News And Announcements
Confidence in UK economy slumps as costs rise - IoD
Company directors’ confidence in the UK economy has plummeted, according to a survey published on Friday, as costs continue to mount.
US jobless claims unexpectedly rise; Q2 GDP revised up a touch
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits unexpectedly rose last week amid a surge in claims in California, according to figures released by the Labor Department on Thursday.
Ofgem puts advisers on standby in case of large energy firm collapse
Ofgem has enlisted the expertise of a City advisory firm, it emerged on Thursday, to be on standby should the retail energy crisis worsen.
UK GDP expands more than initially estimated in Q2
The UK economy grew more than initially estimated in the second quarter, according to figures released on Thursday by the Office for National Statistics.
UK car production falls again in August amid global chip shortage
UK car production fell 27% in August, making for the second consecutive month of decline, as the global chip shortage continued to have an effect on the industry.
House price growth eases in September, affordability worsens
Annual house price growth eased in September, according to data from lender Nationwide on Thursday, as affordability became more stretched.
Mortgage approvals dip in August
Mortgage approvals ticked lower in August as demand continued to ease from the highs seen during the stamp duty holiday, official data showed on Wednesday.
Cost pressures feed into UK retail prices
Retail prices are rising as cost pressures feed into consumers' shopping baskets with more to come, industry figures showed.
10-year Gilts hit 1.0% for first time since March 2020
Yields on longer-term UK government debt hit their highest level since March 2020 on Tuesday, amid signals from some central banks that they were ready to begin weaning their economies off emergency stimulus programmes.
Lagarde warns against 'overreacting' on inflation
The president of the European Central Bank Christine Lagarde has urged caution when responding to surging inflation.
Retail footfall rises as workers return to the office
Footfall at UK retail destinations rose last week as workers returned to the office, according to research published on Monday by retail analysts Springboard.
US new home sales beat expectations in August
Sales of new US single-family homes rose more than expected in August, according to figures released on Friday by the Commerce Department.
China says all crypto-related transactions are illegal
China's central bank said on Friday that all activities related to cryptocurrency transactions are illegal and must be banned.
Retail sales growth slows as driver shortage hits stock levels
Retail sales grew at the weakest pace since March in the 12 months to September, it was reported on Friday morning, while growth in orders placed with suppliers also slowed.
Consumer confidence slides as prices rise
UK consumer confidence has fallen as concerns about rising food and energy prices mount, a survey published on Friday showed.
More than 1m on furlough as scheme end looms
Up to 1. 7 million people remained on furlough last month, official data showed on Thursday, just weeks ahead of the scheme coming to an end.
Government discussing price cap with Ofgem - minister
The government is talking to Ofgem about possible changes to the energy price cap, a junior minister has said.
UK economy loses momentum as costs surge
The UK economy stuttered in September, industry research showed on Thursday, as cost pressures mounted and demand eased.
Ifo Institute cuts German growth forecasts
The ifo Institute has slashed its economic growth forecasts for Germany after a hoped-for summer recovery failed to emerge.
IEA calls on Russia to up European gas supplies
The International Energy Agency has called on Russia to boost gas supplies to Europe ahead of the coming winter heating season.