Barclays set to unveil annual profit drop as restructuring costs offset higher interest income February 14, 2024 Barclays' annual profits are set to be dragged down by £825m in costs tied to a major restructuring as the bank prepares to reveal more details about the plan to shore up its balance sheet.
Value of UK housing stock dropped by £27bn in 2023 as high costs hurt market February 14, 2024 The UK’s housing stock has seen its first annual decline in value since 2012 after some £27bn was wiped off last year, according to new analysis, amid higher mortgage costs and pressure on household finances. Figures from property firm Savills showed that despite the fall, the value of housing remained £1.585tn higher than 2019, before [...]
Bank of England plots reinsurance stress tests amid fears of hidden risks February 13, 2024 The Bank of England has said it is mulling whether “further measures” are required to shore up major insurers today, amid reports it is preparing stress tests to probe the market’s exposure to offshore reinsurance firms.
Bank of England still on course for May interest rate cut despite strong pay growth February 13, 2024 In the final quarter of last year, regular pay dropped to 6.2 per cent from 6.7 per cent, above the Bank of England's forecast of six per cent. Not a big overshoot, but an overshoot nonetheless.
Wage pressures ease again but beat Bank of England’s expectations February 13, 2024 Rate-setters at the Bank of England have argued that pay pressures need to ease before interest rates can start being cut.
Why taxpayers have to transfer the banks tens of billions February 13, 2024 The Bank of England attracted yet more unwanted attention last week when MPs described its bond selling programme, known as quantitative tightening, as a “leap into the dark”. According to the Bank’s calculation, quantitative tightening could cost the taxpayer up to £130bn over the lifetime of the scheme. MPs highlighted that it was “highly anomalous” that decisions [...]
Spring Budget 2024: What measures could Labour continue in government? February 13, 2024 With an election expected this year, and a Labour Party hell-bent on wooing business, are there financial measures a Starmer government could support?
Savers not seeing all of Bank of England’s interest rate hikes, Bailey suggests February 13, 2024 "Overall deposit rates have risen by somewhat less than Bank Rate," Andrew Bailey said in a speech at Loughborough University.
Moving markets: Five things shaping the FTSE 100 today February 13, 2024 U.S. stocks closed mixed, while Asia saw modest gains. Bitcoin hits $50,000, oil prices remain stable, and the focus shifts to UK labour market data and U.S. inflation.
Big banks set for bumper annual profits as interest rates peak February 12, 2024 Britain's biggest banks are set to report strong annual profits over the next two weeks despite mounting margin pressure from a likely peak in interest rates.