IT provider Softcat ‘re-doubles’ cyber defences amid Ukraine conflict March 22, 2022 IT infrastructure provider Softcat has been ‘re-doubling’ on its cyber defences amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, its CEO confirmed today. The company has been supporting customers with the heightened risk of cyber attacks, CEO Graeme Watt said in a statement, adding that “we are closely evaluating and managing any business risks that may arise as [...]
UK markets: ‘Penny is dropping’ there will be no immediate ceasefire in Ukraine while focus shifts to Sunak’s ‘double whammy’ March 22, 2022 European markets underwent a subdued start to the week yesterday, with the FTSE100 outperforming on the back of another day of advances for crude oil prices, pushing the index to close at its highest level since 28 February. “The main reason for the move higher in oil prices was reports that the EU was considering [...]
FSB urge Chancellor to ease pressures on businesses ahead of Spring Statement March 22, 2022 FSB calls on Sunak to cut fuel duty, help micro-businesses with energy bills and increase employment allowance to £5,000.
A ‘policy light’ spending review must still grapple with cost of living woes March 22, 2022 Chancellor Rishi Sunak wants onlookers to pay little attention to Wednesday’s spring statement. Policy-light has been the line from the Treasury. Very few have been tempted into believing the Chancellor will sit on his hands and Sunak’s announcements tomorrow are set to finally reveal his true preference for the level of state intervention in the [...]
Russia accused of ‘real act of genocide’ in Ukraine as troops fire on protesters March 21, 2022 Vladimir Putin was accused of committing a “real act of genocide” in Ukraine today as Russian troops fired on peaceful protesters and reports swirled of forced deportations from the port city of Mariupol. Ukrainian defence minister Oleksii Reznikov said during a trip to London that some cities had been “wiped off the face of the [...]
Renault restarts production in Moscow, backed by main shareholder, the French government March 21, 2022 The French government has backed carmaker Renault’s decision to resume manufacturing at its Moscow plants. The company had suspended production last month due to logistical issues relating to the war in Ukraine. The move was made on Vladimir Putin’s order, according to The Guardian. Renault, which the French government is the main shareholder of, has [...]
Gas prices volatile amid geopolitical uncertainty March 21, 2022 Natural gas prices have dropped heavily from historic peaks, but remain volatile and elevated amid sustained geopolitical tensions.
Financial regulators shine spotlight on crypto amid Ukraine conflict March 21, 2022 Global financial regulators have confirmed they are closely monitoring the role of crypto assets amid the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Trading in Russian bonds resumes, but yields fly higher March 21, 2022 Yields on Russian bonds soared today after authorities un-froze trading in government debt for the first time since the day after the Kremlin invaded Ukraine. Investors dumped OFZ Treasury bonds – the acronym for Russian government loan obligations – on fears Moscow will be unable or unwilling to pay its debts due to Western sanctions. [...]
Moscow court labels Meta ‘extremist organisation’ whilst WhatsApp dodges ban March 21, 2022 A Moscow court has labelled Meta an "extremist organisation", although said the decision would not apply to WhatsApp.