Worker shortages could last for two years September 20, 2021 Worker shortages plaguing the UK economy pose a significant long term risk to the British jobs market. Over three quarters of businesses are concerned poor access to workers will hold back the UK labour market’s competitiveness, the highest proportion on record, according to research by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) published today. Matthew Fell, [...]
China doubles down on private sector onslaught September 19, 2021 China’s top regulators have defended their intensifying clampdown on several industries of the country’s economy at a meeting with Wall Street executives. The vice chair of the China Securities Regulatory Commission told leaders of some of the US’s largest companies that its crackdown of consumer-facing and tech businesses was intended to improve data privacy and [...]
Former chancellor Hammond’s PE firm eyeing government contractor Amey September 19, 2021 Former chancellor Philip Hammond’s private equity firm is scheming to buy one of the government’s largest private sector contractors for £300m. According to Sky News, Buckthorn, the private equity firm who employs Hammond as a partner, has moved to acquire Amey. Buckthorn has submitted a bid for Amey as part of an auction being organised [...]
Prudential turns gaze to Asia in fresh £2bn share sale September 19, 2021 Insurer Prudential is planning to offer fresh shares on the Hong Kong stock exchange to raise £2bn as it continues to shift its focus away from the UK. The proceeds will be used to pay off debt and capitalise on investment opportunities in Asia and Africa, the 173-year old insurer said. Prudential will offer nearly [...]
Sunak to launch battle plan to cut borrowing at budget September 19, 2021 Chancellor Rishi Sunak will outline plans to put the UK’s public finances on a more sustainable path at the budget next month, according to reports. Sunak is expected to set new targets for the government to stop borrowing to fund day to day spending within three years, according to the FInancial Times. The proportion of [...]
Fed to rein in stimulus measures this year September 19, 2021 The US Federal Reserve is expected to outline its plan for reining in the wave of stimulus measures it launched in response to the Covid crisis this week. Experts are anticipating the Fed will formally recognise its intentions to reduce the pace of its bond buying programme this year after it concludes its rate setting [...]
Inflation will keep breaching BoE target over next half decade September 17, 2021 Inflation will routinely breach the Bank of England’s target over the next half a decade, according to fresh data released today. The Bank’s latest survey on inflation expectations shows Brits think the rate of price rises will hit three per cent in five years’ time, one percentage point above the Old Lady’s target. Over the [...]
FCA: UK listing regime has been ‘slow’ and ‘missed the boat’ September 17, 2021 The City watchdog has labelled the UK’s listing regime as being historically “slow” and missing the boat on attracting fast-growing tech companies. Speaking at an event examining the new listing proposals put forward by the Financial Conduct Authority, Clare Cole, the regulator’s director of market overnight, said London’s listing rules have “often [been] slow and [...]
University education contributes to regional inequality, according to IFS September 17, 2021 University education is contributing to geographical inequality across the UK, according to a new report published by a leading economic think tank today. Higher education allows graduates to move to London and other cities that offer better career prospects, shows research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies. By the age of 27, graduates are 10 [...]
Rallying travel stocks lift London markets September 16, 2021 London’s FTSE 100 edged up today on a rally among travel stocks, helping to partly reverse yesterday’s poor performance. The capital’s premier index gained 0.16 per cent to hit 7,027.48 points, partly evening out losses registered on a choppy day on London markets yesterday. The likes of aerospace engineer Rolls Royce and British Airways parent [...]