‘Uncharted territory’: UK economy facing shocks as diesel and borrowing costs surge September 28, 2026 The UK economy entered “uncharted territory” on Monday battling an assortment of financial pressures as fears intensified ahead of the next Budget. Diesel costs surged to a record high of 199.18p per litre marking the latest energy shock on the UK economy. Stations were registered as charging 199.18p per litre, according to the RAC. The [...]
The Monetary Policy Committee has changed its mindset. What’s next for interest rates? September 28, 2026 Investec Chief Economist Philip Shaw explains why an interest rate rise now looks more likely – and when these changes are expected. The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee voted 6-3 to keep the Bank rate at 3.75% earlier this month, with the three dissenters backing a quarter-point increase. This was exactly the same voting [...]
Bank of England’s Ramsden says interest rates will need to rise if pressures persist September 28, 2026 Interest rates may need to rise if growing inflation pressures continue to build, according to the Bank of England’s deputy governor, who added there had been “robust discussion” among officials over the authority’s recent bond sale overhaul. Dave Ramsden, who leads the organisation’s oversight of markets and banking, said there would have been “at least [...]
Aldi says rival supermarkets pushing up prices as shoppers feel pinch September 28, 2026 The boss of discount grocer Aldi has accused its rivals of driving growth by raising food prices, as the supermarket committed to fending off “persistent” price inflation. Giles Hurley, chief executive of the UK’s fourth-biggest supermarket, hit out at the grocer’s competitors, insisting that Aldi is the only operator whose prices have fallen year-on-year. He [...]
Aldi to invest £900m in new stores after record turnover September 28, 2026 Aldi is set to spend £900m opening new stores next year, as the discount grocer warned the Iran war and droughts were pushing up the “pressures” facing households. The UK’s fourth-biggest supermarket said it is seeing record sales growth because of its “relentless focus” on low prices, amid fears that the cost of food could [...]
Andrew Bailey sends warning as officials say interest rate hikes ‘increasingly likely’ September 25, 2026 Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey has said that it will become “harder” to leave interest rates on hold if energy prices remain higher for longer. At an event in Oxford on Friday, the Bank of England chief indicated that interest rates would have to be raised from 3.75 per cent if oil and gas [...]
‘Last days of the honeymoon’: Anxious bosses prepare charm offensive at Labour conference September 25, 2026 Ahead of the Labour Party Conference on Sunday, and one month away from the Budget, businesses are feeling nervous, write Mauricio Alencar and Felix Armstrong Stepping onto an early-morning Avanti West Coast train from London Euston is now a familiar feeling for the Prime Minister. Andy Burnham is set to make the journey more regularly [...]
Minister tries to keep growth spirit alive amid bleak outlook September 25, 2026 A government minister has moved to keep people’s optimism about the UK economy and spending afloat amid fears that interest rate hikes and a difficult Budget could dampen spirits. Several analysts, such as those at the research company GfK, have recorded a boost in consumer confidence in the months since Andy Burnham became PM. The UK [...]
Diesel ban: UK to be ‘even more exposed’ if Trump follows through on export threat September 25, 2026 After Trump announced a ban on exports of diesel, Mauricio Alencar explores how it could impact the UK economy. President Trump’s newest trade threat sent markets into a frenzy once again on Friday. Earlier this week, Trump said he would back Republican proposals to halt exports of diesel in order to ease prices ahead of [...]
Eaton signs agreement to acquire COL Group, expanding manufacturing capacity and capabilities for data center and utility markets in EMEA September 25, 2026 Intelligent power management company Eaton (NYSE:ETN) today announced it has signed an agreement to acquire COL Group from Oaktree’s Power Opportunities strategy. COL Group is a leader in medium-voltage electrical distribution solutions, including SF₆-free switchgear, grid automation technologies and modular power systems. The acquisition will expand Eaton’s European power distribution capabilities and manufacturing footprint, enhancing [...]