Asian stocks near record high after signing of huge RCEP trade deal November 16, 2020 Asian stock markets rose towards record highs after countries in the region signed the world’s biggest trade deal, which covers nearly a third of the globe’s population and economic output. The main Asian benchmark was on track to close at its highest ever level. China’s SSE Composite index rose one per cent while Japan’s Nikkei [...]
Boris Johnson to roll out string of new policies in bid to reset government November 16, 2020 Boris Johnson will roll out a series of policy announcements over the next two weeks in a bid to reset his government after the tumultuous exit of his top two advisers. Number 10 announced last night that Johnson – who is currently self-isolating after having had a meeting with an MP who tested positive – [...]
Grow your audience or double down? The classic mistake made by Brand Trump November 16, 2020 As marketers know well, big ambitious brands cannot continue to grow by simply targeting the same people with the same messages. There comes a point in every major brand’s life when new audiences are needed to grow a following. Somehow, the Trump campaign ignored this, and the President’s failure to understand the need to expand [...]
Restrictions confusion and lockdown fears stunt white collar job openings November 16, 2020 Regional tiered restrictions confusion and rumours of a national lockdown stalled white collar hiring in October, with contract vacancies dropping -1%, according to the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo). The latest data found that while month-on-month vacancy numbers saw little to no change, the year-on-year percentage drop slightly increased for October following several months [...]
The biggest loser in the US election: The idea of the loyal opposition November 16, 2020 Edward R. Murrow, the greatest of all American newsmen, got it exactly right about the essence of the miracle of American political stability: “We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. When the loyal opposition dies, I think the soul of America dies with it.” Before our very eyes, the aftermath of the election of 2020 [...]
The Covid mental health epidemic is threatening doctors too November 16, 2020 Many impacts of the coronavirus pandemic are easy to see: facemasks and visors, closed restaurants and shops, deserted high streets. Yet one consequence of this wretched virus — the one I fear most — cannot be seen. It is the devastating impact on our mental health. As the pandemic has worn on, people from all [...]
In tearing up America’s democratic norms, Donald Trump leaves behind a poisonous legacy November 15, 2020 As I write this, with the states of Nevada, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, and North Carolina circling around him, the first term of Donald J. Trump as President of the United States is about to come to a shattering end. Notice that I said first term. For there is little doubt that the Republican Party remains [...]
Explainer: What are green bonds? And how will the UK’s first green gilts work? November 15, 2020 Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced yesterday that Britain will issue its first green government bond next year, in a bid to capitalise on growing investor demand for assets that fund environmentally-friendly projects. The market for investments with an environment, social, or governance (ESG) focus has increased exponentially in recent years. Around $250bn (£189bn) of green bonds [...]
Boris Johnson prepares to U-turn on planning reforms in face of Tory revolt November 15, 2020 Boris Johnson’s planning reforms will be overhauled to quell a bubbling rebellion among Tory backbenchers in another government U-turn. The change will see the planning reforms prioritise new housing in urban areas in the Midlands and the North, instead of in rural South Eastern regions. Many Tory MPs have been railing against the reforms proposed [...]
Commuters face hike in rail fares in New Year November 15, 2020 Commuters are facing the prospect of a New Year’s hike in rail fares as the cost of a multi-billion pound bailout of the country’s railways begins to be felt. For the first time in eight years, fares could rise by more than the rate of inflation when the new prices kick in next year. The [...]
