City eyes final economic data before Christmas shut down December 18, 2022 Although investors will be readying to get away over the Christmas break, there are a few economic data sets to get through before the City shuts down. Last week, London’s FTSE 100 index slumped nearly two per cent to close at 7,332.12 points as traders were bombarded by a barrage of global economic news. FTSE [...]
FTSE 100 shrugs off rosy inflation numbers as house builders drop December 14, 2022 London’s FTSE 100 shrugged off upbeat figures today that indicated the UK’s inflation surge may have finally passed its peak. The capital’s premier index edged 0.09 per cent lower to 7,495.93 points, while the domestically-focused mid-cap FTSE 250 index, which is more aligned with the health of the UK economy, fell 0.25 per cent to [...]
Bank of England calls for tighter rules on LDI market after mini-budget chaos December 13, 2022 Tighter oversight of the pensions industry is needed to ensure it can “withstand severe but plausible market moves” similar in size to those seen in the aftermath of Liz Truss’s disastrous mini-budget in September, the Bank of England said today. The recommendation from the Bank’s financial policy committee (FPC) has been sparked by concerns over [...]
Nervous buyers see house prices fall in largest monthly dip in four years December 12, 2022 House prices have fallen in the largest monthly dip in four years due to buyer nerves in the wake of economic and political turmoil. The average price of a house coming to the market is down £7,862 this month, a drop of 2.1 per cent, according to Rightmove’s latest house price index. The average price [...]
All quiet on the home front: a resettling is on the cards for new homes and mortgages December 12, 2022 The UK economy has weathered its fair share of turbulent storms over the past few years: from a global pandemic, to war, burgeoning energy prices and now escalating cost of living pressures and interest rates; yet the housing market has remained robust throughout. But rising costs are catching up with potential homebuyers. The next two [...]
The Power of FinTech: Delivering on the ESG Agenda December 9, 2022 Many point to the 2008 financial crisis as the birth of the current fintech movement. At a time of economic turmoil, innovators and new entrants stepped in to rebuild trust and resilience in the financial sector and provide better, easier, and cheaper services to the end consumer. Nearly 15 years later, the world is facing [...]
Berkeley profits dip as housebuilding hey-day slips away December 9, 2022 Berkeley, one of the biggest housebuilders in the country, has been hit hard by the housing market dip and scaling inflation, as its pre-tax profit sinks. It is the latest sign the hey-day for housebuilders is over, with rising mortgage rates combined with inflation squashing demand for house buying in recent months – as well [...]
UK house prices fall in sharpest drop since 2008 crash December 7, 2022 House price growth has continued to cool in the UK, with last month representing the sharpest decline in value since 2008. The average cost of a home now stands at £285,579, after falling by 2.3 per cent in November, according to Halifax today – which began tracking house prices in 1983. Growth rates have slowed [...]
Over-50s considering returning to work due to concerns about retirement funds December 6, 2022 The overwhelming majority of over-50s are not financially set for retirement due to the pandemic and cost of living crisis. Just under two-fifths of those aged 50-54 are happy their retirement funds are sufficient, rising to 55 per cent for those 60-65. The worrying trend, highlighted in research from Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management, shows [...]
Buy-to-let landlords in shock as mortgages skyrocket by record 286 per cent December 6, 2022 Buy-to-let landlords are facing a tougher time securing finance due to a significant reduction in product choice and rising mortgage rates, it has emerged. The debate around rising mortgage rates has so far been centred around the strife facing homeowners and families, but it’s also had an impact on buy-to-let landlords, to the detriment of [...]