US economic growth slows in first quarter as weekly jobless claims fall April 27, 2023 U.S. economic growth slowed more than expected in the first, despite an increase in consumer spending, and activity is set to moderate further as the effects of higher interest rates spread. Gross domestic product increased at a 1.1 per cent annualized rate last quarter, the Commerce Department said in its advance estimate of first-quarter GDP growth on Thursday. [...]
‘I knew I wouldn’t be loved’: The FCA’s ESG chief talks ruffling feathers in the fight against greenwashing April 27, 2023 ESG has become the City’s favourite acronym over the past three years and almost every boss and investment manager has scrambled to plant their flag on the standards as closely as they possibly can. But those claims and labels don’t always stand up to scrutiny. Greenwashing is running rampant. Clean and green claims are being [...]
Taylor Wimpey axed 450 jobs as construction giant sounds housing market warning April 27, 2023 Up to 450 jobs have been cut as home construction firm Taylor Wimpey as it looks to deliver £19m in cost savings. Ahead of its AGM today, the London-listed firm said spring had helped in year to date sales, while severe challenges remained for first time buyers still. In a trading update, it said a [...]
Barclays shares rise as booming US credit cards and higher interest rates helps bank beat expectations April 27, 2023 Barclays shares rose after it beat expectations in its first quarter results, as pretax profit rose 16 per cent on a strong performance from its domestic bank and booming US credit card spending. Across the group, Barclays’ pretax profit was £2.6bn, up 16 per cent from last year and comfortably beating company compiled consensus of [...]
Sainsbury’s profits takes inflation and cost of living hit as supermarket faces stark choice April 27, 2023 In its full year results for the year ending 4 March 2023, Sainsbury’s pre tax profits fell from £854m to £327m as the retailer battled to keep its pole position as one of the UK’s largest supermarkets. The supermarket giant said it was impacted by non-cash asset impairments, driven by a higher discount rate, and [...]
Sick days in UK reach record high of 185m as Covid-19 hangs over economy April 26, 2023 Working days lost in the UK due to people being sick have climbed to a record high of just over 185m, official figures out today reveal. The new figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicate that Covid-19 is still having a nagging impact on the UK economy and the health of the [...]
Pernod restarts exports of Beefeater gin to Russia – but Absolut vodka still contraband April 26, 2023 The world’s second-largest wine and spirits seller Pernod Ricard has restarted exports to Russia but insists it’s “not business as usual”. Beefeater gin will once more be drank in Moscow bars following the decision which was condemned by the Moral Rating Agency as “disgusting as it is ironic”. The company insisted it stands “firmly with [...]
Surprise price surge sees Bitcoin back above $28,000 as another US bank sends up a distress flare April 26, 2023 It’s unclear what pushed the price of Bitcoin past $28k but last night's rally follows First Republic Bank reporting a loss of $100 billion.
Standard Chartered profit rises 21 per cent but confirms “no contact” with suitor First Abu Dhabi Bank April 26, 2023 Standard Chartered beat expectations in the first quarter as rising interest rates once again boosted the bank but it confirmed there had been not contact with First Abu Dhabi Bank. The emerging markets-focused lender reported a pretax profit of $1.8bn, rising 25 per cent year on year and beating market expectations of a $1.4bn profit. [...]
Bailey’s plan to raise deposit guarantees mean we’re gambling on banking risks April 26, 2023 Modern banking has been subject to massive interference from governments. This needs to stop: risks should be returned to those who choose to take them, that's how the market works, writes Jamie Whyte