Unease about economic outlook grows as rising prices fuel stagflation concerns September 20, 2021 The last few weeks has seen equity markets struggle to make gains of any significant size, and all the while concerns have been rising about a number of different factors. The lack of a clear narrative, whether it be positive or negative, has seen markets churn in both directions since July, with any number of [...]
Analysis: How did inflation rise at its fastest pace on record? September 15, 2021 Inflation in the UK is soaring at its fastest pace since records began. On an annual basis, prices jumped 3.2 per cent last month, up from two per cent in July, the highest monthly percentage point increase recorded, primarily driven by sharp rises in the cost of eating out compared to the same period in [...]
Which companies can help Europe achieve its “Fit for 55” plans? September 10, 2021 Last month, the European Commission released its “Fit for 55” proposals. These set out how the European Union should reach its legally-binding target to cut net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 55% below 1990 levels by 2030. That target will be an important milestone on the road to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The [...]
Record price spikes: Tough winter looms over households and energy firms September 8, 2021 The UK’s recent period of low wind output and global gas supply shortages have energy suppliers gritting their teeth for the winter to come, and maybe even the next. The country was forced to light up a coal plant at the turn of the week amid a spike in energy prices, pushing up costs to [...]
Construction material prices hit record high September 2, 2021 The price of building materials has hit a record high as the construction sector has struggled with supply chain disruption. Rising costs of wood and steel are looming over the sector’s recovery as businesses worry about overruns and delays. Prices were up 4.5 per cent in July compared to June and were up 20 per [...]
Eurozone inflation soars to decade high August 31, 2021 Eurozone inflation soared to its highest level in a decade this month to breach the European Central Bank’s target, according to official figures published today. Data released by Eurostat, Europe’s statistical agency, shows prices rose three per cent this month in the 19 countries that make up the Euro area, ticking up from 2.2 per [...]
Car production tumbles afresh amid supply and labour shortages August 26, 2021 Car production tumbled in the UK for the first time since February as the combination of global chip shortages, workers being forced to isolate, and summer shutdowns jammed up factory lines. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), just 53,438 cars were made in July, down 37.6 per cent on the year [...]
Morrisons’ messy and dramatic takeover battle: Where are we now? August 20, 2021 Morrisons agreed a £7bn offer late last night in the latest twist in the UK supermarket chain’s dramatic takeover battle. Shares jumped this morning after investors digested the new deal from US private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R). It comes weeks after a rival bidder, a consortium led by private equity rival Fortress, [...]
Chasing Tesla: how traditional carmakers are revving up their electric vehicle production August 16, 2021 Equities generally had a strong year in 2020, but few parts of the market could match the runaway share price gains of the pure electric vehicle (EV) makers. Tapping into investor (and day trader) demand for two popular themes – tech and sustainability – such companies became extremely highly sought after. US group Tesla is [...]
US inflation comes in hotter than expected in July August 11, 2021 US inflation come in higher than expectations in July and is still running above historic levels, according to official figures released today. US inflation hit 5.4 per cent annually in July, the same rate recorded in June, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Monthly inflation cooled to 0.5 per cent from 0.9 per [...]