News And Announcements
Germany narrowly avoids recession
Germany narrowly avoided a recession last year as growth in the fourth quarter was flat, according to preliminary data released by Destatis on Thursday.
US and China resume trade talks ahead of looming deadline
US and Chinese officials will resume trade talks on Thursday all through Friday as the 1 March deadline to reach an agreement moves closer.
Home repossessions reach near 30-year low
House repossessions have fallen to their lowest level for nearly 30 years, data showed on Thursday, as homeowners benefitted from low interest rates.
House market weakens as Brexit fears bite - RICS
The UK housing market got off to a weak start in 2019, with enquiries, sales and new instructions all down, as Brexit uncertainty continued to take its toll.
UK used car sales down 2.1% in 2018 - SMMT
UK used car annual sales fell 2. 1% to 7. 9m sales, with 167,980 fewer cars changing owner compared to 2017, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said on Wednesday.
US household debt reaches record high of $13.5trn
American household debt rose to $13. 5trn at the end of 2018, fuelling concerns that the US is ill-prepared for any potential downturn in its economic fortunes.
Heineken cheers market with strong full-year results
Investors toasted Heineken on Wednesday, sending shares in the Dutch brewer 6% higher on forecast-beating results.
Trump offers olive branch in China trade talks
US president Donald Trump has indicated he could extend a crucial deadline as Washington and Beijing seek an agreement over trade.
UK businesses demand answers on no-deal Brexit
UK business leaders published a list of twenty critical questions for the government to answer in order to prepare for a potential no-deal Brexit.
House price growth slows to lowest rate for more than five years - ONS
Annual house price growth has fallen to its lowest level since 2013, official data showed on Wednesday.
Energy cap pulls inflation below Bank of England's target
Inflation nudged below the Bank of England’s 2% target for the first time in two years in January, official figures showed on Wednesday, as energy prices eased.
UK MPs, regulators urge govt to 'get a grip' of ATM closures
The government and regulators were on Tuesday told to "get a grip" of consumers' ability to access their cash as a wave of ATM closures hit the UK.
BoE's Carney issues stark warning on risks from trade, China slowdown
Bank of England chief Mark Carney sounded a dire warning on Tuesday on what the costs of a full-blown trade war might be.
Treasury committee urges Chancellor to allow RPI fix
MPs have urged official statisticians to ask for permission from the Chancellor to fix the "flawed" retail price index, which has led to train tickets and student loans growing by higher rates of inflation.
EU backs down on post-Brexit money manager rules
A compromise has been struck between European Union member states over the way money managers will be supervised once the UK quits the bloc.
US small business sentiment index drops to lowest since 2016 elections
Small business sentiment in the US deteriorated more than expected in January amid worries about the government shutdown and financial market instability, according to the National Federation of Independent Business.
MPs slam Hammond's claim of no-deal Brexit dividend as 'not credible'
UK Chancellor Philip Hammond's claim of a Brexit “deal dividend” was ridiculed by a cross-party group of MPs on Tuesday as “not credible”.
First decline in renters' annual spending in 10 years
Tenants in Britain spent £59. 1bn on rent in 2018, which was £1. 9bn less than in 2017, marking the first annual decline in over a decade, the latest study from Hamptons International revealed.
E.ON the first Big-6 energy firm to hike bill after cap lifted
E. On is the first major energy company to announce it will increase prices for standard variable tariffs by 10. 3% on average as a response to the new higher price cap that has been allowed by the regulator.
Lloyds and Schroders on hiring spree as they look to boost AUM - reports
Lloyds Banking Group and Schroders are to ramp up their wealth management joint venture by hiring up to 700 advisors and increasing assets under management.