Vladimir Putin tops Forbes’ list of the most powerful people in the world again, beating the Pope, Barack Obama, Xi Jinping, David Cameron and Bill Gates November 4, 2015 Russia's president Vladimr Putin has done it again, and topped Forbes' Most Powerful People List for 2015. It's his third year at the top of the table. He's ahead of Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor who's second (and one of only nine women on the list), having jumped three places, while Obama has fallen from number two to [...]
As the Foreign Affairs Committee warns against air strikes, would UK military action in Syria simply be irrelevant? November 3, 2015 Professor Michael Kerr, the director of the Middle East & Mediterranean studies programme and the Centre for the Study of Divided Societies at King’s, says Yes There is no obvious benefit to UK military intervention at this time; bombing Syria will not significantly alter the balance of power between its warring factions. In the absence [...]
World Wealth: Britain crowned fifth richest country in the world behind US, China, Japan and Germany November 3, 2015 The UK has been crowned the world’s fifth richest country in the world in a new report that measures the total wealth amassed by each country’s individuals. Britain’s population holds $9.24 trillion (£6.01 trillion) in private wealth, surpassing France, Italy, Canada and Australia. This is despite its relatively small population compared with countries such as Germany, [...]
Central banks and quantitative easing: Await the festive fireworks November 3, 2015 Halloween is over and winter is fast approaching. The nights are drawing in and the weather is getting colder. In the UK this week, the streets and skies will also be alight with firework displays for Bonfire Night. Next week, India will be doing something similar for its Deepavali celebrations. But this year, the real [...]
Venezuelan economy in worst state since 1940 – Capital Economics November 2, 2015 A lack of official economic data coming out of Venezuela has not stopped experts at Capital Economics from trying to quantify the crisis. The Capital Economics Venezuelan GDP Tracker has found the collapse in oil price as over the last 12 months has meant output is now contracting by close to 10 per cent year-on-year. [...]
Sanctions relief: Don’t bank on global finance returning to Iran November 2, 2015 The relief of nuclear-related sanctions on Iran is fast approaching. But for financial institutions seeking to assist clients in taking advantage of the opportunities opening up in the country after the agreement of a deal on Iran’s nuclear programme, the road ahead is fraught with complication. First, while Sunday 18 October witnessed the passing [...]
Metrojet flight 9268: No Islamic State involvement in Russian plane completely destroyed in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt crash October 31, 2015 A Russian plane carrying 224 passengers was "completely destroyed" after crashing in central Sinai, killing all those on board. Authorities have reported that the Metrojet plane was "completely destroyed" with "all on board likely to have died". The Egyptian search and rescue team dispatched to the scene was initially searching for survivors as "voices" could [...]
Heathrow expansion: Failure to act will kill the government’s Chinese trade ambitions dead October 27, 2015 During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the UK last week, our government made a flurry of announcements about Chinese investment in infrastructure. From HS2 to nuclear power stations, the Chinese would help modernise the backbone of our economy. So far so good. Notably absent, however, was any mention of aviation. Airport expansion is essential [...]
Ineos is reportedly in talks with Fairfield Energy over its holdings in the North Sea October 27, 2015 Chemicals firm Ineos is reported to be looking at extending its presence in the North Sea oil and gas business. The group is in advanced talks with Fairfield Energy to buy a stake in the Clipper South gasfield, according to Sky News. The deal bring Ineos' holding in the field up to 75 per cent, [...]
West End retailers poised for £2.3bn Christmas and Black Friday 2015 shopping bonanza October 27, 2015 West End retailers are bracing themselves for a £2.3bn shopping bonanza this Christmas, with spending set to reach its highest level since 2007, as higher disposable incomes and lower prices help boost consumer confidence. London’s main shopping streets – Oxford Street, Bond Street and Regent Street – are expecting a 1.2 per cent uplift in sales [...]