Five things we learned from today’s GDP figures: Could Star Wars have saved us from a post-Brexit slump? October 27, 2016 A surprising set of GDP results came out this morning, revealing that the resilient economy had grown by 0.5 per cent in the last quarter. This was at odds to predictions from the Treasury earlier this year who thought that if the UK voted to leave the EU, economic growth could slow to one per cent. [...]
How seven City analysts reacted to the surprise rise in UK GDP October 27, 2016 Scaremongers were once again proved wrong this morning, after it was revealed the UK's economy grew by 0.5 per cent in the third quarter of 2016. The figure, by the Office for National Statistics, was much higher than the 0.1 per cent analysts had expected. Here's how the City reacted: ps. Today marks the 30th anniversary [...]
Brexit, what Brexit? UK economy grows by 0.5 per cent – slower than the previous quarter but better than economists had expected October 27, 2016 GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.5 per cent in the third quarter of the year, in a sign the economy has – so far – shrugged off the effects of Brexit. The statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) are the first to cover the full three months after the UK voted to leave the [...]
M&S’ Brexit: Marks and Spencer to close its Paris flagship store October 26, 2016 Marks and Spencer is planning to shut its flagship store in Paris, according to reports. The British retailer wants to scale back its international operations to save on costs, Bloomberg has reported. Read more: MPs call for debate on "loopholes" in national living wage legislation The decision will be formally announced by chief executive Steve Rowe [...]
Britain’s cities compared: How long does it take to sell your house? October 25, 2016 While London may be an extremely popular choice for Britons to live, for anyone looking to sell their property quick-sharp, it is one of the worst. On average London is the fourth slowest city to shift a property in the UK according to a survey by Post Office Money. Furthermore, it takes almost double the length of time [...]
The devil you know, the devil you don’t: How to protect your investments whoever wins the US election October 25, 2016 As polling day draws near, it is regrettable that the contest to become the 45th President of the United States has been more about personality than policy. The campaign has been distinguished on one side by preposterous promises to suspend the entry of Muslims into the country and build a hard border with Mexico, and [...]
The weirdest things and most unlikely people Donald Trump has insulted on Twitter October 24, 2016 Today the New York Times took two WHOLE pages to print 281 people, places and things Donald Trump has insulted on Twitter. The full list is quite something. As the race enters its final few weeks, many have suggested that the polls are closer than they seem. If true, that means there are sure to [...]
Royal Bank of Canada finance chief to retire and will be replaced by former PwC accountant October 24, 2016 One of Royal Bank of Canada's (RBC) executive stalwarts will retire at the end of January the bank announced this morning. Janice Fukakusa, who has been with RBC since 1985, will retire from her dual-posts of chief financial officer officer and chief administrative officer, with former beancounter Rod Bolger scheduled take over in lender's top finance job. Read more: RBC deal takes Banque SYZ into Switzerland's [...]
British American Tobacco (BAT) hopes for lucky strike with $47bn offer for remaining stake in Reynolds American October 23, 2016 Reynolds American is this week expected to respond to a $47bn (£38.4bn) takeover offer from British American Tobacco (BAT), in a move that would create the world’s largest listed tobacco group by turnover. FTSE 100-listed BAT, which already owns 42.2 per cent of Reynolds, said on Friday it will pay $56.50 per share in a [...]
Official GDP figures to show UK economy defying Brexit recession warnings October 23, 2016 The UK economy is set show by just how much it outperformed pre-referendum forecasts later this week, when official growth figures for the crucial third quarter are published. Economists expect the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to find the UK grew by a robust 0.3 per cent between the end of June and the end of September. [...]