Government borrows more than expected in February, but on track for lowest annual total in four years March 21, 2024 The borrowing figures are the first since Jeremy Hunt's Spring Budget, in which he cut National Insurance by a further 2p.
Fed holds interest rates – but warns on inflation – ahead of Bank of England decision March 21, 2024 The Fed's decision comes as markets grow increasingly nervy about the persistence of inflation after two consecutive overshoots.
The Monetary Policy Committee can fight rate setting unease with greater coherence March 21, 2024 Andrew Bailey did not have a lot of luck when he came to the table as the new Governor of the Bank of England, stepping into the job about the same time as a flu-like virus from a Chinese city nobody had heard of arrived at Heathrow. He has since played a bad hand badly, [...]
What if the OBR is too optimistic about growth? March 21, 2024 Chancellors preparing for Budgets fret over their fiscal headroom, but what matters in the long-term is the trend rate of growth. And if the OBR has it’s projections wrong, there will be big consequence for the next government, says Paul Ormerod The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) published its economic and fiscal outlook document in [...]
FTSE 100 today: London markets set to mirror global rally, focus on BOE policy decision March 21, 2024 Asian markets mirrored Wall Street's rise, spurred by the US Federal Reserve's maintained rate-cut plans, while gold hit record highs. New Zealand entered technical recession. Now, attention is on the Bank of England's policy decision, especially any signs of increased talks about potential rate cuts.
Is National Grid about to pylon investors with green energy spending plan? March 20, 2024 The National Grid's dividend hasn't been cut in 25 years
Will the US government’s ballooning fiscal deficit put the Federal Reserve’s independence at risk? March 20, 2024 Fiscal dominance is when the decisions of an independent central bank are driven by how it might impact governments rather than inflation.
Jeremy Hunt suggests the state pension triple lock is unsustainable. Is it? March 20, 2024 Jeremy Hunt suggested that the state pension might have to come "under review" in the coming years as an ageing population puts ever greater strain on the public finances.
House prices show stability despite higher interest rates, but rents continue to surge March 20, 2024 The average price of a home was £2,000 cheaper in January when compared to the exact same period the year before, according to new government figures.
Fresh UK-wide train strikes set for April as drivers seek pay rise March 20, 2024 A fresh round of train strikes are set to be staged next month with drivers across 16 companies preparing to walk out as part of a long-running dispute over pay.