To triple lock or unlock: Pensioners risk losing out on hundreds of pounds per year if inflation-link is dropped October 19, 2022 This morning’s inflation figures mean that retirees could see their state pension boosted by a whopping 10.1 per cent in 2023/24, but only if Chancellor Jeremy Hunt doesn’t ditch the triple-lock. The increase would be in line with September’s Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation figure, which is usually used for benefits uprating Increasing the state pension by inflation rather [...]
No Brexit karma in Delhi: Whisky and visas increasingly complicate £27bn trade deal between UK and India October 18, 2022 The 24 October deadline set by Boris Johnson for finalising the UK–India trade deal will be missed after both parties have hit a roadblock in discussions. Although a detailed reason hasn’t been given by both sides, sticking points include a steep import duty on British whisky for sale in India, and demands for more visas for [...]
The Bank of England: From whatever it takes to whatever it breaks October 18, 2022 Markets have responded positively to the effective cancellation of Kwasi Kwartang’s ‘mini-budget’ from 23 September that new Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced yesterday. However, it remains clear that the Bank of England is more focussed on the longer-term implications of inflation. The Old Lady confirmed it is no longer willing to offer unending support to markets. [...]
Exodus of London bosses as FTSE 350 CEO departures triple in just one year October 18, 2022 There has been a sharp increase in the number of FTSE 350 CEOs leaving their businesses. In fact, chief execs stepping down jumped by 162.5 per cent this year, compared to a year ago. The figures by advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates are more extreme than those seen in the US where year to date [...]
Verdict on Liz Truss in world media outright brutal as PM turns into global laughing stock October 18, 2022 Developments in the UK have been closely followed by media across Europe and the rest of the world, and the verdict from most outlets is outright brutal. The Colombian newspaper El Colombiano, carrying a story with the headline “Liz Truss the Brief”, wrote that “Liz Truss, who’s been the British PM for barely six weeks, [...]
Chancellor Hunt creates economic council but insists new body will ‘not conflict’ with Bank of England October 17, 2022 The Chancellor has announced the formation of a new economic advisory council to provide “more independent expert advice” to the Government. Jeremy Hunt told the Commons he “fully” supports the “vital, independent” roles of the Bank of England and the Office for Budget Responsibility. However, he added: “But I also want more independent expert advice [...]
From new duties to volatile pricing: Brexit is making life in Europe impossible for UK firms October 17, 2022 The volatile pricing and availability of materials, accompanied by widespread disruption to global supply chains are just a few of the challenges faced by many UK businesses post-Brexit. Those trading within the European Union have suffered a massive upheaval due to the loss of access to the EU’s present free trade agreements. Following the end [...]
Furious En+ chairman hits back at Bloomberg for ‘wrong article’ on US sanctions October 17, 2022 Christopher Burnham, chairman of En+ Group, generally considered the world’s leading producer of low carbon aluminium and hydropower, has hit back at media giant Bloomberg. Its news site ran an article on 12 October making a series of allegations with regards to En+ Group’s relations to Russia and sanction compliance, which City A.M. won’t repeat [...]
Moscow’s elite in shock as another close Putin ally suddenly dies: Gazprom ‘wonderkid’ and Kremlin insider Nikolay Petrunin is no more October 17, 2022 Rumours are flying in Moscow today as it has emerged that another one of Vladimir Putin’s close allies has suddenly dies. Nikolay Petrunin, a 46-year-old Russian multimillionaire and a close confidant of the Russian president, is no more. The official reason by authorities was that the Gazprom executive has died as a result of complications [...]
Record 730,000 retirees returning to work to top up pension as living crisis pushes older Brits to the brink October 17, 2022 More than 733,000 retirees across the UK are preparing to return to work as the cost-of-living crisis escalates, according to new research shared with City A.M. this morning. For 12 per cent of those in retirement, rising inflation has “upended” their retirement plans. More than a third of UK retirees are worried they will no [...]