US politicians are facing the fiscal cliff September 25, 2012 FOR months, the markets have had their eyes fixed on the Federal Reserve; the contents of the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) monthly minutes and the possibility of another round of quantitative easing (QE3). But now the US has another problem to deal with – the so-called “fiscal cliff” at the end of 2012, when [...]
Technology only boosts growth if countries can exploit it effectively September 25, 2012 OVER the last five years, the British economy has experienced its worst growth since the 1920s. Yet, in important respects, the economy is faring far better than it did back then. Part of the reason lies in low interest rates and forbearance on the part of lenders, which have both helped to soften the damage [...]
George Osborne’s economic policy seeks to blind markets from the truth September 25, 2012 ANDREW Mitchell, the government’s chief whip, remains in some difficulty after his exchange with the police at the gates of Downing Street. At the heart of the incident there is an objective reality. Either he used the word pleb, or he didn’t. Either the police were officious jobsworths, or they were the epitome of politeness. [...]
Silver surfers prepare to leave gold bugs behind as they ride the wave September 25, 2012 FOLLOWING recent policy announcements from the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank (ECB) and the Bank of Japan, making an investment case for metals may not be original. But, with rallies off lows in June, some may prefer silver over gold. It can be argued that silver has more scope to regain its record high, as [...]
After more banks signed up to Funding for Lending, is it likely to help UK business? September 25, 2012 YES Corin Taylor Funding for Lending – the scheme run by the Bank of England which seeks to stimulate the economy by making cheaper loans available to firms and individuals – is fine as far as it goes. But we must be sure not to overstate its likely benefits. Those companies that would already qualify [...]
Rapid Responses September 25, 2012 The shale debate [Re: Britain needs to embrace the global shale revolution, Friday] Britain must position itself at the forefront of the shale revolution. The US has had a head start because, firstly, its government has allowed extraction. Secondly, its main shale fields are in remote locations away from residential areas. Thirdly, it’s been developing [...]
BBA to give up Libor supervision September 25, 2012 The British Bankers’ Association (BBA) is poised to give up its responsibility for setting Libor should the Financial Services Authority propose a move. Martin Wheatley, managing director at the City watchdog, will unveil changes to the way the interbank lending rate is supervised on Friday, which is expected to see the BBA relieved of its [...]
FTSE 100 steady on worries over global growth September 25, 2012 The FTSE 100 was modestly up in early deals this morning, as a rally in natural resources and property stocks pulled the index higher, although worries over global growth and Spain’s economy continued to dampen stocks. Spain is due to present its draft budget plan for next year later on this week. Property group Morgan [...]
Diageo in talks to buy stake in United Spirits September 25, 2012 Spirit group Diageo this morning confirmed it is in talks to acquire a stake in United Spirits. It is understood that Diageo, the world’s largest spirits maker, is trying to buy a 15 per cent stake from Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya’s group, to ramp up its presence in the Indian spirits market. In 2008, the [...]
Cairn Energy nets $910m from Cairn India stake sale September 25, 2012 Cairn Energy has sold eight per cent of its shareholding in subsidiary Cairn India, it said today, netting $910m (£560m). The oil and gas exploration company will retain a 10 per cent stake in Cairn India, after selling over 150m shares yesterday. The proceeds from the sale will be used to fund Cairn’s capital programme, [...]
