Grexit strategy: How much money does Greece owe, which countries does it owe and when does it have to pay its debts? April 16, 2015 As Greece teeters on the brink of default (again), it looks like its lenders are losing patience. Yields on Greek bonds soared this morning after it was reported that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had gently asked the country not to request a delay on its debt repayments. But how much does Greece actually owe, who [...]
Greek bond yields soar on IMF rumours April 16, 2015 Yields on Greek 10-year bonds soared to 12.8 per cent in late morning, after reports suggested the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has rejected informal requests to delay loan repayments. Yields on its three-year notes rose to 26.43 per cent, after the FT reported this morning that the IMF had “persuaded” the Greek government not to make [...]
Three charts showing the best countries in Europe in which to buy a second home April 16, 2015 The Eurozone crisis was an economic nightmare for many, not least the property sector, with prices falling across the continent. And while there are signs of growth across the bloc, prices in many countries are still low, according to Eurostat, the statistical body of the EU. The Eurozone and European Union (EU) has returned to [...]
Weak euro helps Unilever deliver better-than-expected sales growth April 16, 2015 The figures The slowdown in emerging markets hasn't stopped Unilever from recording a 12.3 per cent increase in turnover to €12.8bn (£9.22bn) in the first quarter of 2015. Even when your economy isn't growing as rapidly as it once did – looking good still remains a priority. Shares rose by over three per cent in [...]
Debenhams share price rises on surprise profit rise ahead of forecasts April 16, 2015 The figures Pre-tax profits at Debenhams were up 4.3 per cent to £88.9m during its first half, ahead of analysts expectation of profits remaining flat on last year's £85.2m. Group statutory revenue was up 1.6 per cent to £1.3bn. Group like-for-like sales were up 1.3 per cent for the 26 weeks to 28 February. The retailer also [...]
Mothercare share price shoots up with turnaround on track despite currency headwinds April 16, 2015 The figures Mothercare improved sales at home and abroad in the fourth quarter, but currency headwinds are still blowing. In the UK sales inched up 1.5 per cent on the same period last year, a turnaround from consecutive declines in previous quarters and like-for-like sales were up 5.1 per cent after a 4.5 per cent [...]
Life is short. Have an affair: Infidelity site AshleyMadison.com in attempt to woo London bankers April 15, 2015 A controversial dating website which helps married people cheat on their spouses has unveiled plans to list in London due to the capital’s “laissez-faire” attitude to extra-marital affairs. Canada-based AshleyMadison.com – which has the slogan “Life is short. Have an affair” – said it wants to raise $200m (£135m) through a listing later this year [...]
Greek debt gets downgraded as Yanis Varoufakis heads to Washington April 15, 2015 Greece’s debt was downgraded further into junk territory yesterday while Germany’s finance minister cast doubt on hopes that a deal on more funding for the country could be struck next week. Ratings agency Standard and Poor’s downgraded the country’s debt further into junk to CCC+/C from B-/B. “Without deep economic reform or further relief, we [...]
Bank of America cuts costs to get back in the black April 15, 2015 Bank of America swung back to profit in the first quarter of the year as diving costs offset a small fall in revenues to improve the giant lender’s fortunes. Profits came in at $2.98bn (£2bn) for the quarter, compared with a loss of $514m in the same period of 2014. Revenues slid six per cent [...]
Households’ heavy debts could hurt the UK’s economic recovery April 15, 2015 Britons are still carrying heavy private debts, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned yesterday, which could hamper the burgeoning economic recovery. High rates of borrowing in the pre-crash years led to a consumer boom as debt-funded spending drove economic growth. But “the crisis exposed the fragility of this credit-driven growth model and the risks to [...]