Rapid Responses August 28, 2012 Vaguely taxing [RE: Taxation shouldn’t be determined by subjective opinions of fairness, Tuesday] It is interesting that recent developments in political circles have redefined the basis upon which tax policy is to be developed. A poorly thought-out policy will cause more harm than good. In the case of the mansion tax, it is a double [...]
The FF is a supermodel on steroids August 28, 2012 Ferrari doesn’t tend to do things by halves. When it launched its FF model – the first four-wheel-drive in its history – it did so by having its two F1 racing drivers drive it at the top of Plan De Corones in the Dolomites at 2,350 metres. It’s fair to say, then, that Ferrari is [...]
Car talk August 28, 2012 Bentley shows off its most powerful creation The fastest, most powerful road-going Bentley ever makes its debut at the Moscow Motor Show today. Capable of 205mph, the all-wheel-drive flagship Continental GT Speed is powered by a 6-litre twin-turbo W12 engine developing 616bhp, and can sprint from 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds. Chassis, steering and brakes are [...]
French bankers escape Hollande August 27, 2012 HIGHER taxes and an anti-business attitude are driving French bankers and high-fliers out of Paris and into London, City A.M. has learned from recruiters and estate agents. Socialist President Francois Hollande’s planned 75p top tax rate was the flagship policy in his election campaign – but instead of raising cash from the super-rich, it could [...]
ECB official: bond buying would be within mandate August 27, 2012 A SENIOR official at the European Central Bank (ECB) has reassured Germany that any new bond buying will not amount to back-door funding of struggling Eurozone states. Joerg Asmussen’s remarks, made in Hamburg yesterday, will heighten expectations that the ECB is set to act to bring down ailing government’s borrowing costs. “Under the framework of [...]
Sweden turns the page and Scandinavian noir explains why August 27, 2012 EVERYONE knows that Sweden is a social-democratic paradise, where taxes are high, the welfare state is big and everyone enjoys the benefits. That doesn’t mean it’s true. In recent years, research like that compiled in Richard Wilkinson’s and Kate Pickett’s The Spirit Level has painted Sweden and its Scandinavian neighbours as political role models. The [...]
Fed gave $46bn half-year profit to Washington August 27, 2012 THE FEDERAL Reserve gave a boost to the government’s balance sheet in the first half of the year, according to accounts released yesterday, whose unprecedented publication came after pressure to increase transparency following the credit crunch. The US central bank generated $47.5bn profit in the six months to June, of which it gave $46.4bn to [...]
What the other papers say this morning August 27, 2012 FINANCIAL TIMES Ryanair seeks rivals’ help in bid Ryanair is seeking regulatory approval for its proposed takeover of Aer Lingus by asking at least six airlines to operate alternative services on some of the Irish flag carrier’s routes. Ryanair has approached competitors, asking them to consider providing competition on routes to and from Dublin. Aviva [...]
Spanish GDP revised downwards August 27, 2012 Revised data published yesterday showed Spain’s economy contracted by more than previously estimated in 2010, and grew by less than first published in 2011, reigniting fears about the country’s ability to rein in its public deficit. The struggling economy, which may require a full bailout, shrank 0.3 per cent in 2010, more than the 0.1 [...]
French unemployment worsens August 27, 2012 The number of people out of work in France rose for the 15th month in a row in July to reach its highest level in more than 13 years, in the latest grim news for France’s stagnating economy. Labour ministry data released yesterday showed that the number of registered jobseekers in mainland France rose by [...]
