IMF: UK economy to lag behind growth of advanced economies January 19, 2026 The UK economy is set to grow at a slower pace than the average across advanced economies in each of the next two years, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said, in a warning on the Labour government’s ability competitiveness against world powers. The IMF has kept its UK growth figures for 2026 and 2027 [...]
FTSE 100 defence stocks boosted by Trump’s calls for military spending hike January 8, 2026 Shares in top FTSE 100 defence stocks were boosted on Thursday morning, following President Trump’s push for a 50 per cent boost to the US military budget. BAE Systems shares shot up 6.7 per cent following the market open to highs not seen since October, while Babcock rose by more than 2.2 per cent. President [...]
Trump torpor: What explains markets’ muted response to Venezuela and Greenland? January 7, 2026 It is understandable that of the dozens of 2026 market outlook papers published by banks and analysts last month, not one predicted that Venezuela’s autocratic leader, Nicolas Maduro, would be captured in a historic overnight raid just three days into the New Year. Even more forgivable, is the fact none foresaw the rapid escalation of [...]
Shell and BP shares sink as China slams ‘bully’ US over oil dispute January 7, 2026 Shares in FTSE 100 oil giants took a tumble on Wednesday as President Donald Trump ramped up the pressure on Venezuela to hand over oil. Shell had sunk near four per cent by midday to 2,644.7p whilst BP was down 3.5 per cent to 416.65p. The losses in the oil giants – which make up [...]
Armed forces chief to warn ‘whole nation must step up’ amid Russian threat December 15, 2025 Growing threats faced by the UK will require “our whole nation stepping up” to ensure the country can continue to function in a crisis, the head of the British armed forces will warn. Chief of the defence staff Sir Richard Knighton will say the situation is “more dangerous than I have known during my career” [...]
Rolls-Royce, BAE, Babcock: Defence shares rally after Trump remarks September 24, 2025 Shares in London-listed defence firms rallied during early trading on Wednesday after President Donald Trump changed his tune on the Russia and Ukraine conflict. Aerospace firm BAE Systems led the City’s blue-chips with a 1.6 per cent gain to 1,982.50. Meanwhile Babcock was up over one per cent to 1,195 and FTSE darling Rolls-Royce rose [...]
Defence spending will ‘generate 85,000 jobs’ by 2035 September 8, 2025 Defence spending commitments will create a total of 85,000 jobs across the sector in the next 10 years, analysis by a leading industry body has suggested, as government officials are rolling out plans to attract investment from the private sector. Ahead of a conference on defence investment, the trade body ADS has said the defence [...]
Britain secures £10bn warship deal with Norway August 31, 2025 The UK has agreed a £10bn deal to supply Norway with at least five new warships, in what both governments are hailing as a landmark for defence cooperation, but which analysts say also underscores rising geopolitical tensions and the pressure on NATO allies to increase spending. Under the agreement, Britain will deliver ‘type 26’ frigates [...]
Boots on the ground in Ukraine? Brits don’t want to fund it August 19, 2025 With an electorate that doesn't back higher defence spending, Healey's promise to put troops in Ukraine looks like political grandstanding.
Crunch summit: Starmer, Zelensky and European leaders to meet Trump in DC August 18, 2025 Sir Keir Starmer will join European leaders in presenting a united front with Volodymyr Zelensky at his crunch meeting at the White House with Donald Trump. The Prime Minister and six other political leaders will travel to Washington DC on Monday, with the aim of protecting Ukraine from having to submit to Russian land grabs [...]