Economic News
Bercow blocks third vote on May's Brexit deal
House of Commons speaker John Bercow appears to have blocked Theresa May's attempts to pass her Brexit deal through Parliament, stating that no meaningful vote could take place without significant changes to the proposal.
US crude oil inventories stage surprise increase, DoE says
US oil stockpiles jumped unexpectedly last week, as net imports increased slightly and refinery rates declined.
Hiring and investment decisions curtailed amid Brexit confusion - survey
Employers are scaling back hiring and investment plans as the ongoing Brexit uncertainty rattles confidence, a survey showed on Wednesday.
Council tax bills to rise by more than double the rate of inflation
Council tax will rise by nearly 5% across England in 2019-2020, the government said on Wednesday, well above the rate of inflation.
US trade deficit shrinks rapidly in January
America's shortfall in trade on goods and services with the rest of the world saw a massive drop at the start of 2019, amid a sharp decline in purchases from abroad.
May aims to bring back Brexit deal for third vote
Theresa May hopes to bring her Brexit deal back for a third 'meaningful vote' this week after receiving promises of support if she agrees to quit.
Minister issue standards warning to Help to Buy home builders
A government minister has warned developers that the standard of new homes needs to improve if they are to continue working with the taxpayer-funded Help to Buy scheme.
ECB's Draghi sounds confident note but adds that risks have risen
European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi sounded a confident note on the economic outlook on Wednesday, but conceded that risks had risen recently and that negative interest rates might possibly be having some undesired 'side effects'.
Retail sales fall at fastest rate for 17 months - CBI
Retail sales fell sharply in March, as the British high street continued to battle fragile consumer confidence and Brexit uncertainty.