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 [...]
What Brexit? UK startup funding has bucked a global slowdown October 13, 2016 Cash being ploughed into the UK's tech startups has defied a global slowdown as the impact of Brexit turns out to be limited – so far, at least. Venture capital investment inched up 10 per cent to $834m in the third quarter of the year, fueled by high profile rounds for several star startups including Deliveroo and Darktrace. [...]
Float or sink? These eight companies show how London’s IPO market is giving off mixed signals October 13, 2016 Is London’s flotation market faltering, or is there cause for optimism after an EU referendum hiatus on activity? There have been mixed signals coming from the City this week. Here are some of the big stories from the initial public offering (IPO) market currently: TI Fluid Systems: OFF The Bain Capital-owned auto supplier this morning confirmed it [...]
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 [...]
Enquest to raise £82m as part of a financial restructuring October 13, 2016 One of the UK's largest independent oil gas producers in the North Sea said today that it wants to raise £82m through a rights issue as part of a proposed restructuring. The struggling firm Enquest announced its intention to offer more than 356.7m new shares at 23p each following the conclusion of an "extensive period of engagement and [...]
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 [...]
The energy celebrity that rose from the presidential debate October 13, 2016 The US has quite the penchant for creating celebrities. The manufactured stars that we already have at our disposal are never enough. Like Rice Krispie treats, you tell yourself “just one more” but there is always the next YouTube sensation—or in this case, a private citizen who manages to pique our interest, at least for a [...]