in February, according to a survey of managers in the sector published on Thursday, with a major fall in the output balance to its lowest level in almost a year.
Eurozone manufacturing growth eases a touch less than expected in February
Growth in the eurozone manufacturing sector eased a touch less than initially estimated in February, according to data released on Thursday.
UK house prices unexpectedly fall in February - Nationwide
UK house prices unexpectedly fell back in February for the first time in six months, according to the latest survey from mortgage lender Nationwide.