Christian Dior hails ‘great strength’ despite luxury slowdown hitting UK profit July 24, 2024 The UK arm of Christian Dior has said it showed "great strength" in the face of "continued economic and political volatility" which saw its profit dip during 2023.
UK growth set to continue as manufacturing PMI climbs to two year high July 24, 2024 The economy’s strong performance so far in 2024 looks set to continue thanks to the continued recovery of the manufacturing sector, a closely watched survey suggests. S&P’s ‘flash’ purchasing managers’s index (PMI) came in at 52.7, up from 52.3 last month and slightly higher than the 52.6 expected by economists. The survey, which measures economic [...]
Grainger snaps up Manchester landmark in £31m deal July 24, 2024 Residential property giant Grainger has snapped up a £31m build-to-rent scheme located in one of Manchester's most thriving neighbourhoods.
Vimto maker Nichols issues bumper dividend amid profit boom July 24, 2024 Vimto maker Nichols has issued a bumper £20m special dividend while hiking its interim dividend by 18 per cent, after the company recorded double digit profit growth in the first half of the year.
Six graphs the Bank of England will study before August interest rate decision July 24, 2024 For the first time since last September, there is genuine uncertainty about the Bank of England’s next move on interest rates. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will meet next Thursday, with markets putting the odds of a cut at about 40 per cent. There’s enough evidence of disinflation to warrant a cut. Similarly, more hawkish [...]
Fiscal prudence? The iron chancellor doth protest too much July 24, 2024 Rachel Reeves’ decision to expand the powers of the OBR suggests apprehension, not confidence, writes Tim Focas. Rachel Reeves has promised to be an “iron chancellor” embodying fiscal constraint and discipline. Yet, her first legislative move to enhance the powers of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) raises questions about her own confidence in living [...]
Build, Baby, Build: If you want growth, you need social housing July 24, 2024 Key workers are being priced out of renting in London, placing huge human and economic costs on the capital. By recognising the value of social housing to people and to the economy, we can make the case to build more much-needed social housing in London and create a more affordable, more inclusive city for all [...]
Fuller’s pub chain optimistic on easing inflation and urges business rates cut July 23, 2024 Fuller Smith & Turner has continued its strong recovery. The pub chain said sales at the London-listed company grew by 5.3 per cent for the first 16 weeks of the financial year, boosted by major events including the Euro football championships. At the beginning of June the company said like-for-like sales in the 52 weeks [...]
Bullish analysts think sterling’s rally will continue despite chance of interest rate cuts July 23, 2024 Sterling has been one of the strongest performing currencies this year on the back of sticky inflation and stronger than expected growth.
‘Ugly duckling’ Ruffer sticks by market crash predictions July 23, 2024 The £1bn 'ugly duckling' Ruffer Investment Company has reported a tough year after making wrong calls about the path of the economy, but analysts hope that the long-term bets made by the trust will pay off.