Kwasi Kwarteng: Fracking not the answer to soaring energy bills February 28, 2022 The business secretary has rejected onshore fracking for gas as the solution to swollen energy prices. In a series of tweets on Monday, Kwasi Kwarteng pointed instead to investment in “cheap, clean power” in order to protect the UK from global gas markets. Extra supply generated from untapped shale reserves in the UK “won’t materially [...]
Oil and gas rebound as pressure mounts on Russia February 28, 2022 Oil and gas prices are soaring again after the West imposed stiff sanctions on Russian financial institutions yesterday.
Ukraine crisis: what does it mean for asset allocation? February 28, 2022 Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is having devastating human consequences, has increased the risk of a stagflation environment – one of slowing economic growth but high inflation. How should investors prepare for this possible scenario? Our analysis reveals which asset classes are likely to outperform if it comes to pass. Our live blog on the Ukraine crisis [...]
Petrol prices hit £1.51 per litre as cost of living crisis deepens February 28, 2022 UK petrol prices have broken records yet again following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has further driven fears of supply shortages and seen oil prices spike to over $100 per barrel for the first time since 2014. The latest fuel watch figures from motoring group RAC reveal that unleaded petrol hit a peak on Sunday, [...]
Analysis: UK more bullish on energy sanctions with EU’s Russian dependency raising supply fears February 27, 2022 The West has ramped up sanctions against Russia but only the UK appears eager to push for new limits to Russian energy supplies.
Week ahead: Russia-Ukraine conflict to drive market swings in City February 27, 2022 Wild market swings are expected to characterise the week ahead in the City as investors respond sharply to developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Last week, the FTSE 100 registered its worst day in 20 months on Thursday, the day Russian troops flooded into Ukraine, before staging a comeback on Friday to end the week down [...]
Saturday Sitdown: Mortgage guru Colin Bell on why Brits are ready for 50 year fixed rates February 26, 2022 Following the Bank of England’s recent interest rate rise and all the implications it has for the property and mortgage market, one firm is offering loans at a 30 year fixed rate, with plans to offer 40 and 50 year fixes in the near future. Sold as a massive lifestyle enabler and gives people much [...]
Russia will weaponise a refugee crisis if we’re not prepared to open our arms February 25, 2022 Putin has invaded Ukraine. He was never going to be satisfied with only taking Donetsk and Luhansk. The result will be a bloody and likely protracted war accompanied by another refugee crisis as many Ukrainians make the heart-wrenching decision to desert their home. Britain has a long and proud history of welcoming refugees, especially from [...]
Behind the story: the cost of living crisis and war in Ukraine February 25, 2022 Britain is more sheltered than other countries from the massive spike in energy prices that could unfold as a result of Europe’s overreliance on Russian gas. Customers in the UK will at least in the short term be protected from higher prices by the energy price cap. But if the cost of energy continues to spiral [...]
Prepayment customers avoid energy use amid cost of living squeeze February 24, 2022 Prepayment customers have been reducing energy use to alarming degrees, according to the latest data from Uswitch.com.