2 h. ago Has TikTok's 'office siren' trend gone too far or is a worrying corporate shift at play

The 'office sirens' are getting called out for lack of professionalism, but are they really pushing the bounds too far or are economic and political factors behind the push for more modest corporate attire?

Politics

5 d. ago Odds of May interest rate cut rise after UK inflation falls to 2.8% – business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news, as pound dips after February’s inflation reportFurther benefits cuts planned as Rachel Reeves forced to find extra £1.6bnFive economic factors that will govern Rachel Reeves’s spring statementSterling is weakening a little, after UK inflation fell by more than expected this morning.The pound has lost nearly a third of a cent against the US dollar to $1.2915.The market reaction to this data has been minimal, as the focus remains on the Spring Statement later today.The pound has dropped slightly, but GBP/USD is down less than 20 pips so far on Wednesday, the bond markets are not open, but we think that UK Gilts will also have a mild reaction to this data. Continue reading...

Economics

5 d. ago UK inflation falls to 2.8% ahead of Rachel Reeves’s spring statement – business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news.Further benefits cuts planned as Rachel Reeves forced to find extra £1.6bnFive economic factors that will govern Rachel Reeves’s spring statementHere’s a chart showing the various price changes that pulled UK inflation down to 2.8% last month.Core inflation has also slowed in February, despite prices rising steadily in the services sector.“The Bank of England will be reassured by today’s fall in underlying inflation, with core inflation easing. We expect underlying inflationary pressures to fall further over the coming months. That will hopefully allow the MPC to look through the expected near-term increase in headline inflation and resume cutting interest rates in the upcoming May meeting.“Goods inflation fell to 0.8% in February, however ongoing trade frictions could push prices higher. With the potential imposition of tariffs, the cost of imported goods could increase, creating additional cost pressures for both businesse...

Economics

5 d. ago Five economic factors that will govern Rachel Reeves’s spring statement

The chancellor will address MPs on Wednesday, warning of tough spending cuts amid rising government borrowing costsWhat to expect from Rachel Reeves’s (brief) spring statementRachel Reeves will give her spring statement on Wednesday, with a warning that spending cuts are required because “the world has changed” amid rising government borrowing costs.After announcing deep cuts to welfare, provoking a fierce backlash within her party, the chancellor will present updated forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) on the outlook for the economy and government finances. Continue reading...

Economics

5 d. ago What to expect from Rachel Reeves’s (brief) spring statement

Talk of tough choices ahead, an increase in debt financing, and more initiatives to promote growthThe spring statement offers an opportunity for Rachel Reeves to talk about progress since last October’s budget, the government’s growth agenda and how it is attempting to raise living standards. However, the chancellor’s message is likely to be defensive after being blown off course in recent months.Last year she promised “no return to austerity”. But after stalled tax receipts denied her the income she expected, and concerns over the global economy and Donald Trump’s antics raised the UK’s borrowing costs, Reeves is being forced to make cuts to stay within her budget rules. Here is what to expect from Reeves’s speech, which is predicted to be relatively short at just 25 minutes. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago UK economy shrinks in January; stocks and euro jump on German debt deal – as it happened

UK economy unexpectedly contracts by 0.1% in January in blow to the chancellor ahead of spring statement; Friedrich Merz declares: ‘Germany is back’Let’s look at the GDP figures in more detail.The 0.9% drop in production output in January, which came after 0.5% growth in December, was mainly caused by a 1.1% slump in manufacturing while mining and quarrying also declined. Basic metals and metal products were down along with pharmaceutical products. Continue reading...

Economics

2 w. ago UK economy shrinks in January; stocks and euro jump on German debt deal – business live

UK economy unexpectedly contracts by 0.1% in January in blow to the chancellor ahead of spring statement; Friedrich Merz declares: ‘Germany is back’Let’s look at the GDP figures in more detail.The 0.9% drop in production output in January, which came after 0.5% growth in December, was mainly caused by a 1.1% slump in manufacturing while mining and quarrying also declined. Basic metals and metal products were down along with pharmaceutical products. Continue reading...

Economics

2 w. ago UK economy shrinks in January; stocks and euro jump on reported German debt deal – business live

UK economy unexpectedly contracts by 0.1% in January in blow to the chancellor ahead of spring statementLet’s look at the GDP figures in more detail.The 0.9% drop in production output in January, which came after 0.5% growth in December, was mainly caused by a 1.1% slump in manufacturing while mining and quarrying also declined. Basic metals and metal products were down along with pharmaceutical products. Continue reading...

Economics

2 w. ago One in three investors ‘not feeling confident about positive returns in 2025’

Economic uncertainty, market volatility and political risk are among the major factors affecting confidence, research for Nutmeg indicates.

Economics

3 w. ago European markets fall and euro soars amid Trump tariff delays

FTSE 100 drops and is on track for its worst week in a year, as Germany’s Dax index slidesBusiness live – latest updatesEuropean stock markets have slumped after Donald Trump’s second reversal on tariffs caused deep uncertainty among investors, while the euro was on track for its biggest weekly rise since the financial crisis.Germany’s Dax index dropped by 1.6%, as weak factory data added to the signs of difficult economic conditions. France’s Cac 40 fell by 1.2%, while London’s FTSE 100 dropped by 0.5% on Friday morning, after the US benchmark S&P 500 index fell 1.8% on Thursday night to its lowest level since early November. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Factory jobs cut at fastest pace since Covid as Labour's anti

S&P Global found 'the steepest cut to employment' in the sector since May 2020, with staffing levels falling in five of the last six months.

Politics