The FCA’s bond market reforms don’t go far enough February 7, 2025 The FCAs plans to make it easier for companies to issue smaller bonds are a step in the right direction, but if the UK truly wants to unlock its corporate bond market for retail investors, more must be done, says Tim Focas The Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) plans to cut red tape around the corporate [...]
What the Bank of England interest rate cut means for your money February 6, 2025 Consumers need “careful financial planning in the months ahead” after the Bank of England cut interest rates on Thursday, wealth manager Quilter has warned. Financial planner at Quilter Holly Tomlinson said the 25 basis point cut will be “good news” for borrowers, whilst savers will be stung by lower returns on deposits. Tomlinson said: “Banks [...]
Central banks and investors drive record demand for gold February 5, 2025 Demand for gold reached record highs in 2024 fuelled by “eye-watering” interest from central banks and global investors, a fresh report has said. Total demand reached 4,974 tonnes, and the value of global demand shot up to $382bn, over a year which saw the gold price surge by 26 per cent. Central banks hoovered up [...]
House price growth slows despite ‘busier January than normal’ January 31, 2025 House price growth slowed slightly in January, but year-on-year growth remained robust despite higher interest rates. The annual rate of house price growth slowed to 4.1 per cent in January, compared with 4.7 per cent in December, according to the Nationwide House Price Index. House prices increased by 0.1 per cent month on month, after [...]
UK mortgage approvals rise as buyers race to beat stamp duty changes January 30, 2025 The number of mortgages approved by the UK banking sector rose unexpectedly in December, according to new data, suggesting buyers are looking to beat upcoming changes to stamp duty. The Bank of England’s figures showed that 66,500 mortgages were approved last month, which was up from 66,100 approvals in November. Economists had expected the number [...]
House prices ‘gathering steam’ before stamp duty changes January 30, 2025 The UK’s housing market got off to its strongest start in three years in 2025 as both demand and supply increased, according to new data. Buyer demand was up 13 per cent and 10 per cent more homes were on sale, with rising sales supporting UK house price inflation of two per cent year on [...]
EE: Home nations agree four-year contract extension with telco January 29, 2025 The Football Association (FA) will continue with EE as its lead partner after the telco signed a four-year contract extension. The agreement covers the England men’s and women’s senior teams, the 90,000 capacity Wembley Stadium and the other three home nations football associations up to the 2028 Euros, which Great Britain and Ireland will co-host [...]
London’s top spot for super-prime property crowned January 29, 2025 Belgravia has taken the crown as London’s most-sought-after super prime neighbourhood, home to more than a tenth of sales in the capital last year and overtaking Chelsea for the first time since 2020. The area was even home to London’s first super prime deal of 2025, a £38m mansion on Wilton Crescent. “Belgravia has benefited from [...]
Foxtons: Share price soars after London estate agent outperforms market January 28, 2025 London estate agents Foxtons has reported double digit growth driven by market share gains in both sales and lettings. Revenue in the year ended December 2024 grew 11 per cent to £163m, from £147.1m in 2023, while adjusted operating profit grew 33 per cent to £19m, from £14.3m in 2023. Its share price rose nearly [...]
Burberry: Shares spike as luxury giant’s transformation shows green shoots January 24, 2025 British luxury brand Burberry has reported a boost in demand for its core products after implementing a wide-ranging turnaround plan, although overall revenue has continued to fall. The company’s share price rose more than 14 per cent in early trades. Total retail revenue in the 13 weeks ended December 28 fell seven per cent, from [...]