Economic News
Post-Christmas lull and lockdown weigh on shop prices
Shop prices eased in January, industry data showed on Wednesday, fuelled by the post-Christmas sales and national lockdown.
UN chief makes case for increasing access to vaccines globally
The head of the United Nations warned that it was in the self-interest of countries in the Northern Hemisphere to help those in the South to access vaccines.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Covid-19 antibodies 100% effective in blocking infections
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals antibody cocktail severely curtails Covid-19 symptoms and infections, the results of a late-stage trial showed.
IMF downgrades expectations for UK economic recovery in 2021
The International Monetary Fund updated its World Economic Outlook forecasts on Tuesday and said it now expects the UK's economic recovery to be weaker than previously forecast in 2021 as the country takes longer than others to return to pre-Covid-19 levels.
Sweden’s EQT to buy US-based Exeter Property Group for $1.9bn
Swedish private equity firm EQT has agreed to buy US real estate investment manager Exeter Property Group for $1. 9bn in cash and shares.
Shortage of construction materials could delay UK housebuilding
An increasing shortage of construction materials in Britain is set to delay housebuilding in 2021.
CBI retail sales gauge slides to lowest level since May
UK retail sales fell to their lowest level in January since May 2020 as lockdown takes its toll, according to the latest survey from the Confederation of British Industry.
UK govt warns against holiday bookings as restrictions may tighten
Britons should refrain from booking holidays overseas, warned the minister responsible for the Covid-19 vaccination programme on Tuesday, as tighter mobility restrictions could be on their way.
Yellen makes history as first female Treasury chief
Janet Yellen has been confirmed as the next US Treasury Secretary, the first woman to hold the role.
UK unemployment rate hits four-year high of 5%
The UK unemployment rate has reached 5. 0%, the highest in more than four years, official data showed on Tuesday.