Construction industry still struggling for momentum October 14, 2016 British builders downed tools over the summer, as construction output missed economists' expectations in the wake of the EU referendum. Activity in the sector, which accounts for around six per cent of the UK economy, dropped by 1.5 per cent between July and August, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed this morning. The fall [...]
Be afraid: Market volatility and the fear index are on the rise October 14, 2016 After a surprisingly quiet summer, nerves have returned to the financial markets and volatility is on the rise. In the UK, the FTSE 100 has moved by more than 0.5 per cent on 10 of the last 13 days and sterling has suffered some chunky jolts back-and-forth, often crashing through multiple resistance points in single trading sessions. [...]
Editor’s diary: Adam Smith gets a rebrand for 21st century politics October 14, 2016 We hear a lot about neoliberalism these days. More often than not it’s a phrase thrown around by pro-Corbyn activists as a form of insult that ranks alongside “Blairite”. Indeed, you’ll often hear the two phrases together. Owen Smith, who challenged Corbyn for the leadership on a policy platform of higher taxes, nationalisations and state expenditure [...]
Will the pound’s weakness continue to drive the FTSE 100? October 13, 2016 The relationship between the weak pound and a strong stock market is showing signs of fraying, analysts pointed out today, as the FTSE 100 dives even as the pound remains under pressure. Sterling has been through the ringer this week, swinging up and down on the slightest whisper of Brexit news, although today's trading has been slightly calmer, with [...]
Business profits set to stumble in wake of EU referendum October 13, 2016 Corporate profitability held up in the three months before the EU referendum, new statistics have revealed, as companies showed little sign uncertainty was weighing on their ability to generate cash. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said this morning profitability of private sector non-financial corporations, as measured by their net rate of return was 12.2 per [...]
Chinese trade tumbles amid weak demand October 13, 2016 China posted its weakest trade figures for six months overnight, as the economy suffers in the face of weak demand at home and abroad. Both exports and imports dropped in the year to August, falling well below economists' expectations and proving the world's second largest economy is not immune from the global growth slowdown. Analysts had expected [...]
FTSE 100 drops below 7,000 as Unilever and Tesco share prices fall after Marmite row October 13, 2016 The FTSE 100 has fallen further from its record high as markets digest some shock weak trade figures from China and the US Federal Reserve looks on course to hike interest rates. The bluechip index tumbled below 7,000 points to stand down for the week after reaching a record intraday high of 7,129 on Monday. Miners, [...]
Boris on Brexit: Foreign minister explains policy as Britain prepares to exit the European Union October 13, 2016 Foreign minister Boris Johnson is in front of the foreign affairs select committee this morning, giving evidence on developments in foreign policy – and he says the Brexit doom-mongers have been proven wrong. Johnson, who was a leading voice in the Leave campaign, said: "Those who prophesied doom have been proved wrong and will continue [...]
MPs should debate Brexit, not frustrate it October 13, 2016 Parliament is back in session after the theatre of the party conference season and there are plenty of meaty topics into which our legislators can sink their teeth. The Treasury Select Committee has been grilling HMT's top officials; Tory backbenchers have called for a new Royal Yacht Britannia; Boris Johnson has lambasted Russia over its actions [...]
Only half of us want central banks to give us free money October 13, 2016 Only half of the population think central banks should dish out free cash to every citizen across Europe, a new survey has revealed. In a survey looking at what the public thinks of the controversial idea of "helicopter money", just 54 per cent said they wanted to be given €200 (£180) a month tax free [...]