Mark Kleinman: My bold predictions for 2023 in the City – from Natwest to Spurs January 11, 2023 After the political and economic events of 2022, the idea of being able to predict anything with confidence seems even more outlandish than usual. Nevertheless, with the UK economy precariously balanced less than two years before a general election, these seem – in early January – to be sensible bets for UK plc in 2023. [...]
Global cost-of-living crisis risks ‘dire consequences’ for planet as firms ditch climate concerns January 11, 2023 The global cost-of-living crisis threatens to railroad efforts to combat climate change, “potentially leading to dire planetary and societal consequences,” the World Economic Forum (WEF) warned today. Soaring energy and food prices are forcing governments and private businesses to turn to cheaper, often dirtier resources to produce goods and services. As a result, “the risks [...]
Number of cash withdrawals in the UK rises for first time in 13 years January 11, 2023 Cash usage increased for the first time in 13 years in 2022, according to fresh data from Nationwide, as Brits responded to the cost-of-living crisis by budgeting with physical money. “For the first time in years we are seeing a natural rise in cash withdrawals as people return to using cash to help avoid getting [...]
FTSE 100 close: JD Sports springs London flagship index to 2018 high January 11, 2023 London’s FTSE 100 index leapt to its highest level since 2018 in afternoon exchanges in the City today after a series of strong retailer earnings signalled the UK consumer is holding up well amid the cost of living crunch. The FTSE 100 index climbed 0.99 per cent to 7,770 points, while the domestically-focused mid-cap FTSE [...]
FCA to expand guidance for insurers on protecting cash-strapped customers January 11, 2023 The City watchdog has vowed to update guidance for insurers on protecting customers amid the UK’s cost-of-living crisis. The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) today set out plans to expand guidance, which was first introduced during the pandemic, to ensure all struggling customers are protected. Under the FCA’s proposed new guidance, insurers will be [...]
Cost-of-living crisis will fuel tsunami of cyber attacks in 2023, warns industry insider January 11, 2023 The cost-of-living crisis is fuelling a surge in cyber attacks on UK businesses, a leading fraud expert has warned. Leigham Martin, group head of infrastructure and security at Connectus Business Solutions, shared with City A.M. that cutting costs on security will spell disaster for businesses. “There is increasing evidence that some businesses are looking to [...]
Explainer-in-brief: No industry seems to be safe from layoffs January 11, 2023 In keeping with the trends of 2022, this year opened with more announcements of layoffs in all kinds of sectors. Corporate law firms in the City have hinted they might follow in their US counterparts’ footsteps and start sacking staff. Amazon has declared it will let more than 18,000 people go. And Goldman Sachs has [...]
What’s the best way to make up for the metals supply shortfall? Look down. January 11, 2023 It’s been a rough couple of years for metal producers. Sky-high demand, factory closures, and supply chain disruption have resulted in a shortfall in supply. A quick post-Covid bounce back in demand should’ve resulted in producers scaling production back up to meet demand. However… Inflation has taken hold of every industry worldwide: the cost of [...]
The pandemic’s lasting impact is huge… How can the little idea of recycling help? January 11, 2023 The pandemic’s lasting impact is huge… How can the little idea of recycling help? For the past 2 years, it’s been one thing after another: Covid lockdowns, more Covid lockdowns, Russia invading Ukraine, and a few more Covid lockdowns (looking at you China). Therefore, it comes as no surprise the global economy continues to take [...]
The Cost of Living Crisis Is Not Just Local, It’s Global. We Need a Global Mindset to Tackle It. January 11, 2023 The cost of living crisis is being felt by everyone – people on the breadline are now in poverty, those once well-off are now counting their coppers. This might be the picture for most in developed countries, however developing markets have largely been unaffected by Covid and inflation linked to the Russian conflict. With only [...]