Economic News
EC hits Gazprom with rules to ensure free flow of gas in CEECs
European competition regulators are forcing Russian gas giant Gazprom to supply gas at competitive prices in central and eastern Europe.
Macron accuses US of 'laissez-faire' approach with tech-firm regulation
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed an audience at the Vivatech conference in Paris and accused the US of not being tough enough on tech firms, saying its regulatory regime was insufficient to make them "politically accountable".
Friday preview: UK GDP unlikely to be revised up
Friday's second reading of UK gross domestic product has the potential for the disappointing growth in the first quarter to be upgraded, though economists are not confident.
Trump axes summit with North Korea due to Pyongyang's 'open hostility'
US President Donald Trump on Thursday released a letter to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that effectively cancels their planned summit in Singapore on 12 June.
US existing home sales slide 2.5% in April
Sales of US existing homes slid in April after two straight months of increases, according to data from the National Association of Realtors.
European and Asian carmakers skid lower on US tariff fears
The US commerce department announced a new investigation into the automobile sector’s imports that could result in new US tariffs on European and Asian products.
Rising costs of funding the NHS requires tax hikes, says IFS
The NHS needs to increase its spending by £95bn by 2033/34 just to maintain current service levels, the Institute for Fiscal Studies and the Health Foundation said on Thursday, suggesting the best solution would be to raise tax rates.
US initial jobless claims rise to seven-week high
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits rose last week to a seven-week high, according to data from the Labor Department.
UK retail sales recover from snow, underlying conditions remain weak
Retail sales volumes rose much more than expected in April as the industry recovered well from the weather-induced slump the month before.
Pay rises average 2.5% as wage growth steadily on the up
Pay rises from major British employers averaged at 2. 5% last month, a more generous rate than the same month in 2017, according to industry data released on Thursday.
UK to propose extension to Brexit transition period until 2023 - report
Theresa May is set to ask the European Union for an extension of the Brexit transition period until 2023, according to reports.