Why this oil shock isn’t like the last one March 17, 2026 The new surge in oil prices will be shaped more by political responses than by monetary policy, due to a crucial shift in the economic backdrop from the tight labor markets of 2022 to the current looser conditions, says Helen Thomas This week, six major central banks meet in quick succession, including the big four: [...]
Oil crisis to ‘push UK into recession’ after growth flatlines March 13, 2026 Fears that the ongoing crisis in the Middle East will plunge the UK into a recession have been amplified after fresh figures revealed the economy flatlined in January. The price of oil closed above $100 for the first time since 2022 last night as interventions from the global energy body failed to calm markets amid [...]
UK jobs market ‘facing sustained shocks’ March 9, 2026 The Labour government is facing a rallying cry to ease the cost burden on businesses to avoid derailing a recovery in the jobs market. The latest jobs report from KPMG and the REC, the professional body for recruiters, showed hiring for permanent roles reaching a stabilising point in February with the pace of declines the [...]
Iran war: From fuel to food, what could get more expensive? March 6, 2026 Amid fears the war in Iran could “bring down” the world’s economies, experts have warned the conflict could have wide-ranging impacts which reach into the households of everyday consumers. The Middle East plays a central role in global energy supplies and shipping routes, and consumer industries have warned the knock-on effects of the conflict could [...]
Middle East war could ‘bring down the economies of the world’ March 6, 2026 The war in the Middle East could “bring down the economies of the world” as oil prices could surge to $150 per barrel if Gulf energy exporters shut production, Qatar’s energy minister has warned. Saad al-Kaabi said that restarting the production of liquified natural gas (LNG) – after it shut down the largest plant in [...]
Brewdog sale: what next for the craft beer giant? March 3, 2026 Brewdog’s bars sat empty on Monday, lights off and beer taps dry, as weeks of frenzied anticipation over the sale of the craft beer titan built to a head. It quickly became clear on Monday afternoon that many of those bars would never see another punter walk through their doors. For the venues lucky enough [...]
Consumer confidence slips in latest setback for Labour February 27, 2026 Consumer confidence slipped slightly in February despite hopes of a turnaround, adding to fears the UK economy could slump this year. A closely-monitored survey conducted by the research firm GfK said consumer confidence dropped by three points to -19. The reading reflects dampened spirits among British consumers in what will likely worry Labour strategists keen [...]
John Lewis blames high costs as it axes build-to-rent venture February 25, 2026 Retail giant John Lewis is to withdraw from its build-to-rent business in a shock U-turn on its diversification plans, after bemoaning high interest rates and a downturn in the London property market. John Lewis Partnership (JLP), which also owns Waitrose, took on management of around 1,000 homes in Bromley, West Ealing and Reading as part [...]
St James’s Place offers up rewards of its turnaround to shareholders February 25, 2026 St James’s Place roused shareholder spirits on Wednesday as the leading UK wealth manager reported funds under management hitting record highs coupled with rising payouts. Funds under management jumped 16 per cent to £220bn, up from £190.2bn the prior year. Gross inflows reached £21.9bn, a 19 per cent increase from £18.4bn, while net inflows increased [...]
This ski holiday high in the Swiss Alps has serious Wes Anderson credentials February 23, 2026 #The Jungfrau region of Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland is home to some of the Alps’ finest skiing and most historic runs. Other destinations offer fashion parades of vintage furs, nightclub ceilings dripping with Dom Perignon, and truffled pizzas at £100 a pie. That’s not what you’ll find here. This is the anti-Zermatt, where après ski is [...]