2 h. ago UK’s FTSE 100 share index hits record closing high despite economy shrinking in April – business live

UK economy shrank by 0.3% in April, biggest fall since October 2023, as trade with the US slumped.. but FTSE 100 ends at new record closeFull story: UK economy shrinks by 0.3% as as exports hit by Trump trade warNicholas Hyett, Investment Manager at Wealth Club, blames “a cocktail of headwinds to growth” for the 0.3% fall in UK GDP in April.Hyett says:In the very short term the change to Stamp Duty rules have put the legal and property services on ice - with legal activities down 10.2% month-on-month.New barriers to trade with the US and changes to employment costs, from a higher living wage and increased national insurance contributions, are a longer term challenge.“The 0.3% m/m fall in real GDP in April supports our view that the strength in Q1 was unsustainable. This won’t prompt the Bank of England to cut interest rates next Thursday. But it is one more piece of news pointing to another cut in August.”We still expect the Bank Rate to be maintained at 4.25% in the June meeting, t...

Economics

3 h. ago The Ritz chef claims his £221 menu is 'the best value in London'

The Ritz Restaurant executive chef John Williams MBE (pictured) says the hotel's two-Michelin-starred restaurant's £221 tasting menu is the 'best value in London',

Economics

5 h. ago Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 'awkward exchange' at Trooping the Colour explained

The last time the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were included in the coveted royal balcony line up at the annual Trooping the Colour, fans spotted a seemingly tense moment between the two - but there’s more than meets the eye

Politics

7 h. ago Largest ever plunge in UK exports to US as Trump tariffs hurt growth; dollar hits three

UK economy shrank by 0.3% in April, biggest fall since October 2023, as trade with the US slumpedFull story: UK economy shrinks by 0.3% as as exports hit by Trump trade warNicholas Hyett, Investment Manager at Wealth Club, blames “a cocktail of headwinds to growth” for the 0.3% fall in UK GDP in April.Hyett says:In the very short term the change to Stamp Duty rules have put the legal and property services on ice - with legal activities down 10.2% month-on-month.New barriers to trade with the US and changes to employment costs, from a higher living wage and increased national insurance contributions, are a longer term challenge.“The 0.3% m/m fall in real GDP in April supports our view that the strength in Q1 was unsustainable. This won’t prompt the Bank of England to cut interest rates next Thursday. But it is one more piece of news pointing to another cut in August.”We still expect the Bank Rate to be maintained at 4.25% in the June meeting, to allow still troubling earnings growth ...

Politics

27 h. ago The best boutique hotels in Cornwall for a chic stay by the sea

From Panzance to Padstow, Cornwall is home to a wealth of boutique hotels that offer picturesque beach views from cosy rooms, top-class restaurants and sensational spas

Politics

32 h. ago Meghan Markle forced to scrap next huge appearance for one major reason

Just days before Meghan Markle was due to be the guest of honour at a charity event at an LA museum, the event has been cancelled due to ongoing unrest in the city

Politics

34 h. ago Lioncroft Wholesale CEO: “To succeed, we must look beyond our borders”

As the E2E International 100 list is launched, Jason Wouhra OBE urges businesses to recognise that expanding into global markets is where the growth is

Economics

45 h. ago The Queen knew Harry and Meghan would ‘end in disaster’ because of one word

Out of all the accusations Prince Harry and Meghan Markle slung the Royal Family's way, it was one unexpected word that told the late Queen that there was no return for the exiled couple

Politics

46 h. ago Brooke Shields podcast episode calling Meghan Markle ‘too serious’ quietly removed

Shields appeared on a recent episode of India Hicks’s podcast, where she addressed her awkward interaction with the Duchess of Sussex at the 2024 SXSW festival

Politics

50 h. ago Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's single word that left late Queen fearing 'disaster'

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle never intended to leave royal life altogether, but one word in their sensational statement lead to an ultimatum from the Palace, according to insiders

Politics

57 h. ago Rachel Reeves must not ignore London's vital role as engine of the British economy

Investing in London isn’t about favouring one region over another, it’s about backing the entire country to succeed

Politics

57 h. ago Eight in 10 Scottish small businesses cite barriers to growth this summer as concerns over rising fixed costs soar to five

More than eight in ten Scottish small business owners (83%) cite barriers holding their businesses back from growing – with concerns over fixed costs and the cost of hiring skilled labour on the rise - according to new research from Novuna Business Finance.

Economics

58 h. ago 'It fixed my very dry skin overnight!' Big tub of Weleda body butter hits £10 sale for 24 hours

Weleda's iconic Skin Food range is loved by Meghan Markle and Victoria Beckham – and now the hero body butter is on sale with a £12 saving

Economics

59 h. ago Jobless rate surges to highest since 2021 while pay growth eases sharply – ONS

The Office for National Statistics said average regular earnings, excluding bonuses, fell sharply to 5.2% in the three months to April.

Politics

67 h. ago Meghan Markle planning expansion of her lifestyle and wellness line only weeks after taking ‘step back’

The Duchess of Sussex recently announced that As Ever would be restocking

Politics

69 h. ago The Best Restaurant in the UK Is in One of London’s Fanciest Hotels

The Best Restaurant in the UK Is in One of London’s Fanciest Hotels  Bloomberg

Society

3 d. ago The Guardian view on fitness: evidence of the benefits of exercise keeps growing, but who is listening? | Editorial

Physical activity is part of a healthy lifestyle – ministers should grab the chance to shape the culture surrounding itThe role of exercise in promoting good general health, and helping to prevent heart disease, strokes and diabetes is well established. No wonder, then, that long‑distance running keeps growing in popularity. Popular tracks and parks have never been busier, with groups in stretchy Lycra and fitness trackers on their wrists. The internet is awash with exercise videos, while figures earlier this year showed that gym memberships have climbed to a record 11.5m. The 16.9% of people aged 16 or over in Britain who belong to a gym is one of the highest proportions in Europe.The older teenagers and young adults of generation Z are a key demographic behind this social trend. And recent news from the world’s biggest cancer conference, in Chicago, shows how right they are to take the health benefits of fitness seriously. A landmark trial compared the outcomes of p...

Politics

3 d. ago Meghan Markle's huge royal clash as new glitzy outing comes on same day as major event

While the royal family will be celebrating the King’s official birthday with the Trooping the Colour procession on Saturday, Meghan Markle will be at an event of her own in California

Politics

3 d. ago What your foot shape says about you: From 'thinkers' with 'Greek' toes to 'sensitive' people with 'Roman' digits, how your trotters reveal what you're really like

The Duchess of Sussex , 43, has kicked off her shoes in favour of a more bohemian way of living, seemingly walking around her $29 million mansion barefoot most days.

Politics

3 d. ago 'Meghan's an influencer, Sophie has real influence': Royal expert's damning verdict on Harry's wife 'wasting her potential' on jam and rosé

Meghan Markle is a self-proclaimed feminist and vowed to continue her work for women's advocacy when she joined the Royal Family.

Science