Why taxpayers have to transfer the banks tens of billions February 13, 2024 The Bank of England attracted yet more unwanted attention last week when MPs described its bond selling programme, known as quantitative tightening, as a “leap into the dark”. According to the Bank’s calculation, quantitative tightening could cost the taxpayer up to £130bn over the lifetime of the scheme. MPs highlighted that it was “highly anomalous” that decisions [...]
Moving markets: Five things shaping the FTSE 100 today February 13, 2024 U.S. stocks closed mixed, while Asia saw modest gains. Bitcoin hits $50,000, oil prices remain stable, and the focus shifts to UK labour market data and U.S. inflation.
Bitcoin breaks $50,000 barrier after over two years February 13, 2024 Bitcoin has surged past the $50,000 mark, marking its highest level since 2021. This surge highlights a significant shift in investor interest, largely attributed to the introduction of mainstream bitcoin investment funds.
Bank of England risks being ‘too slow’ in cutting interest rates, Haldane warns February 12, 2024 The Bank of England's former chief economist said today that he would have already voted to cut interest rates given the UK's slow growth rate and progress on taming inflation.
FTSE 100 close: London flat as investors await health check on UK economy, real estate merger creates £2.6bn fund February 12, 2024 Investors were largely sitting on their heads ahead of a packed calendar of data releases.
Pay growth to ease for first time since Covid in ‘key moment for labour market’ February 12, 2024 Jon Boys, senior labour market economist for the CIPD, said "this feels like a key moment in the UK labour market".
Winter recession to be confirmed for UK economy – but experts are upbeat about 2024 February 12, 2024 New figures are likely to confirm that the UK economy fell into a shallow recession in the second half of last year, but experts are hopeful that 2024 will be a better year.
FTSE 100 today: London markets set for muted start amid thin Asian holiday trade February 12, 2024 Australia's equities slip, while Asian markets remain closed for holidays; Bitcoin surges, and gold pauses in light trading. Eyes are on Tuesday's U.S. inflation report and Fed speeches.
Bank of England to start cutting interest rates in May with inflation on its way to target February 12, 2024 Andrew Bailey, the Bank's governor, noted the "good news" on inflation while Huw Pill, the Bank's chief economist, suggested rate cuts were a "when rather than an if".
Britain on a ‘downer’, says IWG boss as firm mulls US listing February 11, 2024 The boss of IWG has branded Britain as being on “bit of a downer” as the company continues to mull over a potential switch from a UK to a US listing. Mark Dixon, who founded the flexible working firm formerly known as Regus in 2016, said that the UK economy “looked very sluggish from the [...]