FTSE 100 lifts 0.13 per cent on better than expected November retail sales December 17, 2021 The FTSE 100 is up 0.21 per cent this morning after retail sales made a stronger than expected recovery in November.
City of London calls on Rishi Sunak to support businesses in the Covid-emptied Square Mile December 17, 2021 The City of London’s local authority has called on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to provide “much needed” financial support for shops, restaurants and pubs in the Square Mile after the government reintroduced its ‘work from home’ advice. In a letter to the Chancellor, The City of London Corporation policy chair Catherine McGuiness warned that small businesses [...]
Rail fares to go up 3.8 per cent from March, adding to increasing living costs December 17, 2021 The Department for Transport announced today that from March rail fares will go up 3.8 per cent, 3.3 per cent less than the current price index (RPI) of 7.1 per cent. The government’s decision will add to the increasing costs of living, fuelled by a 5.1 per cent hike in inflation rates – the highest [...]
Outlook 2022: UK equities December 16, 2021 The UK holds many mispriced opportunities for stockpickers. Pick-up in M&A activity is striking. Stock market fit for the future. Sue Noffke, Head of UK Equities: UK shares remain cheap because of the perceived significant political and economic risks of Brexit, which continue to linger and depress the valuation of the UK stock market. We [...]
Believe it or not, there are still reasons to be cheerful for 2022 December 16, 2021 There are, it is fair to say, many reasons to feel a tad disheartened at the minute. Yesterday’s record number of Omicron cases was hardly cheering. Neither is the sight of empty streets and shuttered businesses on a quick stroll around the City. But, believe it or not, there are reasons to be cheerful. Plenty, [...]
FTSE100 dips amid inflation surge December 15, 2021 The London FTSE100 index plunged this morning after data showed that inflation rates surged to 5.1 per cent in November – its highest level in a decade. Despite the surge, investors are no longer expecting the Bank of England to raise rates. The index saw retailers such as Next and Ocado fall 2.74 and 1.79 [...]
UK house prices go in reverse as market enters ‘new normal’ December 15, 2021 House prices have entered a ‘new normal’ after dropping 1.1 per cent between the end of the stamp duty holiday in September and October of this year. However, prices are 10.2 per cent higher year on year, marking the third month where annual growth has hit double figures. Year-over-year growth dropped from 12.3 per cent [...]
Firms could be forced to get rid of staff without clarity on further financial support December 14, 2021 Retailers and hospitality bosses have reiterated calls for fresh financial support measures as trade is hit by Omicron restrictions ahead of Christmas. Businesses said consumer confidence has been hit by the latest headlines, with shops reporting reduced footfall and pubs seeing cancellations of bookings. Londoners are bunkering down in a bid to ensure they can [...]
“Very few” PCR tests left at London testing sites December 14, 2021 There are currently “very few available” PCR tests at testing sites in London, according to the government’s official website. Earlier today the government’s official booking website briefly showed there were no PCR tests available at any testing sites in England, according to reports. A screenshot of the official site, published by the BBC, showed a [...]
JPMorgan’s UK consumer bank on hiring spree to bolster expansion efforts December 14, 2021 JPMorgan’s British retail arm, Chase, has plans to take on hundreds of new recruits as it looks to expand the range of services offered to clients. Since launching in September Chase has hired over 200 staff bringing staff numbers to 800. The fledgling bank now wants to grow its team to more than 1,000 employees [...]