Half a million households switched energy suppliers in September, but price cap could stifle future savings October 25, 2018 More than half a million households switched energy suppliers in September, setting a new record for 2018. The figures, published monthly by industry trade body Energy UK, showed that of 547,660 households changing providers, 42 per cent ditched large energy suppliers for small or mid-tier alternatives. Read more: Ofgem cracks down on energy sector with price [...]
How to capitalise on the electric car revolution October 23, 2018 Electric vehicles have existed since 1828, and yet their prevalence in popular society has remained the stuff of science fiction for more than two centuries. It’s only recently that electric cars have become commonplace, helped partly by government policies – such as the planned ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by [...]
Accountants can save the world (really) October 18, 2018 Last week, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a landmark report due to be presented to governments at the Conference of the Parties in December this year. Its conclusions are stark – global carbon emissions must start to reduce well within 12 years if we are to prevent potentially catastrophic climate change [...]
Ofgem is set to cap energy bills September 6, 2018 Households stand to save up to £120 a year following the introduction of a proposed cap on energy bills. Energy regulator Ofgem plans to cap tariffs at £1,136, saving 11m households around £75, and £120 for those on the most expensive gas and electricity deals. Read more: Eurozone producer price inflation spikes due to [...]
Silver linings: Should investors look beyond gold for safe haven assets? September 4, 2018 When we think of a precious metal, it’s usually gold that springs to mind. While the yellow metal has a reputation for being a safe haven asset, far less attention is given to another valuable commodity: silver. Silver is often seen as gold’s poorer relation, but it still has qualities that give it “safe” status. [...]
Scottish Power announces its second price hike this year August 24, 2018 Scottish Power is to raise its energy prices from October, the second hike in a year. Prices for standard variable gas and electricity for those affected will rise by an average of 3.7 per cent. Almost a million homes supplied by the company are expected to be affected. The decision comes as a result of [...]
Premier Oil doubles profits as it eyes new North Sea project August 23, 2018 Premier Oil struck it rich with its half-yearly results today, posting a doubling of profits to almost $100m (£78m). Higher oil prices pushed the British energy firm’s profits after tax up from $40.7m in the first half of 2017 to $98.4m for the six months to the end of June this year. The company saw [...]
Last Week in the City: Trade fears re-emerge August 3, 2018 Garry White, chief investment commentator, looks at the market-moving events that have shaped the UK equity markets this week (30 July to 3 August 2018). Interest rates were raised in the UK for the second time since the financial crisis, but the move was widely expected. The earnings season continued. Growth in all regions was [...]
Bank of England: Economists split as monetary policymakers set out into the unknown | City A.M. July 30, 2018 The Bank of England is widely expected to raise interest rates on Thursday, but the decision by the monetary policy committee (MPC) is likely to be one of the most controversial in recent memory. While most City observers now think rates will rise, economists are split as to whether hiking borrowing costs amid a weak [...]
Last Week in the City: August rate rise now less likely July 20, 2018 Garry White, chief investment commentator, looks at the market-moving events that have shaped the UK equity markets this week (16 to 20 July 2018). The chances of an interest rate rise at the Bank of England’s August meeting appeared to recede this week after inflation data was more subdued than expected and retail sales data [...]