News And Announcements
Begbies Traynor says record number of UK firms in 'significant' distress
Begbies Traynor's latest ‘Red Flag Alert’ report, released on Friday, revealed a record number of UK businesses experiencing 'significant' financial distress, with 632,756 companies affected in the third quarter.
China's economic growth slows in third quarter
China’s faltering economic growth slowed in the last quarter, official data released on Friday showed, although the slowdown was not as steep as feared.
UK retail sales beat expectations - ONS
UK retail sales ticked higher in September, beating expectations, as consumers splashed out on technology, official data showed on Friday.
US retail sales rise more than expected in September
US retail sales rose more than expected in September, according to fresh data released on Thursday, driven by a broad-based increase across several sectors.
Turkish central bank holds rates at 50%
Turkey’s central bank said on Thursday that it was keeping interest rates steady at 50%, as widely expected.
ECB cuts rates to 3.25%, as expected
The European Central Bank cut interest rates on Thursday for the third time this year, as expected.
Shares under pressure as government, FCA probe car insurance
Shares in UK motor insurance firms fell on Wednesday, after two investigations into the sector were announced simultaneously.
UK house price growth picks up as confidence returns
House price inflation in the UK accelerated in August, according to data from the Office for National Statistics on Wednesday, as buyer confidence returned to the market following the first cut in interest rates in four years.
Supermarket sales spark as festive shopping gets underway
Supermarket sales sparked in September, industry data showed on Wednesday, as shoppers stocked up on Halloween treats and early Christmas bargains.
UK inflation drops below 2% for first time in three years
UK inflation dropped sharply in September to its lowest level in two and a half years, according to data from the Office for National Statistics on Wednesday, likely ramping up the pressure on the Bank of England to get more aggressive with monetary easing.
Ofwat to appoint independent monitor for Thames Water - reports
Ofwat is set to appoint LEK Consulting as an independent monitor of Thames Water, the UK’s largest water utility, as it faced mounting financial and operational challenges, according to fresh reports on Tuesday.
Eurozone industrial production rebounds in August
Eurozone industrial production posted a robust 1. 8% month-on-month increase in August, marking a significant rebound from the 0. 5% contraction in July, according to fresh data from Eurostat.
China export and import growth slows further
China's exports and imports grew significantly less than expected in September, according to fresh data released on Monday.
Sainsbury's slumps as Qatar Investment Authority places 109m shares
Sainsbury’s slumped on Friday following reports that its biggest shareholder, Qatar Investment Authority, has placed 109m shares in the supermarket chain.
UK trade balance widens in August - ONS
The UK’s trade deficit widened in August, official data showed on Friday, after a jump in imports outstripped the rise in exports.
UK economy returns to growth in August
The UK economy returned to growth in August, according to figures released on Friday by the Office for National Statistics.
FCA fines TSB £10.9m over treatment of customers in arrears
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has fined TSB Bank £10. 9m for failing to ensure fair treatment of customers in financial difficulty.
UK house prices push higher for first time since 2022
House prices have risen across the UK for the first time in two years, a closely-watched survey showed on Thursday, as the market was buoyed by lower interest rates.
German government now projecting a second year of GDP contraction
Germany’s economy is set to contract by 0. 2% in 2024, marking the second consecutive year of shrinking output, according to a statement from the country’s economy ministry on Wednesday.
China to impose anti-dumping measures on EU brandy, drink stocks slump
Shares of European drinks makers slumped on Tuesday after China said it would impose provisional anti-dumping tariffs on brandy imported from the European Union this week.