Eurozone GDP growth beats expectations as inflation edges up January 31, 2017 It's a good day for the Eurozone, which beat expectations on growth and unemployment today – while inflation edged up. Figures published by Eurostat, the region's statistics authority, showed gross domestic product grew 0.5 per cent in the euro area, pushing inflation for the full year up to 1.8 per cent. Although it was slightly down from [...]
Retailers slash 84,000 jobs amid storm of rising costs and fierce competition January 26, 2017 Retailer shed an estimated 84,000 jobs in the final quarter of 2016 as the industry heads for what could be a “more profound” shake-out than it experienced after the financial crisis. New figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) show the number of jobs in the sector fell three per cent year-on-year in the final [...]
This is how much disposable income the UK had in December January 25, 2017 UK households celebrated a rise in disposable incomes in December last year – but it is thought spending on non-essentials will slow in 2017 as inflation starts to bite. Families had an average £202 of disposable income in December 2016, a rise of 4.4 per cent (or £8.57) on the same month a year before, [...]
Marston’s toasts a fine festive season January 25, 2017 Marston’s said it was on track to open 20 more pub-restaurants and bars and five lodges this financial year after “encouraging” festive season trade. But analysts warned the pub company could face tougher conditions and may need to rely on its value outlets Two For One and Carvery for growth as consumers tighten their belts. [...]
Premier Foods warns on profits (but at least mince pie sales are up) January 18, 2017 Premier Foods has not made an exceedingly good start to 2017 – its shares dived today after it warned on profits. The figures The food manufacturer, whose brands range from Bisto to Mr Kipling and 80s stalwart Angel Delight, said sales in its third quarter were down one per cent at £251.4m, despite a strong December. Branded sales [...]
Inflation hits 1.6 per cent: Experts react to biggest price rise in two years January 17, 2017 Inflation has come in higher than expected as weaker sterling continues to feed through into higher prices for the UK consumer. The 1.6 per cent increase in December surprised analysts. The Bank of England expects inflation to hit 2.7 per cent by the end of this year. It has a legal target rate of two [...]
UK inflation rises faster than expected to hit highest rate in more than two years January 17, 2017 Prices in the UK increased faster than expected in December, as the impact of a weaker pound continues to feed through on consumer shopping baskets. The consumer price index rose by an annual rate of 1.6 per cent, beating market expectations of around a 1.4 per cent increase in prices, according to the Office for [...]
These are the key trends in retail in 2017 – and who will benefit from them January 16, 2017 The Christmas reporting season isn't over yet – the market is awaiting updates from Dixons Carphone and WH Smith – but the figures that have been reported so far have indicated some of the key retail trends investors should watch out for this year. Read more: Brexit vote boosts Hugo Boss The outlook for the UK consumer [...]
Latest ONS data expected to show inflation at 1.5 per cent January 15, 2017 Data released by the Office for National Statistics this week is likely to show an uptick in inflation, a sign that the fall in the value of the pound is having an impact on prices. An inflation rate of 1.5 per cent in the consumer prices index for December would be a significant increase on [...]
Britons face more price hikes with Sky next to increase costs January 13, 2017 Sky has jumped on the bandwagon of companies hiking prices, with line rental charges set to increase from 1 March. The news comes just days after free-to-air competitor Freesat pointed out that since 2010 the cost of Sky TV had risen at four times the rate of inflation and twice the pace rail fares have increased. [...]