China reports slowest year of economic growth since 1990 January 20, 2017 China today reported its slowest year of economic growth in more than 25 years. The nation’s economy grew by 6.7 per cent in 2016, down from 6.9 per cent in 2015, according to official data. The figure represents the nation's slowest reported growth since 1990. Read more: China's crude oil output is falling “Perhaps inevitably, [...]
What Trump’s presidential inauguration means for the US Dollar January 20, 2017 Thanks to the Federal Reserve's Janet Yellen confirming that US rates are going up, the Greenback was the best performing currency on Wednesday, netting half a cent against sterling. She was unremittingly upbeat about the US economy, saying it was "near maximum employment and inflation is moving toward our goal". That being the case, the [...]
George Soros predicts Donald Trump will fail as US President – and says global markets will see a downturn January 20, 2017 Billionaire investor George Soros thinks Donald Trump's presidency will be a failure, and he said markets will suffer due to the uncertainty surrounding his leadership. Stocks in the US surged in the aftermath of Trump's election, as investors anticipated policies that would shake up the economy. "Markets see Trump dismantling regulations and reducing taxes, and that [...]
Heineken is in talks to acquire Brasil Kirin, Brazil’s second-largest brewer January 20, 2017 Dutch brewing giant Heineken confirmed today it is in talks to purchase Brasil Kirin, Brazil’s second-largest brewer. Japan's Nikkei newspaper reported Heineken will pay around 100bn yen (£705.5m) for the business. Kirin said the report was not based on any comments made by the company. "These discussions are ongoing and there can be no certainty that [...]
These are the executive actions Trump has planned for his first days in office January 20, 2017 All eyes are on America today as the US President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Trump is set to be sworn in during an inauguration ceremony that kicks off at 4:30pm (11:30am in Washington DC), and aides say he has plans to get to work right away on issues that spearheaded his campaign, like immigration and the [...]
Ellen MacArthur reveals importance of “circular economy” investment hot spots January 20, 2017 Dame Ellen MacArthur revealed her sailing exploits pale into insignificance compared with the importance of promoting her €900bn (£776bn) “circular economy”. MacArthur, who became the fastest solo sailor to circumnavigate the globe in 2005, will today unveil the latest report from her foundation, identifying 10 investment “hot spots” which she hopes will turn the global [...]
Editor’s notes: Brexit debate has given us some tragic and hilarious voices January 20, 2017 Plenty of column inches are devoted to hard economic and policy analysis of the unfolding Brexit debate – including plenty in this paper. So today I’m going to indulge in a more light-hearted approach to the topic, and will instead take a look at the people who entertain me the most in these bold new times. [...]
Davos Diary: Prime Minister May’s reception as cold as the weather January 20, 2017 At the very least, this week’s Davos agenda had a weary air of familiarity about it: sustainability, artificial intelligence and income inequality all competing to be hailed the zeitgeistian focus of the world’s power-brokers’ power breakfasts. In that respect, little has changed. But if the Trump presidential machine rolls into town this time next year, I [...]
Britain’s investors have a responsibility to help close society’s divides January 20, 2017 I feel a touch fortunate that my Davos debut has come during such a fascinating period of change. The World Economic Forum’s annual gathering in Switzerland, which ends today, has long opined on the state of political, social and economic affairs. Discussions this week have seemed to possess an elevated sense of urgency. At the [...]
Trump the brash succeeds Obama the failure, but the inauguration itself is a thing of beauty January 20, 2017 Don't drag your feet on the way out, Mr President. Even in these uncertain times, the fear of what comes next can’t sugar-coat the agony of what came before. No doubt we’ve all been charmed by President Obama these past few months. Our awareness of who is to follow, combined with the more easy-going nature of [...]