Economic News
EU takes control of Brexit date as May flounders at summit
Theresa May lost control of the Brexit departure date on Thursday as EU leaders agreed a short postponement despite an appeal for a three month delay from the British prime minister.
Business and unions call for May to change course on Brexit
Britain's employers and unions have called on Theresa May to abandon her uncompromising stance and seek consensus to avoid a “reckless” no-deal Brexit, while European Union leaders convened to decide on her request for an extension.
March Philly Fed index continues to point to weakness
Perhaps the most widely-followed regional manufacturing gauge in the US rebounded sharply in March, but according to economists continued to point to an ongoing slowdown.
BoE stays put on policy, waiting for Brexit result
The Monetary Policy Committee chose to stay put on policy, continuing to guide markets towards gradual hikes in Bank Rate, even as it noted how uncertainty around Brexit might be distorting the signals coming from recent economic data.
Competition watchdog investigates construction industry
The competition watchdog has announced an investigation into the supply of construction services in the UK.
Government borrowing falls to 17-year low
UK government borrowing fell to a 17-year low for the financial year so far, supporting improved official forecasts and giving the chancellor room to ease the strain on public services.
UK retail sales continue to bounce back
UK retail bounced back more than expected last month, boosted by online non-food shopping and motor fuel sales.