39 h. ago Brazil’s president rebuffs demand to cease inquiry into Bolsonaro after Trump tariffs – live updates

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva posts statement on social media saying the country ‘will not accept any form of tutelage’ after US levies 50% tariffsTrump targets Brunei, Libya and Moldova with latest threat of US tariffsTrump says Bolsonaro ‘not guilty of anything’ amid Brazil coup trialThe US justice department has sued California over state policies allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls’ school sports, alleging that allowing them to do so violates federal anti-discrimination laws.The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Los Angeles, claims that California’s policies violate Title IX, which affords legal protection against sex discrimination.Our Fed Rate is AT LEAST 3 Points too high. “Too Late” is costing the U.S. 360 Billion Dollars a Point, PER YEAR, in refinancing costs. No Inflation, COMPANIES POURING INTO AMERICA. “The hottest Country in the World!” LOWER THE RATE!!!ANYBODY BUT “TOO LATE.”In effect, we went on hold when we saw the size of the tariffs and essentially all ...

Politics

43 h. ago Trump announces 50% tariff on Brazil, citing what he claims is a ‘witch

US president slaps tariff on Brazil and complains about treatment of Brazil’s former president, who is facing trial over an alleged coup attemptTrump targets Brunei, Libya and Moldova with latest threat of US tariffsTrump says Bolsonaro ‘not guilty of anything’ amid Brazil coup trialThe US justice department has sued California over state policies allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls’ school sports, alleging that allowing them to do so violates federal anti-discrimination laws.The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Los Angeles, claims that California’s policies violate Title IX, which affords legal protection against sex discrimination.Our Fed Rate is AT LEAST 3 Points too high. “Too Late” is costing the U.S. 360 Billion Dollars a Point, PER YEAR, in refinancing costs. No Inflation, COMPANIES POURING INTO AMERICA. “The hottest Country in the World!” LOWER THE RATE!!!ANYBODY BUT “TOO LATE.”In effect, we went on hold when we saw the size of the tariffs and essentially all...

Politics

48 h. ago Trump announces tariffs of up to 30% on six more countries – live updates

President defends tariffs and sends letters to countries including Algeria, Iraq and Brunei The US justice department has sued California over state policies allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls’ school sports, alleging that allowing them to do so violates federal anti-discrimination laws.The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Los Angeles, claims that California’s policies violate Title IX, which affords legal protection against sex discrimination.Our Fed Rate is AT LEAST 3 Points too high. “Too Late” is costing the U.S. 360 Billion Dollars a Point, PER YEAR, in refinancing costs. No Inflation, COMPANIES POURING INTO AMERICA. “The hottest Country in the World!” LOWER THE RATE!!!ANYBODY BUT “TOO LATE.”In effect, we went on hold when we saw the size of the tariffs and essentially all inflation forecasts for the United States went up materially as a consequence of the tariffs.Anybody would be better than Jay Powell. He’s costing us a fortune because he keeps the rate way u...

Politics

4 d. ago Europe does not have to choose between guns and butter. There is another way | Shahin Vallée and Joseph de Weck

Yes, defence spending has to rise – but slashing the welfare state to fund it would be a big mistakeEuropean governments are once again haunted by a tough choice between financing the military or spending on social programmes. That, at any rate, is the narrative that has taken hold since Donald Trump’s retreat from the postwar global security order and the urgent pressure to rearm Europe.But to frame the dilemma facing Europe in this way is a big mistake. History teaches us that the political choice has never been about guns or butter, but rather guns or taxes. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Council Tax collection rates hold up in West Lothian despite increase

Councillors agreed an 8.95% rise in February, the largest rise in years after a decade of Holyrood imposed freezes.

Politics

2 w. ago Federal Reserve chair defends holding interest rates after fresh Trump attacks

Jerome Powell says central bank is waiting to see tariffs’ impact on US prices as president claims ‘incompetence’The Federal Reserve is well placed to wait and see how tariffs affect US prices before cutting interest rates, its chair, Jerome Powell, insisted, defying renewed demands from Donald Trump.The US president has disregarded the central bank’s longstanding independence to repeatedly call for rate cuts to spur economic growth and launch a series of personal attacks on Powell. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Finance expert warns savers ‘loyalty does not pay’ after Bank of England holds base rate

Now is the time to check how much your savings are earning and switch to a better returns rate.

Events

3 w. ago Bank of England boss Andrew Bailey sounds alarm over jobs as it leaves interest rates on hold

Bailey (pictured) said there had been 'signs of softening in the labour market' as a Bank survey found employers are slamming the brakes on pay rises.

Economics

3 w. ago London stocks fall as BoE keeps rates on hold; Middle East tensions persist

London stocks fall as BoE keeps rates on hold; Middle East tensions persist  KITCO

Events

3 w. ago London stocks fall as BoE keeps rates on hold; Middle East tensions persist By Reuters

London stocks fall as BoE keeps rates on hold; Middle East tensions persist By Reuters  Investing.com

Events

3 w. ago Interest rates: Hold for now but cheaper mortgages could be just weeks away

“You only have to look at recent moves in the mortgage market to see how tough the banks are finding it to price their deals right now”

Politics

3 w. ago Interest rates – live: Bank of England holds rate amid oil and inflation concerns

Rate remains at 4.25 per cent as experts look to balance higher inflation with economic growth

Economics

3 w. ago Bank of England holds interest rates at 4.25% amid fears Middle East crisis and rising food inflation could increase cost

Most economists had predicted that the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) would opt to keep interest rates on hold at 4.25 per cent following its latest meeting.

Economics

3 w. ago UK interest rates kept on hold with Bank alert to ‘highly unpredictable’ world

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee decided to keep rates unchanged at 4.25%.

Events

3 w. ago UK's central bank set to keep interest rates on hold amid Middle East uncertainties

The Bank of England is set to keep interest rates on hold as fears grow that the conflict between Israel and Iran will escalate to involve the United States and send oil prices soaring and push U.K. inflation further above target

Politics

3 w. ago Brits face wait for interest rates relief with Bank of England poised to hold amid anxiety over Middle East crisis and 'sticky' inflation

The Monetary Policy Committee looks set to keep the base rate at 4.25 per cent when the latest decision is announced at noon.

Economics

3 w. ago UK interest rates expected to remain on hold; rate cuts in Norway, Switzerland and the Philippines – business live

Central bankers warn that trade war worries, and conflict in the Middle East, could hurt growthNewsflash: We have a third interest rate cut this morning!Norway’s central bank has surprised analysts by cutting its policy rate by a quarter of one percentage point, to 4.25%. The rate had been set at 4.5% since December 2023.“Inflation has declined since the monetary policy meeting in March, and the inflation outlook for the coming year indicates lower inflation than previously expected.A cautious normalisation of the policy rate will pave the way for inflation to return to target without restricting the economy more than necessary.”“The uncertainty surrounding the economic outlook is now greater than normal. If the economy takes a different path than currently envisaged, the policy rate path may be adjusted. But our objectives stand firm. We will finish the job and ensure that inflation is brought all the way back to 2 percent.”The Monetary Board also noted indications of a deceleratio...

Politics

3 w. ago Bank of England expected to leave interest rates on hold as Middle East conflict pushes up oil price – business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news, as Switzerland and Philippines cut interest ratesNewsflash: We have a third interest rate cut this morning!Norway’s central bank has surprised analysts by cutting its policy rate by a quarter of one percentage point, to 4.25%. The rate had been set at 4.5% since December 2023.“Inflation has declined since the monetary policy meeting in March, and the inflation outlook for the coming year indicates lower inflation than previously expected.A cautious normalisation of the policy rate will pave the way for inflation to return to target without restricting the economy more than necessary.”“The uncertainty surrounding the economic outlook is now greater than normal. If the economy takes a different path than currently envisaged, the policy rate path may be adjusted. But our objectives stand firm. We will finish the job and ensure that inflation is brought all the way back to 2 percent.”The Monetary Board also noted indications of...

Economics

3 w. ago Stagflation warning as Fed resists Trump's pressure and holds interest rates

The US Federal Reserve, led by Chairman Jay Powell (pictured), left rates at a range of 4.25-4.5% as it cut its forecasts for economic growth.

Events

3 w. ago Fed chief Powell's stubborn defiance on interest rates risks an avoidable downturn, says ALEX BRUMMER

The Federal Reserve's rate hold should come as no surprise. Chairman Jay Powell is determined to preserve the US central bank's independence.

Events