UK public expectations for interest rate hike falls to record low level September 9, 2016 The proportion of British people expecting an interest rates rise in the next year has fallen to a record low, a Bank of England survey has shown. The poll of more than 2,000 people aged 16 and over was conducted between 8 and 9 August, shortly after the Bank cut rates to 0.25 per cent. [...]
Now even Donald Tusk has told Theresa May to get going on Brexit negotiations September 8, 2016 It isn't just fed-up UK politicians who want the UK to get going on Brexit negotiations: European Council president Donald Tusk has told Theresa May to start the process "as soon as possible", according to reports. Tusk told May "the ball is now in your court" during a meeting at Downing Street this morning. "Our [...]
US economy struggles to impress over the summer September 7, 2016 Growth in the US remained sluggish over the summer, according to the latest economic indicator out of the world's biggest economy this afternoon. The Markit purchasing managers' index (PMI), which tracks activity across the economy, came in at an uninspiring 51.5 in August, bang in line with expectations but down from 51.8 in July. The news settled [...]
Emerging markets fund specialist Ashmore’s share price edges up after firm beats profit expectations September 6, 2016 Ashmore Group’s share price rose by one per cent yesterday after the emerging markets fund specialist beat profit expectations in its full-year results. The figures Assets under management (AUM) of $52.6bn (£39.4bn) were down from $58.9bn in the year ending 30 June 2015. Ashmore’s net revenue for the period came in at £232.5m, down 18 per cent. Read [...]
Our resident chef Mark Hix on why we should make the most of our British plums September 6, 2016 I'm a bit fed up with seeing rock hard, imported plums on sale in supermarkets. What’s the point? They sit in the fruit bowl taking ages to ripen, then they go off after a few days. What’s wrong with our home grown plums? We grow plenty of varieties here, from the well-known Victoria to the [...]
Pound storms to two-month high against dollar after shock fall in key US indicator September 6, 2016 The pound has surged to a new two-month high against the dollar after a crucial indicator of activity in the US economy crashed, raising yet more question marks over the timing of the next interest rate rise. The closely-watched Institute for Supply Management (ISM) non-manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) dropped from 55.5 in July to 51.4 [...]
Rory McIlroy back to his very best in time for Ryder Cup after stunning victory at Deutsche Bank Championship September 5, 2016 It was simply exquisite golf by Rory McIlroy to win the Deutsche Bank Championship last night. He carded 67, 66 and 65 in his last three rounds and is back to his best. He has only been with his new putting coach, Phil Kenyon, for a short time but it’s obviously working. The truth is he’s been [...]
US Presidential Election 2016: Donald Trump blasts US Federal Reserve for creating a “false economy” September 5, 2016 Donald Trump has hit out at the US Federal Reserve, saying the era of record low interest rates since the financial crisis has created a "false economy". On the campaign trail in the key swing state of Ohio, the Republican presidential nominee waded, once again, into the thorny issue of monetary policy, stating the Fed would [...]
FTSE 100 ends the week tantalisingly close to 7,000, pushed up by pharma – as housebuilders regain losses September 2, 2016 The FTSE 100 ended the day at 6,894.6 points – 2.2 per cent higher, and within spitting distance of that 7,000 mark. The index was pushed up by pharmaceutical and mining stocks, with Hikma Pharmaceuticals leading the pack, jumping 5.2 per cent to 2,185p. That was followed by Unilever, which rose 3.8 per cent to 3,663p – [...]
Dollar bounces back after US non-farm payroll falls to 151,000 in August September 2, 2016 The number of new job openings in the US fell to 151,000 in August, down from 255,000 the month before – missing economists' expectations of 180,000. Unemployment held at 4.9 per cent, figures published today showed – against expectations of a fall to 4.8 per cent. The disappointing figure pushed the dollar 0.4 per cent down against the [...]