Supermoon, Uber’s drama and Jeremy Corbyn’s 80s flashback: Here’s what got us talking this week October 2, 2015 It was the week in which everyone saw red – from water on the red planet to the rare super-blood moon to a sudden surge in the popularity of Donald Trump Halloween wigs. And, of course, the Labour Party conference. In fact, the only one not wearing rose-coloured glasses was Burger King, which unveiled a [...]
Scientists come a step closer to creating the world’s first male contraceptive pill – but there’s a strong chance the pharma industry won’t be thrilled October 2, 2015 For years, scientists have attempted to create a male version of the contraceptive pill. They haven't quite managed it yet, but a new discovery by a group of researchers at Osaka University in Japan has given them a big push in the right direction. By carrying out tests in mice, they managed to [...]
Non-farm payroll: Weak US jobs growth pushes back rate hike expectations October 2, 2015 Lacklustre US jobs growth has stoked concerns over the strength of the US economy and could push back expectations for a widely-anticipated rate hike. The Bureau of Labour Statistics said that the US economy added 142,000 jobs last month, below economists' estimates for 201,000. The August reading was also revised sharply downwards from 170,000 to 135,000. [...]
From the Chinese economy to a US rate rise: Why hot money is pouring out of emerging markets October 2, 2015 China's slowing economy. alongside a looming US rate hike, is creating a headache for emerging markets. Investors feeling the heat are set to pull around $540bn (£355bn) of cash out of emerging markets economies this year, as net flows turn negative for the first time since 1988. Residents sending cash out of the emerging markets has [...]
Uber wars: We must fight for the transport service London deserves October 2, 2015 We are at a critical juncture of London’s transport future. Debate has raged over TfL’s recent consultation to consider a set of rules to improve the private hire industry. This debate will continue in the coming weeks and months. It is important though that a debate has many voices and, currently, we are [...]
Uber’s fightback: Petition against Transport for London’s private hire vehicle proposals passes 125k October 2, 2015 Uber's fightback against draconian new laws that would limit the use of taxi ordering apps in the capital has attracted more than 125,000 supporters in the days since the campaign was launched. Thousands of people have signed a petition of support set up by Uber late on Tuesday evening, responding to TfL's proposals to impose [...]
High stamp duty on prime property may prove self-defeating for the government October 2, 2015 In the days that followed the Conservative Party victory in May, the widely-held assumption was that normal service would resume at the prime end of the London housing market with double-digit annual growth. It was a proposition that never looked likely for several reasons, the principal one being a rise in stamp duty last [...]
Aviastar passenger plane missing off coast of Indonesia: Seven passengers and three crew thought to have died October 2, 2015 A small passenger plane, carrying 10 people, has gone missing off the coast of Indonesia. Contact was lost with an Aviastar flight travelling between Masamba and Makassar on the island of Sulawesi, local media is reporting. According to the Aviation Safety Network, there were three crew and seven passengers on board. The plane [...]
Bailout country Portugal is about to vote for austerity October 2, 2015 Portugal could make history this weekend by becoming the first bailout country to re-elect a government that imposed unpopular austerity measures in the wake of the Eurozone crisis. The centre-right ruling coalition, the Social Democrats and the Christian Democrats, is ahead of the main opposition Socialists in four opinion polls. They may not be on [...]
Government launches clampdown on nuisance calls from claims management companies October 2, 2015 The government is launching a review into how claims management companies (CMCs) are regulated, in an attempt to prevent them bombarding people with nuisance calls and text messages. In a statement today, the Ministry of Justice said it was calling for evidence of how the companies are monitored and controlled. Consumers, regulators, banks [...]