Economic News
Empty UK shops increase as pandemic hits sector
The proportion of UK shops sitting empty rose in the second quarter after retailers were buffeted by lockdowns and falling sales during the pandemic, trade figures showed.
Initial US jobless claims fall by less than expected during latest week
The US jobs market improved a tad during the preceding week, the latest high-frequency data showed.
US GDP grows less quickly than expected in Q2 as government stimulus expires
US economic growth accelerated less than expected in the second quarter, although it did reclaim its pre-pandemic level.
UK commercial vehicle output rises but faces constraints
UK commercial vehicle production rose for the fourth month running in June but output was constrained by a shortage of components and workers caused by the pandemic.
UK mortgage borrowing hits record as stamp duty cut fuels activity
UK mortgage borrowing hit a record £17. 9bn in June as homebuyers raced to complete purchases before the stamp duty holiday started to taper off, Bank of England figures showed.