Spring Statement 2025: Markets and bonds tread water ahead of ‘testing day’ Markets Markets and bonds were relatively flat on Wednesday morning as analysts predicted Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement would mark a “testing day”. The FTSE 100 had minor gains following market open, with Marks and Spencer leading the index’s biggest risers. The mid-cap FTSE 250 had a slight uptick, led by a surge in retailer Ocado after [...]
This is how UK small businesses are managing despite rising costs Business According to the latest Sage small business tracker, rising operational costs, mounting financial pressures, and pivoting business strategies are creating a challenging economic landscape for SMEs. But despite growing headwinds and challenges, such as higher costs and economic uncertainty, small businesses across the UK are adapting to the changing environment. Profit slows as costs rise [...]
UK markets being ‘gradually undermined’ by tax regime – Interactive Investor boss Investing The current tax regime is making UK markets “just about tradable” and are leading to their “gradual undermining”, according to the chief executive of Interactive Investor*. Speaking in the latest episode of Morning Wire‘s Boardroom Uncovered podcast, Richard Wilson said his company has seen an increase in more investors trading in foreign markets instead of [...]
Growth is now near impossible. Here are 7 pleas for Reeves’ Spring Budget February 19, 2025 Growth is impossible if we continue on as we are but the Spring Budget is a chance for change, writes Steve Rigby.
Reeves expected to float income tax hikes next month February 15, 2025 Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to float income tax rises next month as she attempts to stick to the government’s fiscal rules. A freeze on income tax thresholds is currently being discussed in the Treasury, which could raise as much as £4bn a year, according to reports from the Financial Times. One aide told reports [...]
Spring Budget 2024: Jeremy Hunt to cut national insurance rather than income tax as rate windfall fails to materialise March 5, 2024 The Chancellor has repeatedly stressed his determination to bring down the tax burden, which is on course to rise to record levels no matter what Hunt announces in the Budget.
Hunt’s record January surplus isn’t the good news the Chancellor was looking for February 21, 2024 The £9.2bn undershoot on borrowing in the year-to-date is good news, but it won't have a big impact on how much headroom the Chancellor will have in the Spring Budget.