Retailers put all their chips on inflation cooling during golden Christmas run-up September 22, 2023 A better than expected inflation reading, and growing consumer confidence and sales, have offered a glimmer of hope for the UK’s retail sector, as they turn their focus to the vital Christmas trading months. According to today’s ONS figures, retail sales volumes rose by 0.4 per cent in August 2023, partially recovering from a fall [...]
Manufacturing downturn continues as firms warn selling prices will creep up September 22, 2023 Output fell in nine out of 17 sub-sectors in the three months to September, with particularly sharp declines in transport equipment, chemicals and paper.
Bitcoin hash rate accelerating, and crypto is welcoming a change in the energy narrative September 22, 2023 Jason Deane takes the racing gloves off to get a finger on the pulse of the crypto industry over a week of contrasting narratives.
FTSE 100 close: London climbs on softer pound after Bank of England holds rates September 22, 2023 London's blue-chip FTSE 100 index rose on Friday as it benefited from the weak pound in the wake of the Bank of England's decision to hold interest rates steady.
‘Recession increasingly likely’ as business output drops sharply under weight of higher interest rates September 22, 2023 A steep downturn in services saw economic activity contract at its fastest pace since the financial crisis – outside of the pandemic – raising the chances of a recession, a closely watched survey suggested. S&P Global’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for the UK economy came in at 46.8 – far below the 50 reading which [...]
Jeremy Hunt: Tax cuts ‘virtually impossible’ until economy improves September 22, 2023 Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has shot down suggestions of tax cuts after a string of economic updates this week, saying they’re “virtually impossible” until there’s more improvement. Speaking on LBC this morning, the chancellor responded to suggestions that falling inflation and rates being held yesterday, may give headroom to ease the burden on cash-strapped Brits this [...]
Consumer confidence continues to rise amid cost-of-living woes September 22, 2023 Consumer confidence is continuing to rise against a backdrop of falling inflation – but many households are continuing to struggle with cost-of-living pressures, according to a survey. GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index increased four points in September, but remains at a subdued minus 21. Expectations for the UK’s wider economy over the next 12 months [...]
Retail sales show signs of recovery after summer washout September 22, 2023 Retail sales volumes rose by 0.4 per cent in August 2023, partially recovering from a fall of 1.1 per cent in July 2023, new government figures show. Non-food stores sales volumes grew by 0.6 per cent in August 2023, following a fall of 1.2 per cent in July 2023 when unseasonable rainy weather drove shoppers [...]
Wall Street: US stocks plunge on fears that interest rates will stay high September 22, 2023 Wall Street fell sharply in an ugly day for stocks worldwide on expectations that US interest rates will stay high well into next year. The S&P 500 lost 1.6 per cent for its worst day since March. That followed a drop of 0.9 per cent from Wednesday after the Federal Reserve indicated it may cut [...]
Lettuce remember: One year on from Liz Truss’ disastrous mini-budget September 22, 2023 One year on from the mini-budget, City A.M. takes a look at the fallout and asks whether Truss still has the ability to influence the Conservative Party going forward.