16 h. ago US credit spreads hit lowest level this century after sharp rally

Investors warn credit markets are ‘weirdly confident’ despite threats to global economy

Events

21 h. ago ‘Alarming’ drop in UK consumer confidence over last year – Which?

On average between this May and July, 56% of people thought the economy would get worse and just 16% thought it would get better, Which? found.

Events

21 h. ago Consumer confidence in UK economy falls to lowest level in two years

Which? says the sharp drop in confidence in the economy has been ‘alarming’

Politics

53 h. ago British Gas owner buys £1.5bn gas terminal in big bet on fossil fuel reliance

Deal for Europe’s biggest facility for LNG imports comes as overall UK gas demand fell sharply last yearThe owner of British Gas has placed a £1.5bn bet on the UK’s future reliance on fossil fuel imports after striking a deal to buy Europe’s biggest gas import terminal.Centrica plans to partner with a US private equity firm to acquire the Isle of Grain terminal in Kent, which can import 15m tonnes of liquefied natural gas a year, even after Britain’s gas demand fell last year to its lowest level since the early 1990s. Continue reading...

Economics

4 d. ago Fresh blow to Starmer as Labour's approval rating slumps to its lowest EVER level

Labour's net approval rating under Keir Starmer slipped to -55, according to YouGov polling. It comes amid concerns about the number of small boats arrivals, the economy and justice.

Politics

5 d. ago Jobs market cools further over economic concerns and rising costs

Figures showed growth in starting salaries also slowed to its lowest level for more than four years as firms tightened their recruitment budgets.

Economics

9 d. ago Dire economic crosswinds mean Rachel Reeves must raise income tax

Editorial: Despite interest rates being brought to their lowest level in more than two years, a combination of meagre economic growth, high government spending and U-turns over proposed welfare cuts has trapped Labour in a fiscal straitjacket. But the chancellor must remember that good policy is good politics

Economics

9 d. ago Interest rates cut brings relief to homeowners and borrowers across UK

Interest rates are now at their lowest level in two years.

Politics

9 d. ago The Bank of England cuts its main interest rate to 4%, the lowest level since March 2023

The Bank of England has cut its main interest rate by a quarter percentage point to 4%, as policy makers seek to bolster the sluggish U.K. economy

Politics

9 d. ago Interest rates LIVE: Bank of England set to make major cut as economy struggles

Interest rates are set to be slashed to 4% this afternoon, marking the fifth cut since last August - and taking the cost of borrowing to its lowest level in more than two years

Economics

4 w. ago Company insolvencies fall in England and Wales, in ‘glimmer of relief’; Trump blasts Fed board – business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsBusinesses are still in “tough” times, despite the drop in insolvencies in June, cautions David Hudson, restructuring advisory partner at FRP.Hudson says:“The slight fall in insolvencies this month offers a glimmer of relief – especially for hospitality and retail businesses, which are now reaping the benefits of record hot weather. However, we’re still in tough territory. Consumer confidence remains stubbornly low, growth is stuttering – with GDP dipping again in May. June’s unexpected jump in inflation will only serve to continue eroding profit margins and consumer demand.“This environment is forcing businesses to fight on multiple fronts. Many will likely only be experiencing breathing space after dramatically paring back costs. Until demand shows a more sustained recovery and input costs ease further, there’s a risk that this reprieve is just a pause rather than a turning point.” Continue reading...

Politics

4 w. ago Only a quarter of Americans say Trump’s policies have helped them, new poll finds

A majority of Americans believe Trump has fallen short on key issues such as the economy and immigration

Politics