Biden team: US credit rating decision ‘bizarre’ – and it’s Trump’s fault August 2, 2023 Biden administration officials complained on Tuesday about ratings agency Fitch’s downgrade of the top U.S. government credit rating, saying the group used flawed methodology and ignored a resilient economy. Leading the charge was U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who issued a statement declaring “I strongly disagree with Fitch Ratings’ decision” minutes after Fitch announced it [...]
Donald Trump: Fresh charges brought against the ex president for bid to overturn the election August 2, 2023 Former US president Donald Trump has been charged by the US Justice Department for his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The indictment focuses on schemes by Trump and his allies to subvert the transfer of power and keep him in office despite his loss to Joe Biden. It is the [...]
BMW warning over inflation and supply chain issues pressure sends shares down August 1, 2023 BMW lifted its annual outlook for its margin on earnings before interest and taxes in its automotive segment on Tuesday, but warnings of the impacts of supply chain challenges and inflation prompted a sell off from investors. The carmaker’s forecast mirrored that of competitors such as Mercedes-Benz which also raised their earnings outlook but warned the macroeconomic [...]
Number of ‘Isa millionaires’ surges to more than 4,000 – triple from pre pandemic August 1, 2023 The number of “Isa millionaires” has surged to more than 4,000, according to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) figures. Some 4,070 savers were sitting on Isa pots worth more than £1 million, as of April 2021, according to the data, obtained following a freedom of information (FOI) request on behalf of financial services network the [...]
Aston Martin to launch £210m share placing to reduce debt August 1, 2023 Luxury carmaker Aston Martin aid on Monday it will launch a £210m share placing to speed up its aim to reduce net leverage. Shareholders, who are represented on board, have committed to subscribe £184m, of which £115m worth of shares will be bought by Yew Tree Overseas, Public Investment Fund, Geely International and Mercedes-Benz AG. The [...]
The Notebook: Ian Whittaker on S4’s bad luck, a surprising election forecast and the unbeatable pull of strong brands August 1, 2023 Where the City’s movers and shakers get some things off their chest. Today it’s Ian Whittaker, founder of Liberty Sky Advisors S4’s latest woes are down to bad luck, not bad judgement The Q2 results season is in full swing and, so far, it is fair to describe the season as better than expected. The [...]
CMA aims for decision on £55bn Microsoft-Activision deal by 29 August July 31, 2023 The UK’s competition watchdog has opened up its inquiry into Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard deal for comments, as it aims for a final decision by Aug. 29 on a £55bn takeover it had previously blocked in April. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) also on Monday published Microsoft’s arguments explaining why the deal should be re-evaluated, as the [...]
Marshalls to cut 250 jobs as housebuilding slump takes toll July 31, 2023 Building products supplier Marshalls is axing around another 250 jobs and closing a factory in Scotland after sales dived due to a housing market slowdown. The group said the cuts come as part of plans to save £9 million a year, which will see it shut a factory in Carluke in South Lanarkshire, while also [...]
Heineken cuts earnings guidance after price rises hit sales July 31, 2023 Brewing giant Heineken has cut its earnings guidance after consumer demand was hit by price increases. The Dutch brewer, which also makes Fosters and Amstel, said it made “significant price increases” at the start of the year in an effort to offset “unprecedented levels of commodity and energy inflation”. In the UK, the Office for [...]
Russia hit by drone attacks as Ukraine fights back with buildings hit miles from the Kremlin July 31, 2023 Ukraine attacked Russia with drones on Sunday, damaging two office buildings just miles from the Kremlin and a pig-breeding complex on the countries’ border. The attacks, which Ukraine did not acknowledge in keeping with its security policy, reflected a pattern of more frequent and deeper cross-border strikes the Kyiv government has launched since starting a [...]