A HEFTY DOSE OF CRUNCH-BUSTING CHRISTMAS CHEER HITS THE CITY November 24, 2009 AFTER the appearance of the traditional annual Coca Cola advert on our television screens heralded the official start to the festive season, it appears the corporate Christmas is truly in full swing. Demand for Christmas crackers is up a whopping 21 per cent from last year as cheap ‘n’ cheerful celebrations take precedent over luxurious [...]
AT THE BORDERS EDGE November 24, 2009 BORDERS fuelled closure fears yesterday by halting orders on its website while the retailer is “in discussion with potential buyers”. The firm said existing orders will be delayed, but fulfilled. Some analysts believe Borders may not survive until Christmas, and unless a buyer is found is expected to go into administration.
THE TIPSTER November 24, 2009 THE dollar has been falling across the board, but against the Swiss franc it is now flirting with parity. The pair was seen at these levels in the first quarter of 2008, but the currency never managed to fall below SFr 0.9877, and a sustained break below parity would be moving towards uncharted territory. The [...]
Mercedes chiefs fuel Schumacher return talk November 23, 2009 MERCEDES GP chiefs have fuelled speculation they could tempt Michael Schumacher out of retirement after confirming Nico Rosberg will drive for them next year. Schumacher, 41, has not raced since calling time on his career in 2006 after winning seven world championships with Benetton and Ferrari. But the track legend has been linked with a [...]
Looking out for Santa November 23, 2009 BY all accounts UK households are digging in for a frugal Christmas this year. Surveys from research groups like retail specialist Verdict predict that, with the threat of rising mortgage rates and tax increases in 2010, shoppers won’t be feeling too jolly this festive season, and spending will drop year-on-year for the first time on [...]
Keep your festive drinking in control November 23, 2009 ONE MINUTE we’re told that drinking alcohol in any quantity is bad for us; the next it appears that red wine is like mother’s milk and should be consumed with gay abandon. Only last week a Spanish study commissioned by the Basque Public Health Department was published, saying that men who drank up to 11 [...]
How to control Xmas party damage November 23, 2009 THE revelry of the Christmas season always carries the same sting in its tail: hangovers, weight gain and liver strain. On average, people gain five pounds over the four-week period, the result of consuming 500 extra calories a day (a few handful of crisps, a mini sausage roll, a couple of glasses of wine and [...]
Indulge with a basket of gourmet treats November 23, 2009 IN the season of excess, hampers overflowing with foodie favourites and boozy delights have become central to our idea of seasonal indulgence. And these days they’re better than ever – the organic revolution and revival of interest in quality local food means that the best hampers are bursting with variety and class. Artisan cheeses, mouth-watering [...]
THE TIPSTER November 23, 2009 ASIAN markets have been struggling to keep up with the likes of European and US indices, which have continued to mark new highs for 2009. The Japanese Nikkei has failed around the 10,500 level a few times between July and October but its weakness could provide a buying opportunity ahead of the seasonal rally higher [...]
CITY SPORT AWARDS TO GET LEASE OF NEW LIFE November 23, 2009 SPORT fanatics in the City could be forgiven for wondering when their favourite event of the year is due to come around, now that the party season has entered full swing. But I hear the ICAP Square Mile Sport Awards – which last year saw sporting stars such as cricketer Darren Gough, swimmer Mark Foster, [...]