Did Rachel Reeves deliver a net zero Budget? November 4, 2024 The UK’s recent Budget included a series of measures which have prompted debate over its impact on achieving net zero. While Rachel Reeves announced significant investments in green energy, hydrogen projects and electric vehicle incentives, a number of her decisions have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the UK’s environmental sector. While Wednesday’s Budget announced [...]
Bank of England set to lower interest rates as Budget dampens bets for 2025 November 3, 2024 The Bank of England is expected to lower interest rates this week, while markets are betting on fewer cuts next year after forecasts suggested the new government's first Budget will push up inflation.
Halloween Budget could still give businesses a fright in the night October 31, 2024 The Budget was not as shocking as some were expecting, but a few things could still go bump in the night, says Tim Sarson Today saw the delivery of one of the most hotly anticipated Budgets in living memory. After 14 years in opposition and an election manifesto with relatively muted tax rises, it must [...]
A radical, redistributive Budget putting Britain on the right track October 30, 2024 Rachel Reeves has delivered one of the best Budgets in 14 years that will make people better off, says Sam Fowles Rachel Reeves just delivered one of the best, and most radical, Budgets in 14 years. She’s not a natural public speaker. But, after 14 years of smarmy PR men at the despatch box, she [...]
Autumn Budget 2024: Reeves commits £5bn for Government housebuilding programme October 30, 2024 Chancellor Rachel Reeves has committed in the Budget to more than £5bn of investment over 2025-2026 to deliver the Government’s ambitious plans on housing next year. In the Budget, Reeves announced a range of measures to support Labour’s target, including skills training, reforms to the planning system and additional assistance for affordable housing. She also [...]
How will the bond markets react to the Budget? October 30, 2024 For all the government’s promises of stability and hoped-for reductions in interest rates, UK yields on government bonds are now, in fact, very similar to the levels to which they rose under the ill-fated Truss government, says Paul Ormerod There has been a huge amount of speculation about the Budget. Later today we will of [...]
Government and business need a new deal to navigate today’s uncertainty October 28, 2024 By year end, over half of the world’s population will have participated in a national election.With so many voters going to the polls, and the potential for disruptive transitions, concernsabout widespread political uncertainty have been chipping away at economic sentiment formuch of 2024. Given the wider global economic and geopolitical headwinds, this uncertaintyrisks dragging much [...]
US and European interest rate cuts hang in the balance ahead of crunch week October 27, 2024 Key economic figures in the US and Europe are set to give investors clues on how much further both regions' central banks could go in cutting interest rates this year.
Budget uncertainty threatens to freeze growth at small businesses October 22, 2024 A significant number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have warned their growth ambitions may be at risk if Rachel Reeves doesn’t prioritise their concerns in the upcoming Autumn Budget. According to a survey of over 500 SME leaders on behalf of specialist lender Simply Asset Finance, 74 per cent said the outcomes of the [...]
Oil and gas engineer Hunting’s stock plummets as profit forecast cut October 22, 2024 Oil and gas engineer Hunting’s stock plummeted this morning after it cut its profit forecast thanks to lower oil prices. Despite reporting a 16 per cent rise in profit during the third quarter, the London-listed energy services firm flagged falling sentiment and lower client activity in the sector. “Whilst the outlook for the international and [...]