News And Announcements
Chinese exports surge as global restrictions ease
China’s economy strengthened in September, government data showed on Tuesday, as Covid-19 restrictions around the world eased and both domestic and global demand picked up.
UK retail sales record biggest rise in over a decade - BRC
UK retail sales jumped to a near 11-year high in September, boosted by continued demand for home office products as well as consumers getting their Christmas shopping underway, industry data showed on Tuesday.
UK unemployment rate hits highest level in three years
The UK unemployment rate rose more than expected August, hitting its highest level in three years as the coronavirus pandemic takes its toll.
UK unemployment could hit 3m by Christmas - CEBR
The number of unemployed in the UK could rise to 3m by Christmas as the government’s coronavirus furlough scheme ends this month, a leading think tank warned on Monday.
BoE asks UK lenders if they are ready for negative interest rates
The Bank of England has asked high street lenders to detail how prepared they are for negative interest rates, in the clearest confirmation yet that the Monetary Policy Committee is actively considering the unprecedented move.
Pub sector seeking judicial review of new lockdowns
The hospitality sector is considering legal action against proposed new Covid-19 lockdown rules, which could see pubs, bars and other nighttime venues close once again.
New Covid rules for north of England not effective - Sage
Members of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies said on Friday that the new planned restrictions for the north of England are not effective enough.
BoE and FCA tell City to prepare for Brexit disruption
The Bank of England and the Financial Conduct Authority have told the City to prepare for potential market disruption when the UK leaves the EU at the end of 2020.
Trump administration reportedly open to comprehensive stimulus bill
The Trump administration has changed tack again and is now open to a broader stimulus package to help sustain the economy through the Covid-19 pandemic.
UK recovery continues to lose steam as August GDP rises 2.1%
Britain’s economy expanded by a lower-than-expected 2. 1% in August compared to July, as the recovery from the coronavirus lockdown continued to lose momentum, official data revealed on Friday.
Sunak to set out more jobs support
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is preparing to announce a local job furlough scheme for workers at businesses forced to close by new Covid-19 restrictions.
UK construction grows but stays below crisis levels
UK construction activity rose in August but was still more than 10% less than before the Covid-19 crisis, official figures showed.
BoE's Bailey warns of downside risks to UK
The Governor of the Bank of England said risks to Britain's economy were "very much on the downside" and that the BoE was ready to take aggressive action to limit the impact of a resurgence in coronavirus cases.
Concerns over housing market deepen - RICS
Concerns about prospects for the housing market deepened as activity stayed strong in the short term, a RICS survey showed.
UK business sentiment 'in doldrums' - IoD
UK business sentiment is "stuck in the doldrums" as the Covid-19 crisis and worries about the economy weigh on bosses' minds, according to a survey.
Only 2% of workers want to return to offices full time as Covid-19 reshapes workplaces
Only 2% of employees wish to return to offices full time after the coronavirus pandemic is over, a survey from Smartway2 revealed.
Direction of Brexit talks 'cause for optimism', Gove says
There is cause for optimism regarding the probable endgame for talks between Brussels and London on Britain's withdrawal from the single currency bloc.
Barclays set to enter private banking markets in 2021
Barclays plans to enter four new European private banking markets next year, Reuters reported on Wednesday.
House prices rise as stamp duty break spurs sales
House prices rose to almost £250,000 in September as the stamp duty holiday and shift to homeworking kept the market busy, according to Halifax, which warned that tougher times were looming.
PM to unveil plan to power UK with wind by 2030
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will unveil a plan to power all homes in the country with offshore wind power by 2030 on Tuesday.