Economic News
Activity in US services sector comes to near standstill in January, survey shows
The arrival of the Omicron variant in the US brought activity in the country's services sector to a near standstill, the results of a closely-followed survey revealed.
UK's Johnson defends proposed NI hike
Calls by a senior Conservative backbencher to scrap a planned UK National Insurance rise have been dismissed by the prime minister.
Gold prices continue to push higher
Gold prices pushed higher on Monday, fuelled by ongoing geopolitical concerns and rising inflation.
FCA staff to vote on potential strike action
Unite is to ballot staff at the Financial Conduct Authority over potential industrial action, the union confirmed on Monday.
Euro area services slow sharply in January even as supply chain issues in manufacturing ease
Economic activity in euro area services slowed more sharply than expected in January as renewed Covid-19 restrictions on account of Omicron led to a marked slowdown, the results of closely-followed surveys revealed.
Morgan Stanley reiterates 'buy' for FTSE 100, highlights 'defensive' qualities
Analysts at Morgan Stanley sounded a 'bullish' note on the outlook for the FTSE 100, highlighting its greater 'defensive' properties relative to rivals, higher dividend yields versus global peers, exposure to energy and record low expectations for growth in the profits of its constituent companies.
UK economy falters as Omicron wave hits service sector
The UK economy faltered in January, a closely-watched survey showed on Monday, after the rapid spread of Omicron weighed heavily on the service sector.