Boost for US retailers as strong holiday sales offer hope for American recovery December 14, 2010 THE Fed’s second phase of quantitative easing (QE2) came under attack yesterday, after jumps in retail sales, business morale and inflation. Retail sales for November increased by 0.8 per cent, and figures for the previous month were revised upwards to show a 1.7 per cent rise. “Today’s figures suggest that QE2, announced on 3 November, [...]
Blackburn determined to go British December 14, 2010 FOOTBALL: Blackburn are on the lookout for a British manager to replace Sam Allardyce but insist they are in no rush to appoint a new boss. Coach Steve Kean was placed in temporary charge of first team matters after Allardyce was axed on Monday. “It’s a very prestigious decision so we have to take some [...]
Report: For-profit schools improve chances for poor December 14, 2010 EDUCATION reforms by the coalition government must allow profit making schools, an influential thinktank said today. Reforms in Sweden – which the UK’s plans are loosely based upon – only worked due to the contribution of for-profit schools, according to the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA). “This is especially the case in providing access to [...]
Notts to start defence against Hants December 14, 2010 CRICKET: Nottinghamshire will not begin the defence of their LV= County Championship title until 14 April after being given a week off in the opening round of next season’s fixtures. Mick Newell’s side travel to Abu Dhabi for the season curtain-raiser against an MCC XI on 27 March, but will not be in action again [...]
Productivity gap is due to regulation, research says December 14, 2010 RED tape that deters new businesses is responsible for low levels of European productivity, according to research released today. The costs of setting up a business result in uncompetitive markets, higher prices and less innovation, said Dr Markus Poschke, an economist from McGill University in Quebec. Even small start up costs of around £5,000 have [...]
Hodgson not worried about the sack December 14, 2010 FOOTBALL: Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson insists he does not fear for his job and is still confident he can turn around the Reds season. “I don’t have any fears, worries or concerns,” said Hodgson ahead of tonight’s Europa League clash with Utrecht. “The owners have made it perfectly clear they are in it for the [...]
Khan not ready for Mayweather test December 14, 2010 BOXING: Promoter Frank Warren has told Amir Khan that he would be “mad” to fight Floyd Mayweather. Trainer Freddie Roach led calls for Khan to take on the former pound-for-pound king next year after his thrilling victory over Marcos Maidana last weekend, but Warren warned: “He’s got to go up in weight to fight Mayweather [...]
Deflation unavoidable for Japan December 14, 2010 Japan’s deflation is due to proximity to low cost Asian economies, the government’s chief cabinet secretary said yesterday. Yoshito Sengoku said that aggressive monetary and fiscal easing can fail to tackle falling prices, and risk “leaving a burden for the next generation.” However, the Bank of Japan is pursuing its asset buying scheme. The Bank [...]
Markets keep eye on China rates December 14, 2010 Uncertainty over China’s monetary stance is affecting Asian markets, after Monday’s sharp gains turned sluggish yesterday. China avoided a rise in interest rates last week, opting only to nudge up the reserve requirement ratio (RRR). “The market’s sharp gains on Monday were driven by pent up demand following milder than expected policy tightening,” said Zhuo [...]
Henson hopeful of Wales return December 14, 2010 RUGBY UNION: British and Irish Lions back Gavin Henson has declared that Wales can win next year’s Six Nations – and is eyeing a place in the national side’s squad. Henson, who is hoping to make his return to competitive rugby for Saracens against Wasps on Boxing Day, said: “I think we’re due another Grand [...]
