Fewer MPC meetings? The Bank’s new plans are likely to backfire December 11, 2014 Yesterday, the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) announced a wide-ranging package of reforms to its meetings, processes and communications. The objective is sound – to enhance accountability and transparency. The proposals build on a report by Kevin Warsh, a former US Federal Reserve governor. His report was triggered by concerns that records of [...]
Google’s Eric Schmidt says artificial intelligence concerns are normal but misguided after Stephen Hawking and Elon Musk warnings December 10, 2014 Google boss Eric Schmidt is the latest to weigh in on the artificial intelligence debate after Stephen Hawking and Elon Musk both offered a dim view of intelligent machines in the future. Schmidt is tabling a much more positive view of the rise of the machines. Nothing to do with Google’s massive investment in AI, [...]
US non-farm payroll: The dollar has gone through the roof December 5, 2014 The dollar leaped 0.34 per cent against the pound to its second-highest since October last year as US non-farm payroll figures smashed all expectations. The dollar hit 0.6402 against the pound as official statistics from the US showed non-farm payroll – which measures the number of new jobs created – rose by 321,000 in November, [...]
London is a global hotspot for “tech for good” and these 19 startups are going to change the world December 4, 2014 London is the leading city in the world for creating technology for social good, with 19 of the top 100 so-called “tech for good” startups, products and inventions, coming from the capital. A teddy that can read childrens vital signs to help make a diagnosis, a device that means your iPhone can detect malaria and [...]
US growth and hiring defy global slowdown worries December 3, 2014 Employers across the US are hiring more staff in all industries, Federal Reserve officials said last night. Despite worries about the strength of growth across Asia and Europe, the Fed’s regular Beige Book publication showed a very upbeat recovery in the US. Conditions were so buoyant that labour shortages were reported in some regions, with firms struggling [...]
Golf Comment: Bright future beckons for Spieth but I can’t wait for Tiger’s return December 1, 2014 IF JORDAN Spieth’s win on Sunday offered a glimpse of how the future of American golf may look, this week should offer further clues as to whether Tiger Woods is likely to be part of that landscape or if his phenomenal success is a thing of the past. Spieth was very impressive in shooting a [...]
US GDP growth revised up to 3.9 per cent for the third quarter November 25, 2014 The US economy grew more than expected over the last three months, data released by the US Commerce Department has shown. The world's largest economy grew 3.9 per cent in the third quarter, or 0.4 per cent more than originally reported. This was well above expectations: economists had predicted it would be revised down to [...]
Golf Comment: Sublime Stenson 100 per cent ready for a first Major triumph November 24, 2014 TWELVE months ago Henrik Stenson played a brilliant approach to the 18th hole at the DP World Tour Championship to ensure he rounded off a landmark season with another victory. It also won him the European Tour’s shot of the year prize. But on Sunday, back in Dubai again, he mustered an even better effort, [...]
Stenson defends his Dubai crown and banks £1.3m November 23, 2014 RYDER Cup star Henrik Stenson is targeting a first Major title in 2015 after the Swede concluded the season by scooping a long-awaited victory and a £1.3m payday. Stenson survived a scare on the back nine to successfully defend his DP World Tour Championship title in Dubai yesterday and land a first win since his [...]
Christmas in London: Start planning your festive season November 20, 2014 As usual, London will be buzzing over the Christmas period. Here’s our selection of the best seasonal activities Swedish Christmas at Fika Head to Brick Lane for a Christmas dinner with a Scandinavian difference. Swedish bar and kitchen Fika is offering a traditional Scandi Christmas dinner from 1-23 December. The small, independent restaurant [...]