US Federal Reserve achieving soft landing will be challenging but doable May 10, 2022 Hiking interest rates to tame a 40-year high inflation spike without throwing the US economy off course will be difficult, but doable, a top stateside rate setter said today. “The ongoing pandemic and war in Ukraine bring a tremendous amount of complexity and uncertainty” to the trajectory of prices, John Williams, president of the New [...]
Energy Bill: Government commits to renewable ramp up but lacks plan for cost-of-living crisis May 10, 2022 Industry commentators have responded to the inclusion of the Energy Security Bill in the Queen's Speech, and the lack of support for households.
British Gas owner enjoys boost from soaring oil and gas prices amid growing windfall tax calls May 10, 2022 British Gas owner Centrica has said it expects to post annual earnings at the top of its targets amid intensifying calls for a windfall tax on energy firms.
Brits hold back on buying sofas and fridges as cost of living climbs May 10, 2022 Brits have held back on buying big ticket items, such as furniture, as living costs spiral. Retail sales in the UK fell on a like-for-like basis by 1.7 per cent last month, compared to April 2021. Sales growth went into decline for the first time in 15 months as retailers face a balancing act between [...]
FCA warns of buy now pay later usage amid cost of living crunch May 10, 2022 Consumer groups have sounded the alarm over buy-now pay-later and credit usage as fresh data reveals Brits are turning to the products to buy essentials and ease the pain of a cost of living crunch.
The City View: Analysing the G7 plan to phase out Russian oil May 9, 2022 Today Andy Silvester talks to City A.M. reporters Nicholas Earl and Leah Montebello. They go through the G7’s decision to phase out Russian oil, historically elevated gas prices, unpick Snapchat owner Snap Inc.’s plan to compete with the likes of TikTok, and break down Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi’s recent letter to employees. And in the [...]
Jacob Rees-Mogg: Sure, the cost of living crisis is ‘difficult’ but the government cannot just spend its way out it May 9, 2022 Senior Tory Jacob Rees-Mogg said hard-pressed households are facing a “difficult” future as inflation rises but he warned the Government cannot spend its way out of the problem. The Brexit Opportunities Minister said increasing public spending to mitigate the impacts of the rising cost of living risked adding to inflation, pushing prices higher. The squeeze [...]
Al fresco: Publicans welcome permanent pavement licences as red tape slashed for good May 9, 2022 Hospitality bosses have welcomed news that pavement licences will be made permanent, securing the future of al fresco drinking and dining. Ministers introduced temporary licences amid the pandemic when pubs and restaurants faced periods of restrictions on indoor service. Under the Business and Planning Act 2020, the government made it possible for local authorities to [...]
High gas prices here to stay, as government faces more pressure to provide support with energy bills May 9, 2022 High gas prices will persist for the next three years, warned investment bank Stifel, as millions of households struggle with the cost of living crisis.
Trafigura funds development of UK’s first lithium refinery May 9, 2022 Trafigura said it will fund the development of the UK’s first lithium factory for an undisclosed sum. The group explained that the refinery, operated by domestic start-up Green Lithium, will produce battery-grade lithium chemicals for the EU electric vehicle and battery industries. Under the agreement, the commodities giant will supply lithium feedstock an invest equity [...]