British businesses struggle to source cash amid Bank of England interest rate hikes June 26, 2023 British businesses are struggling to source cash to fuel growth as lenders retrench from the credit market after the Bank of England’s 13 straight interest rate rises, new research out last night showed. Just over nine in 10 mid-sized companies are running into roadblocks when trying to secure financing, prompting them to shelve expansion plans, [...]
Labour now 25 points clear of Tories as mortgage rates batter Rishi Sunak’s party June 25, 2023 Labour has posted its biggest lead over the Conservatives since March, new polling data has revealed, as the public grows increasingly tired of the government’s perceived mismanagement of the economy. Labour’s vote share jumped four points to 47 per cent, giving the opposition party a 25 point lead over the Tories, according to fresh polling [...]
Ex Asda boss: Cutting prices for cash-strapped Brits is ‘very important’ after Sunuk plea June 23, 2023 Supermarkets regard cutting prices as “very important”, according to a former boss of Asda, after the Prime Minister warned retailers about pricing “responsibly and fairly”. Andy Clarke, who served as Asda’s chief executive officer between 2010 and 2016, said the big chains were “heavily focused” on competitive pricing as the industry hit back over suggestions [...]
NatWest, Lloyds, HSBC, Barclays and Santander leaders meet Jeremy Hunt in ‘productive’ mortgage crisis talks June 23, 2023 Bank bosses held a “productive” meeting with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt as the rates increase worsens the mortgage crisis. Natwest chief executive Alison Rose, speaking to reporters as she left Downing Street, said lenders were “doing everything we can” and were “very keen” to help customers. Lloyds Banking Group boss Charlie Nunn described the meeting as [...]
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to meet lenders as mortgage crisis worsens June 23, 2023 Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will ask banks if they can do more to support struggling households after a shock interest rate hike deepened the mortgage crisis. He is meeting large lenders including HSBC and Santander in Downing Street this morning as the government comes under pressure to relieve the pain. Prime minister Rishi Sunak and Hunt [...]
Wall Street drifts after Bank of England hikes interest rates again June 23, 2023 Stocks drifted to a mixed finish on Wall Street on Thursday as central banks around the world keep cranking interest rates higher in their fight against inflation. The S&P 500 rose 16.20 points, or 0.4per cent , to 4,381.89, even though the majority of stocks fell. A rebound for technology stocks helped to overshadow losses [...]
Soaring inflation forces Brits to tighten belts on groceries as summer clothes, DIY and fuel sales pick up June 23, 2023 Brits are still splashing the cash amid soaring inflation, with retail sales estimated to have increased by 0.3 per cent last month off the back of non-food splurging. The main driver of sales was online, with non-store selling volumes up by 2.3 per cent, while food store sales were down by half of one per [...]
It was do or die for Andrew Bailey and the Bank of England – in the end, there was no choice June 23, 2023 When it came down to it, there was no choice. Inflation stuck at just below nine per cent. Unforgiving buried price pressures. Businesses rebuilding profits. Workers with no choice but to demand more money. These are the characteristics of an economy stuck in stagflation. The Bank of England had to take drastic measures. Yesterday’s interest [...]
Inside the National Portrait Gallery’s smart £41million refurbishment June 22, 2023 Finally, there’s a proper entrance! The National Portrait Gallery, closed for refurbishments since 2020, reopened this week. £35 million in investment has bought it a smart new look, and a genuine push for diversity. There are new galleries and social spaces, but first, the doors. The Portrait Gallery’s pokey side-door entrance on Charing Cross Road [...]
Housing market reeling after BoE hike interest rates in fresh blow for mortgage holders June 22, 2023 Prospective buyers and homeowners looking to reinstate fixed rate or tracker deals on their homes were met with a fresh blow this afternoon following the central bank’s decision to hike interest rates for the 13th time in a row in efforts to cool soaring inflation. It is expected that the decision will lead high street [...]