News And Announcements
Ofwat tells water firms to improve immediately after £158m in penalties
Ofwat called on the water sector to significantly improve its performance on Tuesday, after companies fell short of key environmental and service targets, costing the industry £157. 6m in penalties this year.
House prices rise again in September, near record highs - Halifax
UK house prices rose in September for the third month in a row and were close to record highs amid cheaper mortgage rates, according to figures released on Monday by Halifax.
Non-farm payrolls beat expectations, unemployment rate dips
The US economy added far more jobs than expected in September while the unemployment rate unexpectedly fell, dashing any expectations of a potential 50 basis points rate cut by the Federal Reserve next month.
Bank of England's Pill urges caution on rate cuts
Bank of England economist Huw Pill urged caution on interest rate cuts on Friday, in contrast to more dovish comments from governor Andrew Bailey.
UK construction sector grows at fastest pace in two-and-a-half years
The UK construction sector grew in September at its fastest pace in two-and-a-half years, according to a survey released on Friday.
Maersk among Friday's fallers as US port strike called off
Shares in shipping firms were in the red on Friday, with Maersk particularly affected, following the resolution of a US port strike that had initially raised hopes for a boost in global shipping demand for European operators.
Better weather boosts retail footfall - BRC
Retail footfall rose for the first time in over a year in September, industry data showed on Friday, as shoppers made the most of the mild weather.
CMA orders Topps Tiles to keep CTD acquisition at arm's length during probe
Topps Tiles updated the market regarding its recent acquisition of CTD Tiles, which included 30 stores, selected stock, and intellectual property for £9m, on Thursday.
Eurozone economy falters as services growth softens
The eurozone economy faltered in September, a closely-watched survey showed on Thursday, weighed down by slowing growth in the bloc's dominant services sector.
UK business activity growth eases; prices charged inflation slows
Business activity growth eased to a three-month low in September, according to a survey released on Thursday, but prices charged inflation slowed.
Pound drops as BoE’s Bailey says rate cuts could become ‘more aggressive’
Sterling took a hit on Thursday after Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey told the Guardian that the central bank could become a "bit more aggressive" in cutting interest rates as long as news on inflation continued to be good.
Growth and profits slide in UK financial services - CBI
Profitability across the UK’s financial services sector tumbled in the last quarter, an industry survey showed on Thursday, as growth slowed ahead of this month’s Budget.
US private sector employment rises more than expected
Private sector employment in the US rose more than expected in September, according to figures released on Wednesday by ADP.
UK manufacturing growth slows, business confidence falls
Growth in the UK manufacturing sector slowed in September, while business confidence deteriorated amid concerns about the upcoming Budget and geopolitical tensions.
UK business leader confidence drops sharply ahead of Budget
Confidence among business leaders in the UK dropped in September to its lowest level in nearly two years, with uncertainty ahead of the Autumn Budget holding back investment decisions.