We must all be wary of tax hikes on businesses December 21, 2015 It's easy to see why politicians levy taxes on companies, especially big multinationals. No one sheds a tear for any large firm that suddenly has to cough up a bit of extra cash for the Treasury. By aiming tax at firms, a government can limit taxes on individuals while resisting spending cuts – a tried [...]
Miner BHP Billiton considering dividend cut in face of continuing commodities rout December 20, 2015 Mining giant BHP Billiton is considering slashing its dividend in the new year, as the commodities rout shows no sign of abating. The Anglo-Australian group was placed on review facing a possible downgrade by ratings agency Moody’s, prompted by “the precipitous decline and persistent weakness in commodity prices”. Moody’s said it will specifically review BHP’s [...]
Voters should resist the allure of fringe parties December 18, 2015 Fringe parties have come to prominence in recent years, often threatening – or completely overturning – two-party systems. Much of this year’s Greek drama stemmed from the political standoff between the country’s lenders and a Syriza party that pledged to defy unpopular bailout conditions. While Syriza may have eventually backed down, its rise (and the collapse in [...]
Prime Minister David Cameron issues plea to EU leaders to back his reform proposals December 18, 2015 Prime Minister David Cameron used a working dinner in Brussels last night to make an impassioned plea to European leaders to back his proposals for “substantial” reform of the European Union. In a lengthy appeal to European heads of state and government from all 27 other EU member states, Cameron said that if the leaders wanted the [...]
High street retailers preparing themselves for a pre-Christmas spending rush December 18, 2015 High street retailers are bracing themselves for a pre-Christmas spending boom, with shoppers tipped to splurge around £4.7bn in stores over the next four days, allaying fears that November’s Black Friday bonanza and the rise of online shopping would keep customers away. Brits will splash out around £5.9bn on last-minute presents and food over the four days starting tomorrow [...]
Osborne must deliver on challenger pledge December 17, 2015 Two years ago, chancellor George Osborne said that the British banking system was verging on oligopoly – and needed a “reset”. “One of the prices we are paying for the financial crisis is that our banking sector is now dominated by a few big banks,” he said. “I want new faces on the high street. [...]
British car manufacturing rose by 9.3 per cent last month – SMMT December 17, 2015 Britain’s car manufacturing industry delivered a strong performance in November as output rose. Manufacturing rose 9.3 per cent in November, industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reports today, revealing that 150,084 vehicles were built during the month, up from 137,347 this time last year. Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “November’s [...]
US markets welcome Fed rate rise as analysts applaud smooth landing for Janet Yellen’s announcement December 17, 2015 The US central bank finally hiked interest rates for the first time since 2006 last night in a highly-anticipated move marking “the end of an extraordinary period.” US stock markets welcomed the move, with the S&P 500 jumping 1.45 per cent as the Federal Reserve lifted its main policy rate 0.25 percentage points from record [...]
The City is a litmus test for PM’s European Union renegotiation December 16, 2015 David Cameron heads for Brussels tomorrow with a significant weight on his shoulders. The Prime Minister knows that it’s a crucial point in his efforts to renegotiate Britain’s relationship with the EU – and then, subsequently, to convince the British public that he’s done enough for them to vote “Remain”. You may see a lot [...]
Are consumers about to give Sports Direct the boot? December 16, 2015 Sports Direct has been occupying a lot of newspaper inches recently – and not for good reasons. It has also been the subject of a debate in parliament. An investigation into its working practices at its warehouses found employees saying it was like working in a “gulag”. The brand was also described by Simon Walker of the Institute [...]
