Healey oversees unexpected rise in borrowing in first month as Chancellor August 21, 2026 John Healey oversaw an unexpected deficit in the public finances in his first month as Chancellor, according to new data, in a sign the government may be more restricted than first thought ahead of its first budget. New figures released on Friday showed that government borrowing hit £1.8bn in July. Markets had expected the Office for [...]
As it happened: FTSE 100 climbs as markets digest Bessent buyback August 21, 2026 Welcome back to the City AM liveblog. The FTSE 100 has closed 0.6 per cent higher after fresh research showed consumer confidence has risen to its highest level in nearly two years. The GfK consumer confidence index – which polls households on the way they view their finances and economic outlook – jumped three points [...]
Hammersmith Bridge is a test for Burnham’s place-based growth August 21, 2026 Putting forward funds to reopen Hammersmith Bridge is not special pleading for the capital, it is common sense, writes Tolga Inanc.
Premier League: US owners dominate over half of 20 clubs August 21, 2026 The Premier League returns this evening for its 35th season, and clubs have become commodities traded by some of the world’s richest and most influential investors. From private equity funds to billionaires to sovereign wealth, this current crop of 20 team owners – this season seeing Hull City, Coventry City and Ipswich Town replacing Burnley, [...]
The decline of Harvey Nichols is a tale of London’s decline too August 21, 2026 The decline and fall of Harvey Nichols is not just another business story. It is a warning about the crisis engulfing London’s high streets.
Litigation funders need certainty to keep Britain’s class action regime fair August 21, 2026 Litigation funding is an exceptionally risky business, which current delays and uncertainty over new rules is worsening, writes Leslie Perrin.
Mark Kleinman: Frasers’ touchiness shows importance of Harvey Nicks swoop for Ashley August 21, 2026 Mark Kleinman is Sky News’ City editor and the man who gets the Square Mile talking in his City AM column. Touched a raw nerve? Michael Murray, the chief executive of Frasers Group, was forthright in comments to City AM last month when it was put to him that some luxury brands had expressed concerns about Harvey Nichols [...]
Consumer confidence extends upward streak in boost to Burnham and Healey August 21, 2026 Consumer confidence rose for the fourth straight month in August in a sign that Brits are buying into the government’s push to tackle the cost of living, a leading survey has suggested. GfK’s consumer confidence index rose to -14 this month, up three points from the net score last month. Consumer confidence has been rising [...]
Rayevka can carry Nunthorpe back to France August 20, 2026 WITH the rain that has fallen at York and dry conditions forecast for the rest of the meeting, the ground could ride tacky on Friday. That’s likely to place emphasis on stamina and the conditions should suit French raider RAYEVKA in the day’s big race, the Group One Nunthorpe Stakes (3.35pm). Francis-Henri Graffard’s four-year-old is a [...]
Prince Harry braces for eye watering legal bill after Daily Mail defeat August 20, 2026 The litigation costs Prince Harry and a group of six other household names will have to pay the Daily Mail’s publisher are set to be decided on Friday after the group lost their high-profile phone-hacking case. The celebrity group waged a long-running legal battle against Associated Newspapers over allegations of illegal information gathering and phone [...]