Focus on Willesden: A well-connected area where North London buyers can upsize November 1, 2019 One of the universally acknowledged truths of the London housing market is that needing more space often means moving further out. But it need not mean going all the way out into the sticks – and the North West London neighbourhood of Willesden is testament to that. While it is on the zone two-three border [...]
Insurance giant AIG fights back in third quarter results November 1, 2019 A huge drop in catastrophe losses propelled insurer American International Group (AIG) to a profit in the third quarter, with a reported net income of $648m (£500m). Total pretax catastrophe losses in 2019 narrowed to $511m, well down on last year’s $1.6bn. Read more: Volatile market movements boost TP ICAP revenues This included $254m for [...]
To speak or not to speak: The battle for free speech November 1, 2019 I remember the excitement of setting up my first Personal Computer and being able to get email. The potential to connect with people from around the world in an instance was inspiring, as was the sense that the Information Superhighway and World Wide Web were going to transform our world forever. I also remember being [...]
Nigel Farage: Brexit Party will contest ‘every seat’ if PM rejects olive branch November 1, 2019 Nigel Farage has offered an olive branch to Boris Johnson by calling for a “leave alliance” with the Brexit Party in return for softening his Brexit position. Farage launched the party’s campaign this morning, where he said the party planned to field candidates in every constituency in England, Wales and Scotland in next month’s general [...]
Former Sainsbury’s boss: Halve business rates and raise VAT to save high street November 1, 2019 Jasper King, the former head of supermarket giant Sainsbury’s, has called for business rates to be halved and VAT increased to help high street retailers compete with their online rivals. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, King said it was unfair that bricks and mortar retailers were forced to pay the rates when their [...]
Three problems at the top of new RBS boss Alison Rose’s to-do list November 1, 2019 Alison Rose begins life as the new boss of RBS today with her work cut out for her. In a letter to staff this morning, the RBS lifer set out her commitments, which included “a clear focus on shared success” and “investment in people”. But as the firm’s recent quarterly financial results demonstrated, there is [...]
What does disruption mean for investors? November 1, 2019 | City Talk In this short video, Alex Tedder discusses the opportunities that disruption and innovation bring for investors. We’re really excited about disruption because it’s something that’s taking place around us every day. With disruption you typically get innovation. And innovation creates tremendous growth opportunities for investors. That’s why we’re so excited right now. You only have [...]
Brexit stockpiling fails to save UK manufacturing from recession November 1, 2019 The UK manufacturing sector looked to be firmly stuck in recession as Brexit stockpiling could not prevent a sixth month of contraction in October, a closely followed survey found today. Jobs, new orders and factory ouput all fell last month, according to IHS Markit’s UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI). Read more: Hong Kong falls [...]
Lookers shares slump as it warns profit will halve November 1, 2019 Troubled car company Lookers gave the City a double-whammy of surprises this morning after revealing two senior departures and worse-than-expected profit forecasts. Profits are expected to more than halve this year to roughly £20m, falling significantly below City estimates. Read more: Treasury committee urges reform of ‘broken’ business rates system The London-listed motor retail group, [...]
Sajid Javid delays appointment of new Bank of England governor November 1, 2019 The eagerly-anticipated appointment of the new Bank of England governor has been pushed back until after the general election. Chancellor Sajid Javid has delayed the announcement of a successor to Mark Carney, who is leaving the role on Threadneedle Street at the end of January next year. Read more: BBC data breach reveals names of [...]