Bank of England’s Bailey doubts interest rates will fall back to near zero September 24, 2024 With inflationary pressures easing, rate-setters cut rates for the first time since the pandemic in August. However, they subsequently voted 8-1 to keep rates steady last week.
China unveils stimulus package in bid to kickstart flagging economy September 24, 2024 China has unveiled its largest set of economic stimulus measures since the pandemic in an attempt to kickstart growth in the world’s second largest economy. The People’s Bank of China (PBoC) announced today it had cut its benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points, as well as the amount banks must hold as cash reserves, [...]
Has Labour overdone the doom and gloom? September 24, 2024 Many economists and City business groups have argued that this risks damaging growth. After all, why would households spend and businesses invest in a climate of fear?
Wealth creators are right to be nervous September 24, 2024 The Chancellor insisted yesterday that the proceeds of economic growth must be “felt by the many,” in a line that echoed the commitment made by David Cameron 15 years ago to “share the proceeds of growth.” Rachel Reeves would not be comfortable with such a comparison, and as if to make that very point she [...]
UK economy: Growth continues but budget concerns ‘jangling nerves’ September 23, 2024 PMIs, which measure business activity in the private sector, are closely watched for clues about the economy’s performance.
Labour’s public investment quandary September 23, 2024 Many economists think low levels of investment have contributed to the UK's sluggish productivity growth, particularly since the financial crisis.
Interest rates heading lower after historic week for central banks September 23, 2024 For many central bankers, concerns about sluggish growth and the health of the labour market are now as prominent - if not more so - than fears about inflation, paving the way for an extended period of rate cuts.
US Fed’s preferred inflation metric set to validate jumbo rate cut September 22, 2024 Crucial US inflation data is poised to back up the Federal Reserve's jumbo interest rate cut as investors question where other central banks will follow in its footsteps.
IFS: Clumsy capital gains reform could ‘harm government’s growth mission’ September 21, 2024 The influential think tank said the levy was "crying out for reform", but warned that poorly designed measures could do more harm than good.
UK economy: After a busy week, the foundations look solid September 20, 2024 With inflation low and further rate cuts to come the UK economy remains on relatively solid foundations.