Hold onto your hat: It’s Saxo Bank’s outrageous predictions for 2016 including the oil price, the US presidential campaign, euros vs dollars, Brazil, Russia and the end of the luxury sector December 16, 2015 Bored by predictions for 2016 that tentatively forecast interest rate rises and a slight dampening of the property market? Want something that will really make you prepare for the worst (or best) case scenarios out there? Well hold onto your hat, because it's Saxo Bank's annual outrageous predictions for the year ahead, and they are just [...]
What Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen is likely to say this week – eToro Tips & Picks December 14, 2015 Many are now asking when – not if – the oil price will reach the $30 benchmark. A sustained period of very low prices will place increasing strain on the Saudi economy, potentially worsening the internal security situation and contributing to greater tension with its neighbours. Western economies are enjoying lower energy costs, but the [...]
WTI crude and Brent crude oil prices fall further amid mounting glut concerns December 14, 2015 US Western Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell below $35 per barrel for the first time since February 2009 today – chased lower by the global benchmark, Brent crude, which slid below $37 per barrel for the first time since 2008. The renewed pressure came a day after Iran vowed to ramp up production once sanctions are lifted, following the July [...]
After Brent crude dipped below $40 per barrel, do we have anything to fear from lower oil prices for longer? December 9, 2015 James Butterfill is head of research & investment strategy at ETF Securities, says Yes The risk with a lower oil price lies in its combination with Fed/Bank of England rate rises. Loan delinquencies in the energy sector are likely to rise as rates go up. The most recent oil and gas survey from IHS highlighted [...]
Brent crude oil prices crash below $40 for the first time in seven years December 8, 2015 Brent crude crashed below $40 per barrel today for the first time in nearly seven years, after Opec failed to specify a production level ceiling on Friday. Brent crude, the global benchmark, shed two per cent to $39.89 per barrel this afternoon, while Western Texas Intermediate crude slumped 2.58 per cent to $36.68 per barrel. Tamas Varga [...]
COP21 Paris climate change summit: To reduce carbon dioxide emissions without hurting economic growth industry and government must collaborate December 1, 2015 Yesterday political leaders from close to 150 nations descended on Paris for the United Nation’s 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21). Their aim and mission for the two week conference is to reduce global carbon emissions and limit global warming to two degrees beyond pre-industrial levels. The first day of the global summit was defined [...]
COP21 Paris climate summit: Here are four things you need to know about climate change, from the global economic impact to fossil fuel subsidies December 1, 2015 World leaders are sitting down for a second day of talks in Paris, hoping to secure a strong deal at what has been billed as the most important climate summit for years. The eyes of the world are trained on the outcome, with hundreds of thousands marching worldwide on Sunday to demand stronger action on [...]
Top tips for first-time buyers in London November 30, 2015 Getting on the property ladder is hard work, especially if you’re looking to buy your first home in London. According to Savills, the average deposit for a first time buyer is currently 68 per cent of their household income, but that rises to 177 per cent in London. But with a couple of helpful announcements [...]
Autumn Statement 2015: George Osborne delivers some relief to embattled UK steel industry November 25, 2015 Chancellor George Osborne has cut costs for energy intensive industries, such as the embattled steel sector, in a bid to give them long-term certainty. Osborne, who was addressing parliament with his Autumn Statement today, said: "We're going to permanently exempt our energy intensive industries … from the cost of environmental tariffs, so we keep their bills down, keep them [...]
Autumn Statement 2015: George Osborne’s speech transcript in full including stamp duty, business rates and corporation tax announcements November 25, 2015 Mr Speaker, this Spending Review delivers on the commitment we made to the British people that we would put security first. To protect our economic security, by taking the difficult decisions to live within our means and bring down our debt. To protect our national security, by defending our country’s interests abroad and keeping our [...]