Cutting your energy bills is simpler than you think October 21, 2012 INCREASED strain is being put on household budgets after four of the “big six” energy providers announced plans to hike their prices in the upcoming months. Two weeks ago, British Gas said it plans to raise gas and electricity prices by an average of 6 per cent. A few hours later, Npower announced that its [...]
Indifference will leave you out of pocket October 21, 2012 THE Citizens Advice Bureau found that, in spite of widespread concern among homeowners over energy bills, a pitiful 25 per cent took action to see whether their supplier was providing them with the best deal. That is why the founder of MoneySavingExpert Martin Lewis has said that “there is a massive fine for apathy. If [...]
Making Mr Nice: Don’t cry all the way to the bank October 21, 2012 THE girl was clearly nervous as her job interview got underway. I asked her why Australia had such a high inflation rate and I was incredulous at her answer: “I believe it is mostly ‘imported inflation’”. I pulled a face. “Imported inflation? How could that be possible when our biggest trading partner, Japan, has a [...]
Positive Chinese data sees the FTSE grow to highest level since March October 18, 2012 BRITAIN’S top share index rose to a seven-month closing high ysterday, bolstered by mining stocks on a reassuring economic outlook from top metals consumer China. Chinese economic growth slowed to 7.4 per cent year-on-year during the third quarter, as expected, but industrial output and retail sales data for September beat forecasts, paving the way for [...]
Weak Google earnings drag Wall St lower October 18, 2012 US stocks fell yesterday, with technology stocks hit hard after Google’s surprisingly weak earnings – released prematurely during the trading day – disappointed investors. Shares of Google lost 8 per cent – the stock’s worst day since 20 January – to close at $695 after the Internet giant’s third-quarter results showed earnings and revenue fell [...]
Bullish expectations over Chinese GDP send FTSE over the 5,900 level October 17, 2012 BRITAIN’S top shares hit their highest level in more than a month yesterday, propelled by strength in risk-sensitive commodity stocks ahead of economic growth data from top consumer China. Gains by miners and energy stocks accounted for nearly all the FTSE 100 index’s gains – adding 21 points and 16 points respectively – on expectations [...]
Housing starts increase sees S&P gain again October 17, 2012 THE S&P 500 rose for the third consecutive day yesterday after housing starts hit a four-year high, but the Dow was weighed down by IBM after it posted weak revenue. Homebuilders’ shares led gains after the Commerce Department said groundbreaking on new homes jumped 15 per cent in September, the quickest pace since July 2008. [...]
How to manage any MBA application fears October 17, 2012 THIS year’s MBA students have only just begun their studies, but the first deadline for next year’s applicants has already passed. You haven’t missed the boat – schools accept new students on a rolling basis over the full year. But it’s clearly never too early to apply. Despite the incentive of urgency, the process of [...]
Don’t rule anything out when seeking to finance your MBA October 17, 2012 How to secure the funding necessary for an MBA is a cause for legitimate concern among candidates – especially when the cost can be over £41,000 per year, plus living expenses. Nowadays, less state funding is available, and “high-street bank loans have almost entirely disappeared”, says George Murgatroyd, research manager at the Association of MBAs. [...]
Strong bank stocks drive FTSE 100 towards top of recent trading range October 16, 2012 BRITAIN’S top share index notched up strong gains yesterday, and was on the cusp of breaking out of its recent trading range, as investors welcomed a media report saying Germany could adopt a softer approach towards financial aid to Spain. The index was already firmly in positive territory, helped by solid US corporate results and [...]