Solid services sector ‘bodes well’ for UK economy despite stubborn price pressures August 5, 2024 Business activity in the services sector picked up in July, according to a closely watched business survey, suggesting that the economy will continue to grow in the months ahead. S&P’s purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for the services sector picked up to 52.5 last month, rising from 52.1 in June and marginally ahead of the 52.4 [...]
Eurozone grows faster than expected but Germany faces recession threat again July 30, 2024 The eurozone grew slightly faster than expected in the second quarter, but Germany slumped back into contraction as Europe’s largest economy faced the threat of recession again. Figures released today by Eurostat showed that the eurozone grew 0.3 per cent in the second quarter, matching the pace of growth in the first quarter and slightly [...]
US GDP sails past expectations again on back of strong consumer spending July 25, 2024 The world’s largest economy breezed past economists’ expectations yet again as consumer spending picked up more than anticipated. According to new ‘flash’ figures published on Thursday, US GDP grew at an annualised rate of 2.8 per cent between April and June. Economists had expected GDP to grow 2.0 per cent. This was a substantial acceleration [...]
UK growth set to continue as manufacturing PMI climbs to two year high July 24, 2024 The economy’s strong performance so far in 2024 looks set to continue thanks to the continued recovery of the manufacturing sector, a closely watched survey suggests. S&P’s ‘flash’ purchasing managers’s index (PMI) came in at 52.7, up from 52.3 last month and slightly higher than the 52.6 expected by economists. The survey, which measures economic [...]
Six graphs the Bank of England will study before August interest rate decision July 24, 2024 For the first time since last September, there is genuine uncertainty about the Bank of England’s next move on interest rates. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will meet next Thursday, with markets putting the odds of a cut at about 40 per cent. There’s enough evidence of disinflation to warrant a cut. Similarly, more hawkish [...]
Bullish analysts think sterling’s rally will continue despite chance of interest rate cuts July 23, 2024 Sterling has been one of the strongest performing currencies this year on the back of sticky inflation and stronger than expected growth.
And another! EY upgrades forecasts for UK economy July 23, 2024 The UK received another upgrade on the back of its strong performance in the first half of the year, with EY the latest firm to bump up forecasts for the economy.
Stubborn inflation could hold back UK growth warns IMF July 16, 2024 In its latest World Economic Outlook, the global fiscal watchdog forecast that the UK would grow 0.7 per cent in 2024, unchanged on its last projection in May.
UK receives raft of upgrades after beating expectations again July 14, 2024 Figures out last week showed that the economy grew 0.4 per cent after stagnating in April. This was double the rate of growth expected by experts.
Sterling soars to multi-year highs as investors flock to ‘safe haven’ UK July 12, 2024 Higher interest rates benefit domestic currencies, because international investors are able to earn a higher return on their investments.