Crisis in the Eurozone is brewing up security problems for years ahead February 3, 2013 IN HIS speech on Britain’s relationship with the EU, David Cameron reminded us that European politics is still characterised by a competition for influence in pursuit of the national interest. There is, of course, no longer a military dimension to that contest. A common European market and common institutions have weakened the link between economics, [...]
Britain needs action on visa restrictions to stay open to international business February 3, 2013 THE defining characteristic of London’s success in recent times is its international outlook. New census data vividly demonstrates this fact, by showing that more than 100 different languages are now spoken in virtually every London borough. Skilled individuals from across the globe choose to call the capital home. This pool of talent is, in turn, [...]
China manufacturing indicates muted recovery February 1, 2013 China’s giant manufacturing sector continued its modest recovery in January, according to official data out this morning, although growth slowed over the month. China’s official purchasing managers’ survey (PMI) released this morning showed that factory output at the world’s second-largest economy rose in January, but at a slower pace than the month previously. The index [...]
Why the FTSE has rallied strongly in January January 29, 2013 THE FTSE 100 index has gained nearly 7 per cent since 2013 got underway, almost a month ago to the day. This is one of the most impressive starts to a year on record. Only two previous Januaries since the FTSE 100 was formed have beaten the current month (as of the time of writing). [...]
Toyota regains the top spot for global car sales January 28, 2013 JAPANESE firm Toyota has retaken its crown as the world’s biggest selling car maker after its sales rose 22.6 per cent to a record 9.75m vehicles in 2012. Japan’s three biggest car companies all posted record sales yesterday, as they continue to recover from natural disasters that left the country reeling in 2011. Toyota, which [...]
Video game firms power up on prospect of end to Chinese ban January 28, 2013 SHARES in Sony and Nintendo leapt yesterday amid hopes that the Chinese government would end a ban on video game consoles. The country’s official newspaper, China Daily, said the country’s culture department was considering allowing consoles in the world’s second-biggest economy for the first time since 2000, when they were banned to protect children. This [...]
S&P 500 dips after its long winning streak January 28, 2013 THE S&P 500 eased slightly yesterday after an eight-day run of gains, while the Nasdaq edged higher as Apple shares rebounded. The index remained above 1,500, however, after closing above that level on Friday for the first time in more than five years. The S&P 500’s eight sessions of gains was its longest winning streak [...]
What the other papers say this morning January 27, 2013 FINANCIAL TIMES Hands to ‘move on’ with fundraiser Guy Hands, founder of private equity firm Terra Firma, aims to bolster his plans to raise funds this year by returning €3bn to investors through disposals within the next 12 to 18 months. Mr Hands is pressing ahead with a €3bn fund to buy green energy infrastructure [...]
RIM hoping that new BlackBerry will bear fruit January 27, 2013 THE long-awaited next generation of BlackBerry smartphones will be unveiled this week, in a make or break moment for manufacturer Research in Motion (RIM). The Canadian company will unveil two new devices running BlackBerry 10, the first major overhaul to its software in years. The much-needed upgrade has been beset by technical delays while RIM [...]
Wall St inches higher despite Apple’s plunge January 24, 2013 THE smallest of gains gave the Standard & Poor’s 500 its seventh straight winning day yesterday, but the index failed to hold above the 1,500 line, restrained by Apple’s worst day in more than four years. Apple slid 12.4 per cent to $450.50 a day after it posted revenue that missed Wall Street’s forecast as [...]