20 h. ago Scottish town once named 'worst' now crowned top spot in country for wellbeing

The town topped Scotland for wellbeing in the 2025 Best Places to Live report, but scored low for house prices, connectivity or natural environment

Politics

20 h. ago UK manufacturing downturn continues as new orders slide; Trump’s attack on Fed is ‘a serious danger’ – business live

Weak market conditions, US tariffs and downbeat client confidence blamed for drop in factory ordersOuch! The UK manufacturing sector shrank again last month, as factories were hit by weaker demand at home and abroad.The latest monthly poll of purchasing managers across Britain’s manufacturing sector found that new orders and new export business both fell at quicker rates in August, leading to another drop in production volumes.“Production volumes are still showing resilience in the face of global geopolitical uncertainty and US tariff policies, with both July and August having seen only slight contractions that were milder than those suffered earlier in the year. Business confidence has also lifted to a sixmonth high, reflecting hopes that the trading environment is starting to settle down.However, August also saw a steep drop in UK manufacturers’ new orders, with total order books and overseas demand both falling at some of the fastest rates seen over the past two years. Weak marke...

Politics

22 h. ago UK manufacturing downturn continues as new orders slide; Profits surge at Royal Mail – business live

Weak market conditions, US tariffs and downbeat client confidence blamed for drop in factory ordersOuch! The UK manufacturing sector shrank again last month, as factories were hit by weaker demand at home and abroad.The latest monthly poll of purchasing managers across Britain’s manufacturing sector found that new orders and new export business both fell at quicker rates in August, leading to another drop in production volumes.“Production volumes are still showing resilience in the face of global geopolitical uncertainty and US tariff policies, with both July and August having seen only slight contractions that were milder than those suffered earlier in the year. Business confidence has also lifted to a sixmonth high, reflecting hopes that the trading environment is starting to settle down.However, August also saw a steep drop in UK manufacturers’ new orders, with total order books and overseas demand both falling at some of the fastest rates seen over the past two years. Weak marke...

Economics

22 h. ago FTSE 100 Live 01 September: Defence stocks lift index, house price growth slows

Annual house price growth softened in August, building society Nationwide reported today.

Society

23 h. ago House prices fall in August as Budget property tax rumours risk sending them lower

The typical home fell in value last month by £1,585, according to the latest figures from Nationwide.

Economics

23 h. ago Profits surge at Royal Mail’s parent company after £3.6bn takeover by foreign owner – business live

Royal Mail returns to an underlying annual profit for the first time in three years despite a “competitive and challenging” backdropRoyal Mail’s parent company has posted a surge in profits, in its first financial results since being taken over by Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský.International Distribution Services (IDS) has reported that pre-tax profits jumped to £429m in the year to 30 March 2025, up from £114m the previous year.“It has been a year of change for IDS. Thanks to the hard work of our people and our investment in transformation, Royal Mail returned to profit for the first time in three years, marking an important milestone in the company’s turnaround.With IDS’s acquisition by EP Group complete and Universal Service reform decided now is the time for us to drive the business forward and capitalise on our momentum.This is in line with guidance and was achieved despite an increasingly competitive and challenging trading environment. Continue reading...

Economics

23 h. ago Factory activity shrinks as US tariffs bite; UK house prices drop – business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsEuropean Central Bank president Christine Lagarde has weighed in on the crisis in France, saying that any risk of a government falling in the euro zone is “worrying”.Speaking to broadcaster Radio Classique, Lagarde said France is not currently in a situation that would need the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to intervene. Continue reading...

Economics

23 h. ago FTSE 100 Live 01 September: House price growth slows, Alibaba shares jump

Annual house price growth softened in August, building society Nationwide reported today.

Society

23 h. ago Business news live: UK house prices fall with ‘market ‘struggling’ after stamp duty change

Stock market news and latest business and finance updates from Monday

Economics

24 h. ago Average UK house price suffers monthly fall of 0.1%, figures show

The affordability of a home remains ‘stretched’ compared with the longer term, Nationwide Building Society said.

Politics

24 h. ago Factory activity shrinks as US tariffs bite; UK house price drop – business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsNationwide also expects income growth to continues to outpace house price growth.That would mean that housing affordability should continue to improve, if gradually.Borrowing costs are likely to moderate a little further if Bank Rate is lowered again in the coming quarters.This should support buyer demand, especially since household balance sheets are strong and labour market conditions are expected to remain solid. Continue reading...

Economics

32 h. ago Crossings of small boats to UK in August fall to lowest since 2019

Home secretary to hail decline as evidence that Labour’s plan to ‘smash the gangs’ is having effect

Politics

32 h. ago Small boat crossings to UK in August fall to lowest level since 2019

Home secretary to hail decline as evidence that Labour’s plan to ‘smash the gangs’ is having effect

Politics

3 d. ago Where to buy a house if you are being priced out of Manchester

Local estate agents have named the best areas that are both affordable and within commuting distance to the city centre

Economics

3 d. ago Phil Spencer: catastrophic rumoured tax reforms would hit ordinary Londoners

Rumours that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering property tax reforms that include scrapping stamp duty, a tax on home sales over £500,000 and collecting capital gains tax (CGT) on homes over £1.5 million when they sell are likely to slow the housing market according to Zoopla.

Events

3 d. ago As house prices continue to rise, should you buy property using a modern auction?

It’s becoming more popular - but you must be aware of the risks and pitfalls before you start

Economics

4 d. ago New Zealand’s house prices are finally falling. Could this happen elsewhere?

Prices have dropped by up to 30% in some parts of the country – but experts say obstacles to home ownership remainThree years ago, New Zealanders would have it found it almost impossible to imagine the country’s sky-high house prices falling.The market was deemed one of the least affordable in the world, with house prices nearly nine times the average income and supply dismally low. Desperate first home buyers were being squeezed out of the market by cashed-up investors. Continue reading...

Politics

4 d. ago Kirstie Allsopp leads fury at Rachel Reeves' latest property tax raid: Anger at Chancellor's 'cunning plan' to hike levies on landlords sees her accused of 'running the economy like Baldrick'

Treasury officials are said to be looking at proposals to levy £2billion from property earnings as they scramble for revenue-raisers ahead of the Budget this autumn.

Economics

4 d. ago Rachel Reeves 'plots tax raid on landlords by applying National Insurance to rental income' as Chancellor looks to plug £50bn spending hole

Treasury officials are said to be looking at proposals to levy £2billion from property earnings as they scramble for revenue-raisers ahead of the Budget this autumn.

Economics

4 d. ago FTSE 100 Live 28 August: Nvidia shares fall on results, index higher

Nvidia results are the main focus for stock market investors after the chip giant’s quarterly figures beat expectations but shares still fell.

Politics