Thomson Reuters is the latest to join this major blockchain consortium August 2, 2016 Thomson Reuters is the latest financial institution to join one of the major consortiums working on blockchain technology, joining several of the world's biggest banks. The global firm is joining R3, the group which is spearheading efforts to standardise blockchain technology and now counts more than 40 members, including Barclays, HSBC and Goldman Sachs. Read more: The UK [...]
Brexit boost for UK-based interdealer broker Tullett Prebon August 2, 2016 London-listed interdealer broker Tullett Prebon has reported a boost from the UK’s Brexit vote. The figures In the first half of the year, before exceptional items and acquisition-related items, Tullett reported revenue of £430.3m, a four per cent year-on-year increase. Pre-tax profit, meanwhile, was up from £52.9m to £60.3m, and operating profit was up 11 [...]
Ed Balls. Former Labour MP priced as 100/1 outsider as Strictly rumours mount August 2, 2016 Former shadow chancellor Ed Balls is rumoured to be joining Strictly Come Dancing this year, but the Labour man has already been priced as a 100/1 outsider. Rumours are growing that the former Morley & Outwood MP will join the show, although the BBC says any suggestions are speculation. The BBC will begin releasing the names of [...]
Housebuilders’ share prices suffer after construction output falls August 2, 2016 The post-Brexit vote rollercoaster for UK housebuilders is getting a bit predictable. After disappointing construction data was released this morning – albeit not as bad as expected – the big housebuilders' shares have taken a hit once again. Read more: Construction output tumbles at fastest pace since 2009 At time of writing, Berkeley Group's share price was [...]
Oil rout forces Kuwait to hike petrol prices 80 per cent August 2, 2016 Kuwait will hike its petrol prices by more than 80 per cent from 1 September, as part of the Opec member's adjustment to lower for longer oil prices. Its cabinet said yesterday that the price for the highest grade petrol would rise to 165 fils a litre, from 90 currently, according to a report by state news agency KUNA. Read [...]
The unbearable overload of inboxes: A new way after-work emailing is killing your productivity August 2, 2016 Ever feel like the incessant attention your inbox needs is driving you to distraction? Phone buzzing late into the night, disrupting dinner plans and generally more needy than a small toddler, the good news is that you're not the only one – the bad news is, it's bad for you. Scientists have found that checking your email outside [...]
Why it pays for TV networks to have their own flagship shows August 2, 2016 Fans are often frustrated by the fact TV network HBO's smash hit series Game of Throne isn't available on rival platforms such as Netflix. But new research suggests that holding onto exclusivity rights isn't just good for TV operators, it also benefit consumers. Read more: Play your own Game of Thrones in Northern Ireland Other [...]
Bad news for estate agents: LSL property services says housing transactions likely to “remain suppressed” in coming months August 2, 2016 Residential property services group LSL Property Services said this morning that it expects housing sales volumes to "remain suppressed" in the coming months. The outlook from the company – which reported it interim results this morning – comes as new research was released showing that home ownership has fallen to a 30-year low. Read more: Everything [...]
Construction output tumbles at fastest pace since 2009 but sterling gains ground August 2, 2016 Activity in the construction sector is shrinking at its fastest pace in seven years, but has still managed to beat some exceptionally gloomy forecasts, helping the pound climb against the dollar. The Markit/Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) survey came in at 45.9 on an index where scores below 50 signify contraction. This was only slightly down [...]
TfL are cracking down on illegal taxis and minicabs, but unions says it’s failing to look at “e-hailing” services like Uber August 2, 2016 Sadiq Khan has unveiled plans to crack down on illegal taxis and minicabs – but transport union RMT has complained the drive will fail to look at smartphone services like Uber. Transport for London (TfL) will hire an additional 250 hi-vis wearing compliance officers by September 2017, quadrupling the number available to tackle illegal cabs at sites across London including Kings Cross, [...]