A tranquil heaven far from clubland May 6, 2010 AS any Europhile will tell you, away from the clubs, Ibiza is one of the Mediterranean’s brightest gems: as tranquil and exotic as anywhere in Europe, with crystalline waters, dramatic vegetation, ancient stone architecture, wonderful local cuisines and a true Spanish feel. And with British Airways’s new direct flights from City Airport, Ibiza’s charms as [...]
Xstrata warns on economic risks despite production boost May 5, 2010 MINER Xstrata yesterday warned about short-term economic risks as it posted solid first-quarter production, but was confident about growth in metals demand as carmakers and other industries bounce back. “The current macroeconomic environment remains volatile… nonetheless underlying signs of recovery continue to strengthen,” chairman Willy Strothotte told the group’s shareholders at the annual meeting. He [...]
Cable targets high earners May 3, 2010 POLITICAL EDITOR VINCE Cable is considering plans to publish the names of anyone earning over £200,000 at a publicly listed company. The Liberal Democrats have already unveiled similar proposals for those working in the banking industry, but in an exclusive interview with City A.M. Cable said there was an argument for applying such a regime [...]
South London set to soar in 2012 April 29, 2010 WITH the opening of a segment of the East London Line extension this week, Hackney, Wapping and Shoreditch just became a lot more desirable. Yet the best property moves are made well in advance of such obvious bonuses, so if you’re looking to buy now, consider the areas of south-east and south-west London that will [...]
Greece pushes the euro into uncharted seas April 27, 2010 EUROPEAN woes went from bad to worse yesterday after Standard & Poor’s, the rating agency, downgraded Greek and Portuguese debt. Greek debt at BB+ is now effectively junk status. Investors dumped the euro, causing it to fall nearly two cents against the US dollar. But what now for the single currency? It managed to maintain [...]
A labour of love with rich rewards April 22, 2010 THE idea of buying a romantic, unmodernised property can be immensely appealing, offering both historical charm and the chance to do a place up with your own stamp on it. There’s also the promise of earning yourself a tidy profit when it comes to selling down the road. Simon Barnes, a property consultant, says: “Renovating [...]
Darling backs IMF bank tax plans April 21, 2010 CHANCELLOR Alistair Darling has welcomed International Monetary Fund proposals for two new taxes on banks to fund future bailouts. A levy would initially be charged at a flat rate then modified so riskier institutions were charged more, under the plans aimed at reducing the chances of a future global financial crisis. A second “financial activities [...]
WHAT THE OTHER PAPERS SAY THIS MORNING April 19, 2010 FINANCIAL TIMES HCL FUELS DEBATE The head of one of India’s biggest IT outsourcing companies has waded into the debate on UK public sector efficiency savings, complaining of an “old boys’ network” in government procurement. Vineet Nayar, chief executive of HCL Technologies, hit out at the “stranglehold of a few companies” in Britain’s £17bn market [...]
Red Knights bid imminent April 18, 2010 THE structure for an audacious fan-backed bid for Manchester United has been finalised, paving the way for a formal offer as soon as next month. A group of wealthy City financiers desperate to take control of the club from the Glazer family thrashed out details of their £1.25bn bid last week and will now present [...]
ARE PRE-ELECTION JITTERS HAVING A NOTICEABLE EFFECT ON THE HOUSING MARKET? April 18, 2010 LUCIAN COOK | SAVILLS “The election is no doubt in the public consciousness and will, if anything, put a limit to activity as people wait until after 6 May to buy. But activity in the housing market is so subdued anyway so it will be difficult to pick out any discernible impact. More interesting will [...]