Tech firms listing in London? That’s a red flag, says short seller Carson Block October 5, 2023 Any tech firm that lists in London should raise alarm bells, short seller Carson Block has said today, as he took aim at the City’s “clubby” culture and focus on pedigree.
Housebuilding slide leads to steepest fall in construction for three years October 5, 2023 Activity in the UK's construction sector decreased at the fastest rate since May 2020 as housebuilding slumped.
FTSE 100 close: London markets close higher after sliding for three days straight October 5, 2023 London’s FTSE 100 jumped into the green on Thursday, following three days where the capital’s blue-chip index slid. The FTSE 100 climbed 0.53 per cent to close at 7,451.54 while the FTSE 250 ended 0.61 per cent higher at 17,599.98 The FTSE’s gains came despite data showing a stronger than expected labour market in the [...]
FCA defends whistleblowing processes after admitting legal slip-up October 4, 2023 The Financial Conduct Authority has defended its conduct towards whistleblowers today after officials wrongly dismissed a plea for protection and apologised for misinterpreting laws. The watchdog apologised to a whistleblower this week after it wrongly dismissed their complaints on the grounds the person they had waived their right to anonymity, a decision which has no basis in law. Officials at the FCA formally apologised to the whistleblower after being approached for comment by City A.M. Speaking with reporters today, officials admitted the mistake had been made in their handling of the case but sa “I do want to take this opportunity to sincerely apologise for the distress we caused that individual as a result of our mistake,” Sheree Howard, the watchdog’s executive director of risk and compliance said. An official dismissed the calls in March on the grounds that the complainant was “no longer entitled to the protections offered under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998” – the laws governing whistleblowing - because the had waived their anonymity. Speaking with City A.M. on condition of anonymity, the whistleblower claimed they had been treated with “contempt” and left vulnerable to retribution from the firm. The watchdog has faced question over the protections afforded to whistleblowers in recent months after a report from whistleblower body Protect found that 70 per cent were either victimised, dismissed or felt resignation was the only option open to them after raising the alarm. When questioned by City A.M. on whether the watchdog had failed to adequately protect whistleblowers, the FCA’s co-head of enforcement and market oversight said he was “always happy to look at our approach on whistleblowing”. “We are see[ing] if we can develop and strengthen the protections,” he said. “I do come back to that I think from a FCA perspective, we do have some good protections in place to protect the the confidentiality and the anonymity of the whistleblower.” Earlier this year, the government committed to a review of the protections afforded to whistleblowers in the UK. The review has looked to “take stock of whether the whistleblowing framework is operating effectively and protects those who call out wrongdoing in the workplace,” Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said at the time.
Long-term gilt yields hit highest level in decades as bond rout continues October 4, 2023 The global bond rout deepened on Wednesday, sending borrowing costs on some of the longest-dated UK government debt to their highest levels in decades.
Services sector dips under weight of high interest rates as staff layoffs hit fastest pace since early 2021 October 4, 2023 The UK's service sector remained stuck in contraction in September for the second consecutive month, according to a closely watched survey, with firms laying off staff at the fastest rate since early 2021.
FTSE 100 close: London markets dip again as ‘chill winds’ dent sentiment October 4, 2023 London markets opened lower again on Wednesday as the gloomy market sentiment of the last few days continued following stronger than expected US data.
London floats sink again – but analysts eye buoyant times ahead October 4, 2023 The amount of cash raised on the London Stock Exchange sank again over the past three months as the global IPO market remained hobbled by soaring inflation and roiled public markets.
FTSE 100 close: London struggles to ‘regain mojo’ as US economy remains resilient October 3, 2023 London markets were uneasy this morning after strong data out from the US yesterday added to the impression that interest rates will have to stay higher for longer.
Aussies hit pause again as global rate hike race appears over October 3, 2023 The Australian Central Bank appears to have brought to an end its aggressive rate hike cycle