The new Volvo XC90 is more luxurious than the equivalent Jaguar, with the loveliest SUV interior this side of a Bentley Bentayga April 29, 2016 The Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription feels incredibly Swedish, in the best possible sense; classy and restrained, with a hint of noir about it. If a forensic psychologist arrived at your door in one of these, investigating the murder of your business associate, you would be very worried indeed. It eloquently answers any misgivings we might [...]
Before the bell: What you need to know before the US market open April 28, 2016 The futures market is pointing to a weaker open on Wall Street after the Bank of Japan decided not to issue further stimulus measures, taking the market by surprise. Earlier the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 futures were down 0.8 per cent, while Nasdaq futures were 0.6 per cent lower. The Bank of Japan left its [...]
US Presidential Election 2016: Clinton vs Trump – whose economic policy is better for markets? April 27, 2016 It is a momentous time in terms of geopolitics. A plethora of major events with potentially significant investment consequences will take place this year. They range from the Brexit hurricane in the UK, to tectonic shifts in the oil economy abroad. Even ostensibly local conflagrations, such as political deadlock in Brazil, may impact wider markets. But [...]
The first ever right-hand drive Mustang hits British shores – but has the trip been worth it? April 25, 2016 It’s a damp, autumnal morning at the Pebble Beach golf resort on the coast of California, a couple of hours north of San Francisco. During the summer, it’d be nudging 30 degrees, and keen golfers would pay $495 a game while their partners enjoyed the luxury spa. This morning, though, it’s just me and a [...]
Porsche 718 Boxster review: Is this four cylinder Porsche even better than its predecessor? April 18, 2016 Design: ★★★★☆ Performance: ★★★★★ Practicality: ★★★★☆ Value: ★★★☆☆ Price: £52,972 0-62MPH: 4.2 secs Top speed: 177mph CO2 G/KM: 167g/km MPG combined: 38.7mpg Midway through its life, the Porsche Boxster has a new name – 718 Boxster – and a new pair of turbocharged four cylinder engines. For a marque synonymous with the sonorous flat-six, this could be [...]
London Irish staring first relegation for 20 years in the face after defeat in relegation showdown with Newcastle Falcons April 17, 2016 London Irish must win their last two Premiership games to have any chance of extending their 20-year stay in the top flight after losing 13-6 at relegation rivals Newcastle Falcons. Two penalties from fly-half Greig Tonks gave the Exiles a slender lead at Kingston Park, but his wayward pass allowed Falcons wing Marcus Watson to [...]
England Grand Slam star Anthony Watson set to learn Australia tour fate after double citing April 11, 2016 Bath full-back Anthony Watson could face the prospect of being ruled out of England’s summer tour of Australia should Tuesday night's Rugby Football Union disciplinary tribunal hand out a hefty ban for an alleged high tackle on Saracens full-back Alex Goode. The 22-year-old was sent off, and later cited, for tackling Goode in the air during [...]
Is SEAT’s new Leon the new hot-hatch hero? April 11, 2016 For many, the 1980s were the halcyon days of the hot hatchback. Yet as the next decade dawned, joyriding, ramraiding and soaring insurance premiums brought this go-faster fairytale to an abrupt end. Until now. We’re currently in the midst of a second golden age for the hot hatch. And while classic heroes like the Peugeot [...]
Following defeat in the Wisconsin primary, has Donald Trump now lost his chance of securing the Republican nomination? April 7, 2016 Ewan Watt, a writer on state and national issues in the US (writing strictly in a personal capacity), says Yes. Not since a wounded Gerald Ford saw off a challenge from Ronald Reagan in 1976 has the Republican Party witnessed a contested convention. That might all be about to change. Even though Donald Trump still enjoys a [...]
Bank lending to property developers halves in just two years to £16bn March 21, 2016 Bank lending to property developers has halved over the last two years, making it more difficult for companies to kick-start schemes that could help ease the housing crisis, a new report out today claims. Bank finance has dropped from £34bn in January 2014 to just £16bn the same month this year – with bridging finance [...]