Economic News
Tech giants reveal average 40% gender pay gap in bonuses at UK branches
Tech giants like Google, Facebook and Amazon have reported a 40% gender pay gap in employee bonuses, according to figures submitted to the UK government.
China to reduce taxes for high-tech firms penalized by Trump's tariffs
China will lower the value-added tax rate on companies from the high-tech, manufacturing, transportation, construction and agricultural sectors from 1 May in order to offset the tariffs imposed by Trump on Chinese imports to the US.
European grocery market sees strongest growth in six years
The European grocery market is growing at its fastest rate since 2012 as consumer spending rose by 4. 4% in the first quarter of the year, according to Nielsen retail performance data.
US consumer sentiment hits highest level since 2004 - Uni Michigan
Consumer sentiment in the US was revised a little lower on Thursday but the reading from the University of Michigan still came in at its highest level since 2004.
Frank Field asks Ofwat if it can influence companies' dividends and pay
The chair of a powerful parliamentary committee has asked the water regulator whether it can influence dividends, executive pay and pension scheme funding at UK water companies.
Chicago PMI falls back in March amid supply chain issues
A widely-followed gauge of factory sector activity fell back a bit more quickly than expected in March, reaching its lowest level in a year.
US February personal spending as expected, disposable incomes revised higher
Personal income and spending advanced a tad more quickly than expected last month, alongside a modest increase in price pressures.
Trump 'goes after' Amazon on Twitter
Trump has taken to Twitter to "go after" Amazon the day after Axios reported the president of the US was "obsessed" with hurting the company.
US initial jobless claims drop to lowest since January 1973
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell to its lowest level since January 1973 last week, according to data released by the Labor Department on Thursday.
Grant Thornton opts out of FTSE 350 audit bids
Grant Thornton has opted out of bidding for audit work for FTSE 350 companies in a move that could add to pressure for the recently proposed shake-up of an accountancy market dominated by four giant firms.
German CPI slightly lower than expected in March
Consumer prices in Germany undershot market forecasts last month, despite the sharp acceleration seen in food costs.
Britain faces labour crisis by 2025, report says
Britain faces a labour crisis by 2025 caused by a Brexit-induced migration slump and an ageing population, according to a report by human resources consultants Mercer.
Consumer and business borrowing accelerate, BoE figures show
Consumers and businesses borrowed at a faster rate in February, suggesting a firming of confidence in the economy after a shaky few months.
Airbnb to start sharing customer data with Chinese government
Airbnb will have to start sending information to the Chinese government on Friday about the people booking accomodation in China.
UK growth remains slow, but services sector picks up
A deluge of UK data on Thursday confirmed economic growth slowed at the end of last year, though more timely figures show the services sector is beginning to pick up.
Renault revs up on report of possible merger with Nissan
Renault shares revved up on Thursday fuelled by reports the company is in merger negotiations with Japan's Nissan.
UK house price growth slows in March - Nationwide
House price growth in the UK unexpectedly slowed in March, according to the latest survey from mortgage lender Nationwide.
UK consumer confidence improves in March - GfK
The UK consumer is feeling slightly more confident about personal finances and the general economic situation as recent improvements in wage growth and inflation boost spirits.
Treasury committee to investigate economic crime
Parliament's Treasury committee has announced an inquiry into economic crime amid renewed concerns about money laundering and the security of consumers’ data.
Conviviality in talks with lenders after cash call flops
Conviviality Plc, the owner of the Bargain Booze and Wine Rack chains, said it was talking to its lenders and advisors about other funding options, including a potential sale of all or parts the business after failing to scrape together a £125m round of emergency cash.