What’s behind value’s recent renaissance? February 24, 2022 The debate over the value and growth investment styles has been intense in the opening weeks of this year. Value’s relative outperformance has been eye-catching, with the MSCI World Value index returning -1.3% in January compared to -9.3% for MSCI World Growth. In some ways though, this is just a continuation of last year’s oscillations [...]
Like it or not, buy now pay later will cleave customers away from credit companies February 24, 2022 For some, buy now, pay later has become a dirty term. Instead of looking at the positives the industry is bringing, not only to consumers, but the wider economy, buy now, pay later schemes have been branded a new version of “wonga” loans, by some or even used as an insult to throw around amongst [...]
Bank of England Governor Bailey doubles down on pleas to go easy on pay demands February 23, 2022 The Governor of the Bank of England yesterday doubled down on his pleas to workers to temper pay demands despite households facing the worst cost of living squeeze in a generation. Andrew Bailey added to his previous comments when responding to a grilling by MPs, also calling on businesses to exercise restraint during price setting [...]
Exclusive: Most UK businesses failing to offer employees workplace pension support February 23, 2022 Most British businesses do not offer their employees adequate support in understanding their workplace pension plans, according to the results of a survey shared exclusively with City A.M. In a poll of 365 decision makers from financial services company Mintago, 60 per cent said they do not believe their businesses provide sufficient support to employees [...]
Co-operative Bank calls in top bankers to explore takeover bids February 23, 2022 The Co-Operative Bank has called in top investment bankers as it begins eyeing up potential acquisition targets and exploring a move to consolidate the UK’s mid-size banking market.
‘Rule of Origin’ Brexit rule starts to bite: UK customs duties jump 64 per cent in a year to record £4.5bn February 23, 2022 Customs duties paid by UK businesses have jumped 64 per cent to a record £4.5bn in the year to 31 January 2022, up from £2.9bn in the previous 12 months, according to new research shared with City A.M. this afternoon. The rise comes as post-Brexit increases in customs duties begin to bite for UK businesses [...]
A four day week must withstand the productivity test to be worth the gamble February 23, 2022 Durham based challenger bank Atom has announced a four day working week for all of its 430 employees as more and more people debate the number of days we should be working. For SMEs in the services sector, a four day week is an attractive bandwagon to jump on. It is commonly given credit for [...]
Firms on the hunt for staff despite labour squeeze February 23, 2022 Employers are planning on expanding their workforce despite an ongoing labour squeeze scuppering recruitment efforts, reveals a new survey published today. A net 24 per cent of companies intend to ramp up hiring over both the medium and long term, according to a survey by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Strong hiring intentions indicate [...]
Buy-to-let investors profit taking boosts CGT take to record level February 22, 2022 Buy-to-let investors taking profits on their properties has propelled capital gains tax (CGT) receipts to their highest ever level, revealed official figures published yesterday. The Treasury received 20 per cent more income from capital gains tax last year, with receipts climbing to £12.9bn from £10.8bn from the previous year, according to HMRC. A red hot [...]
BoE deputy governor voted for ‘front-loaded’ tightening to quash wage pressures February 22, 2022 Strengthening wage pressures risking further upside inflation surprises led a deputy governor at the Bank of England to vote for a “front-loaded tightening in monetary policy”. Sir Dave Ramsden, a member of the Bank’s rate setting committee who voted for a 50 basis point rate hike at Threadneedle Street’s last meeting, said yesterday further hikes [...]