Cost of living

It’s not just a label for meat: halal investments target Islamic customers

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It’s not just a label for meat: halal investments target Islamic customers

Whether it’s mutual funds, savings accounts or stock trading, millions of Canadians depend on investments for their financial future.  But for some Muslims, faith took many monetary options off the table because of religious restrictions around concepts like paying — or being paid — interest. It meant for years Canadians like Ammar Maqsud, who observes those religious tenets, couldn’t even put money in … Read more

‘It’s extortionate’ cry Brits at Xmas market where drinks cost £25 EACH & 1 Yorskire pud is same price as pub dinner

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‘It’s extortionate’ cry Brits at Xmas market where drinks cost £25 EACH & 1 Yorskire pud is same price as pub dinner

THE Christmas spirit is being pushed to the limit at one winter market, with punters charged prices that would bankrupt even Santa. Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland has been transformed in the lead-up to Christmas with an ice rink, live music, and stalls offering food and drink. 7 Attendees said the drinks were too overpricedCredit: Roland Leon … Read more

Commentary: Public transport fares are going up. Is there a case to lower them instead?

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Commentary: Public transport fares are going up. Is there a case to lower them instead?

LOW RISK OF EXCESSIVE USE One consideration that strengthens the case for further subsidising public transport is the lower risk of excessive consumption. For any public subsidy, there is a need to consider its impact on incentives and fiscal sustainability. Subsidising fuel, electricity or water may encourage inefficient use and excessive consumption. Even healthcare, another … Read more

UK Consumer Inflation Rate Unexpectedly Decreases In November

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UK Consumer Inflation Rate Unexpectedly Decreases In November

This morning, Wednesday 20 December, the Office For National Statistics announced that, in the last month, the annual rate of increase in consumer prices has dropped by almost 1 per cent. The inflation rate in October was measured at 4.6 per cent, but in November, the rate had decreased to 3.9 per cent. The rapid … Read more

Colossal Costs and Insatiable Influencers: How One Cake Maker Is Weathering the Storm With Swagger

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Colossal Costs and Insatiable Influencers: How One Cake Maker Is Weathering the Storm With Swagger

I call Reshmi Bennett just as she’s bidding farewell to a handyman visiting her new kitchen premises in Farnham. He has not been able to solve the problem – her main fridge is down – owing to a busted compressor, she reckons. And, if you think that’s the most stress she’s had all month, think … Read more

Ofgem Proposes Energy Price Cap Adjustment to Tackle £3 Billion Debt Crisis

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Ofgem Proposes Energy Price Cap Adjustment to Tackle £3 Billion Debt Crisis

In a bid to alleviate the energy industry’s staggering £3 billion debt accumulated from unpaid gas and electricity bills, the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), the industry regulator, has unveiled plans to lift the energy price cap. This unprecedented move aims to assist suppliers in recovering from the financial fallout of the energy-driven … Read more

Prime Minister dodges spring General Election question and remains defiant over potential Tory wipeout in Central Belt

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Prime Minister dodges spring General Election question and remains defiant over potential Tory wipeout in Central Belt

THE Prime Minister swerved questions about whether he wanted a spring General Election and whether the Tories had written off the Central Belt seats. Rishi Sunak fuelled speculation of a Spring 2024 election with a new year tax giveaway Autumn Statement last month. 2 Rishi Sunak has swerved questions about a potential Tory wipeout in … Read more

E-readers were supposed to kill printed books. Instead, they’re booming

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E-readers were supposed to kill printed books. Instead, they’re booming

Cost of Living8:55The return of the bookstore When e-readers like the Amazon Kindle burst onto the scene, showing up next to menorahs and under Christmas trees in the early 2000s, they were predicted to bring about the death of the print book — and maybe the independent bookstore too. But publishing sales data and on the … Read more

How to serve Christmas Dinner for six with just £20

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How to serve Christmas Dinner for six with just £20

As the cost-of-living crisis bites, this works out at just £3.33 a head for a turkey with all the trimmings that make a traditional festive feast. The price-busting deal is being offered by Sainsbury’s for Nectar card holders from Tuesday until Christmas Eve. It includes a standard small turkey, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips, gravy … Read more

Canadian debt-to-income ratio narrowed slightly in third quarter, says StatsCan

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Canadian debt-to-income ratio narrowed slightly in third quarter, says StatsCan

A report from Statistics Canada says that the ratio of Canadian household debt to income narrowed in the third quarter. The agency says household credit market debt as a proportion of household disposable income in the third quarter fell to 181.6 per cent, on a seasonally adjusted basis, down from 181.9 per cent in the … Read more