Rishi Sunak’s Spring statement today: From fuel duty cuts to tax and energy bills March 23, 2022 The time has come for the Chancellor to unveil his spring statement, with the spotlight on how he intends to deal with the cost of living crisis. Rishi Sunak is set to vow to “stand by” British families as he is expected to outline further plans to support households facing financial hardship on Wednesday, which [...]
Will the world economy avoid an inflationary bust? March 23, 2022 Today’s high inflation is being compared to the 1970s. However, robust consumer spending, fuelled by pandemic savings, makes for a different set of circumstances. Memories of the 1970s were evoked as the price of Brent crude oil temporarily climbed above $139 a barrel in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. That was a period [...]
What’s behind market volatility in China? March 23, 2022 It’s been a rollercoaster week for Chinese stock markets. We explain why and get the views of Schroders’ experts Robin Parbrook, Maggie Zheng and David Rees. In the last week, equity markets in mainland China and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have experienced a rout, and a subsequent rally in the past two days. At [...]
Wildwood restaurant owner Tasty remains ‘cautiously optimistic’ amid ongoing labour shortages and inflation woes March 23, 2022 Wildwood restaurant owner Tasty reported a 44 per cent revenue boost to £34.9m this morning, despite obstacles in re-opening stores.
Highest since 2015: Russian inflation goes through the roof as level accelerates to 12.5 per cent March 23, 2022 It seems another headache is coming Vladimir Putin’s way as inflation in Russia has shot up to 12.5 per cent, the country’s highest level since 2015. Annual inflation in Russia accelerated to 12.5 per cent as of March 11, its highest since late 2015 and up from 10.4 per cent a week earlier, the economy [...]
One in five Brits expect to fall into debt as cost of living soars March 22, 2022 One in five Brits are anticipating being plunged into debt by spiralling energy prices and the rising cost of living, fresh data has revealed.
Six strategies for your retirement income March 22, 2022 What surprises me most about my wife’s catering business is how much food is usually left over. I often ask: ‘Is there a better way to manage food costs?’. Her answer is always the same: ‘Better to have food left over than fall short.’ She has the exceptional ability to estimate how much each person [...]
Food industry: Government must act to tackle cost of living crisis as prices spike March 22, 2022 A food industry leader has called on the government to intervene to ease supply chain pressures on food firms as a cost of living crisis looms. Food and Drink Federation boss Karen Betts has urged ministers to act to help millions of households as they face rising food and energy prices this spring. Measures urged [...]
Hospitality chiefs call on Sunak to reverse VAT hike or leave London businesses ‘unviable overnight’ March 20, 2022 Hospitality heads have said the government’s plans to increase VAT from current rates of 12.5 per cent to highs of 20 per cent at the start of next month will see some London businesses “become unviable overnight.” Industry chiefs warned that Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s plans to hike consumer taxes on food, soft drinks, accommodation, and [...]
Revenue sinks at JD Wetherspoon as boss says cost pressures ‘mitigated to an extent’ March 18, 2022 Revenue at pub chain JD Wetherspoon has taken a hit to the tune of 13.5 per cent as the firm warns of rising costs across its business. The company reported revenue of £807.4m, for the 26 weeks ended 23 January 2022, versus £933m in 2020. However, chairman Tim Martin said pressure on input costs from [...]