Before the bell: What you need to know before the US market open May 9, 2016 Stock markets lost ground over the last week but look set to open stronger today. S&P futures are up by 0.13 per cent, while the Nasdaq is up by 0.25 per cent. Dow futures are trading up by 0.21 per cent ahead of the open. Last week the Dow slipped 0.2 per cent, the S&P declined by [...]
Here’s what 300 top economists told the UK about tax havens May 9, 2016 So-called rock star economist Thomas Piketty and Nobel prize-winner Angus Deaton are among 300 top economists from around the world calling for an end to tax havens, ahead of a meeting of world leaders this week. Economists from several of the world's elite universities, including Oxford, the London School of Economics, Harvard and the Sorbonne are among [...]
Here’s how the UK’s business leaders really feel about Brexit May 9, 2016 From makers of scotch whisky to the nation's bank bosses, by now there aren't many groups who haven't let their views on the UK's membership of the European Union be known. But now the leaders of 1,224 businesses have added their voices to the chorus – after the Institute of Directors asked its members how they [...]
Week ahead: Bank of England rate decision and China data in focus May 9, 2016 Economic data will once again be in focus this week with the Bank of England (BoE) interest rate decision and its inflation report due on Thursday. Expectations for an interest rate hike are almost non-existant though the tone of governor Mark Carney’s remarks will be closely scrutinised for any clues on the current economic landscape. On [...]
UK companies are increasingly worried about the economy – but want to do lots of M&A deals May 9, 2016 UK businesses are increasingly pessimistic about the economy – but hungry to complete deals. A new EY study found confidence in the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market has eased back on levels seen at the end of 2015, a record year for announced deals. But the 14th Global Capital Confidence Barometer found UK executives' M&A appetite [...]
Police and protesters clash in Greece as politicians pass new austerity measures May 8, 2016 Police and protesters clashed this evening before Greece's parliament passed a new austerity package. The tax and pension reforms will enable the country to receive more international bailout money. Some of the protesters outside the country's parliament in Athens threw petrol bombs at police, who responded with stun grenades and tear gas. Read more: Europe to Greece: You're [...]
Bank of England expected to issue more Brexit warnings this week May 8, 2016 The Bank of England is expected this week to issue more warnings over the EU referendum. Governor Mark Carney has repeatedly cautioned over the potential impact over a so-called Brexit. And more warnings are on the cards this week, with the Bank publishing its inflation report on Thursday. Read more: Britain won't take a pounding if it goes [...]
Saudi Arabia ousts long-serving oil minister Ali Al Naimi sparking fears volatility will return to the oil market May 8, 2016 Saudi Arabia’s dismissal of its oil minister yesterday has sparked concerns that fresh volatility is about to hit the market. The kingdom ousted its long-serving oil minister who was the driver behind Opec's 2014 policy of holding production despite plummeting oil prices. Ali al-Naimi, who held the post from 1995, has been replaced by Khalid Al Falih, chairman of [...]
EU referendum: George Osborne warns Brexit will hit Britain where it hurts – property prices May 8, 2016 George Osborne has warned that the nation's homeowners face a double whammy drop in house prices and a rise in mortgage costs if Britain votes to leave Europe. "It’s already clear from the Treasury analysis that for example, there would a significant shock to the housing market, that would hit the value of people’s homes, that would hit the cost [...]
Man Group becomes latest firm to face shareholder ire over executive pay May 6, 2016 Man Group has become the latest firm to stoke shareholder ire over executive pay, after a significant number of shareholders voted against its remuneration report. The investment manager's executive pay package was rejected by nearly 40 per cent of its shareholders, but it still passed as around 60 per cent were in favour. Read more: RBS [...]