UK unlikely to move into ‘fast lane’ despite surprisingly strong growth this year September 5, 2024 The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has lifted its growth forecasts for the economy this year, but remained doubtful that the UK would move into the “fast lane” any time soon. The business group’s latest quarterly projections suggest the UK will grow 1.1 per cent this year, an upgrade on its previous estimate of 0.8 [...]
Why home working might be damaging London’s economy September 4, 2024 Londoners have been slower to return to the office after the pandemic than workers in many large cities around the world. This really matters, and not just for London.
True state of the public finances continues to divide opinion September 3, 2024 The true state of Labour’s fiscal inheritance continues to divide opinion. Over the first few weeks in office, the new government has been painting a very gloomy picture of the state of the public finances. The doom-mongering reached new heights last week after Sir Keir Starmer argued the state of the public finances were “worse [...]
Pound’s rally fades ahead of crucial US jobs data September 3, 2024 The pound’s stunning rally has stalled as traders look for direction amid a quiet week in the data calendar for the UK. Sterling was trading 0.2 per cent lower against the dollar at around $1.311 having lost over one per cent against the greenback in the past five days. The dollar has been trading around [...]
Pound sterling reaches two-year high against the dollar as interest rate bets diverge August 27, 2024 The pound was trading just under 0.2 per cent higher against the dollar at $1.322 having traded just below $1.3250 earlier in the day.
Contraction confirmed for German economy with no recovery in sight August 27, 2024 The growth slowdown was led by a sharp fall in investment, which fell by more than 2.0 per cent in the quarter.
Inflation back in focus ahead of key US and eurozone releases August 26, 2024 The continuing battle against inflation will be the main focus for markets this week as new data will shed light on the state of price rises in both the US and the eurozone.
Federal Reserve: September rate cut ‘confirmed’ after latest releases August 22, 2024 A September rate cut looks nailed on after minutes from the US Federal Reserve’s last meeting, released last night, showed many rate-setters had considered a cut in July. Several members at the Fed’s last meeting thought there was a “plausible case” for cutting rates by 25 basis points given the progress on inflation and increases [...]
Rachel Reeves facing ‘tough choices’ after latest UK borrowing figures August 21, 2024 Already this financial year the government has borrowed £4.7bn more than predicted by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) back in March.
Pound edges above $1.30 as Fed expected to cut rates in September August 20, 2024 The pound has not traded above $1.30 on a sustained basis since mid-2022.