Why 2014 could be the year gold bounces back January 3, 2014 2013 was a dire year for gold prices, and today's two per cent gain does little to make the 28 per cent slump of last year look any better. But Capital Economics reckons that, with sentiment already so heavily negative, the risks for the coming year are firmly skewed to the upside. For starters, says [...]
UK construction sector sees eighth month of growth January 3, 2014 There's more good news for the UK construction sector, as it continues its onward march, expanding for the eighth month in a row in December. The Markit/CIPS puchasing managers' index for UK construction PMI came in at 62.1 (62.6 November), above expectations of 62.0 and buoyed by a further big rise in housebuilding. Tim Moore, [...]
UK mortgage approvals hit six-year high January 3, 2014 Data released by the Bank of England show that the number of mortgages approved in November rose to 70,758 – the largest number in almost six years, although still far lower than figures pre-recession. Expectations were for 69,000, and the number of approvals beat October's 67,701, providing more evidence of a rapidly growing housing market. [...]
UK construction sector sees eighth month of growth January 3, 2014 There's more good news for the UK construction sector, as it continues its onward march, expanding for the eighth month in a row in December. The Markit/CIPS puchasing managers' index for UK construction PMI came in at 62.1 (62.6 November), above expectations of 62.0 and buoyed by a further big rise in housebuilding. Tim Moore, [...]
UK mortgage approvals at highest in six years January 3, 2014 Data released by the Bank of England show that the number of mortgages approved in November rose to 70,758 – the largest number in almost six years, although still far lower than figures pre-recession. Expectations were for 69,000, and the number of approvals beat October's 67,701, providing more evidence of a rapidly growing housing market. [...]
Next raises annual profit forecasts on bumper festive sales January 3, 2014 Strong Christmas sales have seen retailer Next up its full year profit forecast range, along with announcing a special dividend. The festive period saw sales "significantly ahead of expectations", said the UK fashion chain. Sales from 1 November to 24 December increased 11.9 per cent, and five per cent from a year earlier. Next Retail [...]
House prices rose 8.4pc in 2013 January 3, 2014 The end of 2013 saw UK house prices up 1.4 per cent month-on-month, and increasing 8.4 per cent year-on-year. London continued to lead annual price growth, with an increase of almost 15 per cent in the fourth quarter. And things aren't expected to slow down this year. IHS Global Insight predicts price increases of eight [...]
What you need to know before the open – 03/01 January 3, 2014 A quiet and steady open is expected for European markets today, as significant data releases remain thin on the ground. US markets closed lower after their first day of trading in 2014, following data that suggested a slowdown in Chinese and US manufacturing expansion. From ETX Capital: At 0430 BST today, FTSE 100 futures are [...]
Next raises annual profit forecasts on bumper festive sales January 3, 2014 Strong Christmas sales have seen retailer Next up its full year profit forecast range, along with announcing a special dividend. The festive period saw sales "significantly ahead of expectations", said the UK fashion chain. Sales from 1 November to 24 December increased 11.9 per cent, and five per cent from a year earlier. Next Retail [...]
Here’s why Capital Economics thinks gold will bounce back this year January 2, 2014 2013 was a dire year for gold prices, and today's two per cent gain does little to make the 28 per cent slump of last year look any better. But Capital Economics reckons that, with sentiment already so heavily negative, the risks for the coming year are firmly skewed to the upside. For starters, [...]