Eurozone unemployment falls for first time since early 2011 October 1, 2013 Eurozone unemployment is a little softer than expected in July, with the headline rate at 12 per cent, below expectations of a rise to 12.1 per cent. The total has fallen to 19.178m, the lowest since April. That's also the first fall since early 2011 according to AFP, but it's not enough to see the [...]
Pace of UK manufacturing sector expansion slows for first time in seven months October 1, 2013 The UK's manufacturing sector is still expanding strongly in September – but the pace of that expansion has fallen from the previous reading for the first time in seven months. At 56.7, Markit's purchasing managers' index (PMI) for UK manufacturing is close to August two-and-a-half year high of 57.2, but has disappointed economist estimates of [...]
Eurozone manufacturing slowdown – Rate of expansion drops in September October 1, 2013 The pace of expansion in Eurozone manufacturing has fallen in-line with expectations in September. Down from 51.4 to 51.1, that's still above the key 50 level that implies expansion. That's the third successive month of expansion for Eurozone manufacturing, but those increases have been modest. Howard Archer, of IHS Global Insight, suggests that won't see [...]
German unemployment see surprise rise in September October 1, 2013 German unemployment – expected to fall by 5,000 in September – has seen a surprising rise of 25,000 in a single month. Bad revisions too – Last month's 7,000 increase in unemployment has been hiked to 9,000 as estimates are updated. That sees the adjusted jobless rate up to 6.9 per cent, from 6.8 per [...]
International report slams war on drugs October 1, 2013 The International Centre for Science in Drug Policy (ICSDP) has produced a report highly critical of the war on drugs. The report found that in the last twenty years the price for drugs has dramatically declined and purity has increased, despite greater levels of interdiction than at any point in history. The authors of the [...]
US jobs data may be released early as shutdown leaves Fed blind October 1, 2013 Market watchers have long warned that a shutdown of the US government – the first in 17 years – could mean that key unemployment figures are not released. Those are so critical because the Federal Reserve will base its decision to begin tapering – a reduction in the rate of expansion of the monetary base [...]
Pound hits $1.62 – highest since 3 January September 30, 2013 Growing fears that political squabbles in the US will result in a temporary government shutdown have seen the dollar weaken against the pound. It's now hit $1.62 – a 3 January high. US bonds are more mixed – 10 years slightly weaker, but five year treasuries a tad stronger. Economists are worried that a temporary [...]
Cook says humans are most important part of Apple turnover recipe September 30, 2013 Apple boss Tim Cook has given employees of the tech giant bonus leave, so that they can have the whole Thanksgiving week off. His letter to staff is below, and recognises that "our most important resource — our soul — is our people." Team- It’s been an exciting summer. For the first time, we’ve launched [...]
Britain objects to EU power grab over spectrum auctions September 30, 2013 Reuters reports that Britain has objected to rules from the European Commission giving them the authority to block what they perceive as overly expensive auctions of mobile spectrum. A note from the British government sent to EU leaders raises a series of objections to the measures which were unveiled only a few weeks ago. EU [...]
London named top city in the world September 30, 2013 London has been voted top city in the world following the results of the internationally renowned bi-annual Anholt-GFK Roper City Brands Index. The UK capitol won first place for the city that makes it easiest for people from different cultures to fit in as well as first place for overall ranking. London & Partners chief [...]
