London cost of living rises but quality decays: Singapore ranked world’s most expensive city March 3, 2015 London has become the world’s 11th most expensive city after jumping four places in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s latest survey. However, a separate report ranked the capital just 40th in terms of quality of living. The bi-annual World Cost of Living report, released yesterday, shows that London is now as expensive as Tokyo, Frankfurt and [...]
Bank of England says high frequency trading helps markets March 3, 2015 While Michael Lewis suggested high frequency trading meant markets were "rigged" in his book "Flash Boys", however a research paper by the Bank of England has found such practices actually beneficial. High frequency trading firms use technological tools and computer algorithms to make a number of big, fast trades. Investment position may be held for seconds, [...]
UK construction accelerated further in February March 3, 2015 The UK's construction sector has posted its strongest growth in four months thanks to increases in new orders, signalling a rebound from the 17-month low it hit in December. The Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers' Index was 60.1 in February, up from 59.1 a month ago. This beat economists' expectations of 59, and marked the 22nd [...]
UK mergers and acquisitions fall to lowest total since 1987 March 3, 2015 Last year was officially the year of the failed merger. According to new data from the ONS, there were fewer mergers and acquisitions involving UK companies in 2014 than in any year since 1987, when ONS records begin. The figures There were 20 completed acquisitions of UK companies by foreign businesses in the fourth quarter [...]
Party like it’s 1999: Nasdaq breaks through 5,000 psychological barrier for first time since dotcom bubble in 2000 March 2, 2015 Time to party like it's 1999. The Nasdaq has closed at 5,008 points – the highest level since the dotcom bubble. The index has been on a 10-day winning streak – the longest since 2009. This is the first time the tech-heavy index, which now includes the likes of Apple, Facebook, Microsoft, Cisco, Intel and [...]
What’s in store for London’s financial services sector? March 2, 2015 Going into this year, a general election in May, as well as the possibility of a "Brexit" all loom over the City's future. So what are some of the biggest risks facing London's financial services industry? It's an important question. Financial and related professional services contributed £174bn to the UK economy in 2012, or 12.6% of the total. [...]
Eurozone consumer price index falls for third month in February March 2, 2015 Consumer prices fell across the Eurozone for the third month running in February, according to a flash estimate. However, the rate inched up on the previous month. Annual consumer price inflation was -0.3 per cent, mildly better than the -0.4 per cent economists had forecast, the European Union's statistics agency said. This follows a fall [...]
Eurozone manufacturing flat in February March 2, 2015 The Eurozone's manufacturing sector showed disappointing growth in February, figures out this morning have shown. Markit's Eurozone manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) hit 51 in February. That's down from the flash estimate of 51.1, and flat on the 51 it hit in January. Still, at least the region's manufacturers can take some solace in the [...]
India primes economy as Narendra Modi’s government lays out pro-growth budget March 1, 2015 Business gave a cautious welcome to the Indian government’s landmark budget yesterday, highlighting its bid to unify the country’s fragmented markets and boost growth through tax cuts and infrastructure investment. “It delivered on all counts. The Prime Minister set out a vision and the budget lays it out as a roadmap,” Karan Chanana told City [...]
How much are stamps? First and second-class postage will rise in March at inflation-busting rates February 27, 2015 Inflation may be at a record low, but that’s not holding back Royal Mail. First and second-class stamps are going up by a penny from the end of March, the postal company has revealed. It takes the price of a first class stamp to 63p and second class to 54p. That’s a rise of 1.6 [...]