Political News
UK economy stagnates under weight of political turmoil, pound drops
The latest government data showed that Britain's economy shrank unexpectedly in November, sending the pound lower, but some economists were more upbeat, pointing to upwards revisions to past data to back up their assessment.
UK regulator set to ban online credit card bets - report
The gambling industry watchdog is preparing to ban bookmakers from taking credit card deposits for betting online to protect vulnerable customers, the Guardian reported citing unnamed sources.
Elizabeth line to open in summer 2021, Crossrail chief says
The latest official assessment of progress of the Crossrail project in London was released on Friday, suggesting the new central London service would now be delayed until the summer of 2021.
US House of Representatives votes to limit Trump's war powers
The US House of Representatives approved a resolution to limit Donald Trump’s power to decide on taking military action in Iran.
Government pledges £71m to former SSI steelworks site in Redcar
The UK government has pledged £71. 0m in funding for the former SSI steelworks site in Redcar as Boris Johnson seeks to cement his support in the former Labour strongholds he took over in the last general election.
Fed's Clarida sounds upbeat note on economic outlook
The US central bank's second-highest ranking official sounded an upbeat note on the outlook for the US economy on Thursday while signaling that the stance of monetary policy remained "appropriate".
Barnier says time frame for Brexit trade talks is challenging
Chief European Union negotiator for Brexit Michel Barnier said on Thursday that it was highly unlikely that a comprehensive agreement on post-Brexit trade with the UK will be achieved in the next 11 months.
Facebook will continue to allow targeted political ads
Facebook said it will continue to allow targeted political ads during the 2020 US presidential campaign and won’t prevent politicians from lying in ads they buy on the platform but will grant users more control over some of those that they are served when visiting its platform.
Barclays shareholders urge lender to stop financing fossil fuels
Barclays is being urged by a group of 11 institutional investors and over 100 individual shareholders to stop offering loans and financing to fossil fuel companies as part of the first ever shareholder climate resolution.
RBC slashes target price for Genel Energy on Mideast tensions
RBC Capital slashed its target price shares of Kurdistan-focused Genel Energy on the back of the heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Trump to impose more sanctions on Iran in response to missile strikes
Trump said on Wednesday that the US will impose additional economic sanctions on Iran in response to attacks overnight on two US military bases in Iraq.
Iran fires missiles at Iraq air bases; Oil prices rise
Iran overnight launched a ballistic missile attack on air bases housing US forces in Iraq, in retaliation for the US assassination of General Qasem Soleimani.
Gold prices surge as tensions ratchet in Middle East
The price of gold has surged after Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes against US targets, sending investors rushing to safe haven stocks.
Facebook bans deepface ahead of US presidential election
Facebook announced a new policy that bans AI-manipulated videos known as 'deepfakes' that could mislead viewers into thinking they are watching someone saying something that they did not in fact say.
UK and EU set to kick off negotiations for speedy trade deal
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was set to receive the President of the European Commission on Wednesday in London to begin negotiations for a post Brexit trade deal with the European Union.
UK renewables up 9% makes 2019 greenest year yet
The UK’s use of renewable energies was up 9. 0% in 2019, outpacing that of fossil fuel plants on 137 days, which made for the greenest year to date.
Analysts anticipate Iranian response, but don't expect all-out conflict
A US drone strike killed the Iranian military commander in charge of overseas operations, prompting a shift towards safe havens as investors waited for Tehran's response.
Oil prices spike after US assassinates Iran military leader
Oil prices spiked to their highest level in four months on Friday after the US assassinated Iranian military commander General Qasem Soleimani.
Jefferies stays at 'buy' on Tesco in anticipation of stronger UK economy
Analysts at Jefferies reiterated their 'buy' recommendation and 310. 0p target price for shares of Tesco in anticipation of an upbeat third quarter trading update and for over Christmas from the grocer, the possibility of quick progress on disposing of its Asian assets and a greater willingness on the part of investors to engage with UK assets thanks to a "better-managed" Brexit process in 2020.
Northern could lose its rail franchise, says Transport Secretary
Train operating company Northern was faced with its most serious threat yet from Westminster on Thursday - that it could lose its franchise.