News And Announcements
UK power grid readies itself for using 100% renewables by 2025
National Grid is readying itself to phase out fossil fuels and be able to use 100% renewable energy sources for short periods of time from 2025.
US small business optimism improves a touch in March
Small business sentiment in the US improved just a touch in March, according to the National Federation of Independent Business.
Retail sales drop in March as Brexit woes hold back big purchases - BRC/KPMG
Retail sales fell in March as Brexit uncertainty held consumers back from making big purchases, according to the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium and KPMG.
Britons want government reform, 'strongman' leader
Almost three-quarters of British people want changes to the UK political system and half believe the government needs “quite a lot” of improvement, a major new survey has found.
Monday broker round-up
Moneysupermarket: Berenberg downgrades to sell with a target price of 285p.
US earnings to see first quarterly drop in three years, says Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley cautioned on Monday that the upcoming first-quarter US earnings season could see the first quarter of negative year-over-year growth in three years, with earnings expected to shrink by 4%.
UK inflation expectations remain at five year high
The UK public's inflation expectations for the coming year remain at a five-year high of 3. 2%, which is likely to disappoint Bank of England policymakers.
UK business confidence at weakest for years
Business optimist in the UK has fallen to its lowest level in five and a half years, with the biggest drop in confidence in over a decade.
German exports and imports drop more than expected in February
German imports and exports fell more than expected in February, according to data released by Destatis on Monday.
LSE witnesses quietest quarter for IPOs in 8 years
London's public markets saw their quietest quarter in terms of IPO activity in eight years in the three months to 31 March, according to accountancy firm Ernst & Young.
London's ultra-low emission zone begins on Monday
London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone comes into force on Monday, with thousands of motorists set to be charged a fixed £12. 50 charge for entering the area without a compliant vehicle.
UK house prices drop less than expected in March - Halifax
UK house prices dropped less than expected in March but prices are expected to remain subdued amid Brexit uncertainty, according to the latest figures from lender Halifax.
German industrial production beats expectations in February
German industrial production increased more than expected in February, according to figures released by Destatis on Friday.
US initial jobless claims fall to lowest since 1969
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits last week unexpectedly fell, according to figures from the Labor Department.
German factory orders tumble in February
German factory orders tumbled in February, suffering their worst drop in two years, according to figures released by Destatis on Thursday.
Brexit costing UK £6.6bn in economic activity per quarter, says S&P
Brexit has cost the United Kingdom £6. 6bn per quarter since the referendum, said a report from S&P Global Ratings which estimated the damage of the UK's decision to exit the European Union.
UK new car registrations decline in bellwether month
UK new car registrations fell 3. 4% in the key month of March as demand was affected by political and economic uncertainty on top of ongoing confusion over restrictions on diesel engines.
Customers to receive compensation after payday lender's collapse
Hundreds of customers who were mis-sold payday loans by WageDay Advance will receive some compensation after the lender collapsed earlier this year.
Corbyn joint favourite to become next PM, say Ladbrokes
The odds of Jeremy Corbyn becoming the next Prime Minister have been cut by Ladbrokes, making the Labour leader joint favourite to succeed Theresa May alongside Boris Johnson at 5/1.
Watchdog launches latest stress test for Europe's clearing houses
The European Union’s markets watchdog is launching its latest stress test of clearing houses, with City firms such as LCH only included if the UK does not crash out of the bloc.