Bank of England will ‘have to act’ to curb inflation October 17, 2021 Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey has signaled that the Bank of England is gearing up to increase interest rates. The central bank is considering raising interest rates for the first time since the onset of the coronavirus crisis due to increasing inflation risks. He believes the surge in energy prices raises the risk of [...]
Today: UK unemployment set to fall as rate hike bets increase October 12, 2021 European markets got off to a mixed start yesterday, while US markets, after initially looking in good shape, rolled over into the close to finish on the lows of the day. While investors want to believe the narrative that stock markets can continue to move higher, this belief is bumping up against the reality of how [...]
Looming cost of living crisis pinches Brits’ confidence in finances October 12, 2021 The spectre of inflation is acutely impacing Brits’ confidence in the health of their finances. Nine in 10 households are worried about their finances, found research by Barclaycard. Brits across the country are facing a severe cost of living crisis caused by soaring energy prices, wider inflation and looming tax hikes, which is weighing down [...]
Concerns grow over impact of energy prices and supply chain issues on profit margins October 11, 2021 Even though European markets closed lower on Friday, they still managed to finish the week higher, as did US markets, after what was a rather disappointing US jobs report, as martkets look forward to a week that sees US earnings season get underway in earnest, and where guidance is likely to be just as important [...]
Consumer confidence slips to pre-Covid levels as shoppers see supplies squeezed October 10, 2021 Consumer confidence has dipped to its lowest level this year, as inflation, the energy crisis and HGV driver shortages take their toll on the outlook to Christmas, according to a new report by PwC. Following record highs earlier in the year, consumer confidence saw a decline in almost every age, region and demographic category, and [...]
Raise interest rates now to stem inflation, warns John Major’s chancellor Lord Lamont October 9, 2021 A former Tory chancellor has called for an increase in interest rates as he wanred about the risks surrounding inflation. The Government’s policy of calling for wages to go up could further drive inflation if the boost is not accompanied by increased productivity, Lord Lamont said today. Amid soaring energy prices and shortages of workers [...]
Markets remain: US averting a shutdown does not resolve debt ceiling issue October 1, 2021 The US government won’t be shut today, as Joe Biden signed a funding bill that should keep the US government agencies running until 3 December. But that doesn’t resolve the whole debt ceiling issue, nor avert the risk of an eventual US default, commented Ipek Ozkardeskaya, Senior Analyst at Swissquote this morning. Treasury Secretary Janet [...]
Messages from central bankers suggest persistent inflation concerns are rising September 29, 2021 European markets had a poor day yesterday, all of them down over 2 per cent, with the notable exception of the FTSE100 which was helped in no small part by its hefty energy component, and a sinking pound, which helped to keep it above the 7,000 level. “Once again it is fears about surging energy [...]
This A.M.: Tide is turning at the Bank of England while markets await Powell remarks September 28, 2021 Having started the day in positive fashion yesterday, European markets saw the majority of the early gains slowly disappear, and though most did finish higher, it was a somewhat half-hearted affair. The result of the German election went entirely as expected, with little prospect of a new government this side of Christmas. US markets were [...]
Andrew Bailey: Interest rate rise needed to slow inflation but economy not strong enough September 28, 2021 Andrew Bailey said in a speech last night to the Society of Professional Economists that rate of recovery from the pandemic had slowed over recent months, adding: “And that slowing is continuing.” The Bank of England governor jokingly asked “when is the plague of locusts due” as he warned the economy faces “hard yards” ahead. [...]