Riots erupt in Netherlands as lockdown protesters rage for third night January 26, 2021 Dutch police arrested hundreds of people across the country last night in a third evening of unrest triggered by a new night-time curfew. Groups of rioters set fires, threw rocks, and looted stores in violence generated by government-imposed restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus. Prime Minister Mark Rutte has condemned demonstrators, who burned [...]
Facebook launches UK news service in boost for publishers January 26, 2021 Facebook will today start rolling out its dedicated news feed, marking a major boost for publishers in a long-running tussle over online advertising revenue. Facebook News will offer users a selection of curated stories alongside news personalised to their interests from hundreds of national, local and lifestyle outlets. The social media site today said it [...]
UK unemployment rate jumps to highest for five years January 26, 2021 The UK unemployment rate rose to 5.0 per cent of the economically active population in the last quarter, spurred on by a record rise in redundancies. For September to November 2020, an estimated 1.72m people were unemployed, according to new figures from the Office of National Statistics. That’s up 418,000 on the same period the [...]
Institutional money buys the dip January 26, 2021 Crypto at a Glance It was another volatile day in the neighbourhood yesterday, though we don’t seem to have moved all that much. It kicked off with Bitcoin chilling at just over $32,000, before a rally to almost $35,000 set pulses racing. It looked set to continue its charge, but swiftly fell back to finish [...]
Rolls-Royce shares plunge as firm cuts flying hours forecast January 26, 2021 Rolls-Royce shares nose-dived this morning as the blue-chip stock lowered its forecasts for the number of hours it expects aircraft powered by its engines to fly this year. Shares fell 6.0 per cent in the morning’s trading as the coronavirus showed no signs of abating. The FTSE 100 firm said that it now expected flying [...]
SMEs do not expect to be back at pre-pandemic levels until next year January 26, 2021 Small businesses have been left in financial ruin due to the pandemic, with one in 12 unsure they will ultimately survive, according to new research. The data from Santander found that 21 per cent of small businesses expect they may collapse before any changes in restrictions kick in. Those who will survive, do not expect [...]
Taper Tantrum 2: is there a sequel in the making? January 26, 2021 Sequels – occasionally they’re better (The Godfather Part II), but most of the time they’re worse. Often far worse (Jaws: The Revenge). As investors and economists look for the next market risks after the pandemic, some are now expecting a follow-up to 2013’s blockbusting Taper Tantrum. This sequel could even be coming to (trading) screens [...]
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in review: an expensive way to save money January 26, 2021 The Toyota RAV4 Plug-in is a part-electric, part-hybrid SUV with impressive fuel economy and emissions – but a high price tag.
Cruise operator Saga in talks with lenders as debt mounts January 26, 2021 Over 50s holiday and insurance provider Saga revealed this morning that it is in talks with lenders about its debt levels as restrictions on travel during the pandemic continue to have a negative impact on its business. Saga it has “significant liquidity and headroom to the current covenants in short term bank facilities”, but it [...]
PZ Cussons washes pre-pandemic struggles away as soap sales boost profits January 26, 2021 A surge in hand washing products helped PZ Cussons shine as pandemic-led demands boosted its first-half profits. The consumer group’s focus brands grew revenue by 21.9 per cent as overall growth reached 14.6 per cent across the world. Carex led the way with £313m of sales, a 10 per cent increase on the previous year, [...]
