‘Bond market tantrum risks’: Gilt traders brace for Labour leftward pivot as Starmer future uncertain
China reports no new coronavirus deaths for the first time April 7, 2020 China reported no new coronavirus deaths overnight for the first time since the outbreak began in Wuhan at the start of 2020, as hopes grow that the global pandemic is easing. European countries hit badly by Covid-19, Italy, Spain, Germany and France, also reported lower new case numbers yesterday. And New York’s governor, Andrew Cuomo, [...]
Coronavirus: Asian stocks rise as outbreak eases in Europe April 7, 2020 Asian stocks rose for a second day on signs that the coronavirus outbreak may be starting to recede in Europe and plateau in New York. Japan’s Nikkei rose 2.3 per cent, and this week has undone most of last week’s losses after prime minister Shinzo Abe promised a massive $991bn economic stimulus package due to [...]
Roku launches ad-funded UK streaming channel with classic British shows April 7, 2020 Roku has today launched a new UK channel as the ad-funded streaming service ramps up its TV offering for British consumers. The Roku Channel will offer users free access to more than 10,000 films, TV episodes and documentaries. It will feature British favourites such as Homes under the Hammer, Kitchen Nightmares and Skins, as well [...]
Coronavirus: Boris Johnson moved to intensive care after condition worsens April 6, 2020 Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been moved to intensive care after his coronavirus condition worsened, Downing Street has said. The Prime Minister was admitted to St Thomas’ Hospital last night with persistent symptoms of Covid-19. His medical team made the decision to move him to intensive care at roughly 7pm this evening after his condition [...]
Pound plunges after Boris Johnson admitted to intensive care April 6, 2020 The pound fell sharply against the dollar and euro this evening after Prime Minister Boris Johnson was admitted to intensive care. The Prime Minister was permitted to St Thomas’ Hospital last night with persistent symptoms of coronavirus. He moved to intensive care at roughly 7pm this evening after his condition deteriorated, Downing Street confirmed. The [...]
Coronavirus: ‘Too early’ to consider lockdown exit plan April 6, 2020 It is too early to consider how the UK will exit the current coronavirus lockdown, foreign secretary Dominic Raab said today. Raab, who led the government’s briefing following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s admission to hospital last night, said current measures were “beginning to work”, but refused to discuss how or when they would be eased. [...]
Banks ‘being defeated’ by coronavirus business loan scheme April 6, 2020 Concerns are growing about the accessibility of the government’s coronavirus business loan scheme amidst ongoing claims that many small and medium businesses are being denied funds. Just 1,000 businesses, out of almost six million British SMEs, have been granted loans as a part of the £330bn coronavirus business interruption loan scheme (CBIL). Read more: Banks [...]
TV sector faces ‘bleak future’ without government intervention April 6, 2020 The UK’s commercial TV sector faces “permanent change” as a result of coronavirus unless the government steps in to help, top media analysts have warned. In a note to clients published today, Enders Analysis warned a combination of declining advertising revenue and a shutdown in filming had left broadcasters and the production sector facing a [...]
Starmer and the City: Labour’s battle to win back the trust of UK business April 6, 2020 After what feels like the longest three months in history, the Labour Party finally has a new leader. Sir Keir Starmer trounced his leadership rivals to win a commanding majority, leaving no doubt about his mandate to recreate the party in his own image. The former human rights lawyer is now tasked with the job [...]
UK sticks to December 2020 Brexit deadline despite coronavirus April 6, 2020 The UK government has said it remains “absolutely committed” to Brexit negotiations and the December 2020 transition date despite the coronavirus outbreak limiting talks between the two sides. The UK and EU have until the end of this year to thrash out a comprehensive free-trade agreement. Keen to deliver on his “get Brexit done” election [...]