UK economy ekes out 0.1% growth, below expectations

UK economy ekes out 0.1% growth, below expectations

Bank of England in the City of London on 6th November 2024 in London, United Kingdom. The City of London is a city, ceremonial county and local government district that contains the primary central business district CBD of London. The City of London is widely referred to simply as the City is also colloquially known … Read more

A stunning sterling rally is about to collide with Britain’s political realities

A stunning sterling rally is about to collide with Britain’s political realities

LONDON — The British pound has jumped to its highest level in two-and-a-half years following a hawkish rate hold from the Bank of England, but strategists warn the upcoming U.K. budget could pose a risk to investor and consumer sentiment. Many investors are awaiting the new Labour government’s fiscal plan at the end of October … Read more

UK inflation, August 2024

UK inflation, August 2024

LONDON — U.K. inflation held steady during the month of August, data from the Office for National Statistics showed Wednesday, and matched analyst expectations. The headline consumer price index (CPI) was in line with the previous 2.2% reading in July and also matched a prediction from a Reuters poll of economists. Headline CPI had come in at … Read more

UK inflation, July 2024

UK inflation, July 2024

Shoppers walk along the high street in Rochester, UK, on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. Chris Ratcliffe | Bloomberg | Getty Images U.K. inflation rose to 2.2% in July, coming in slightly below expectations but inching back above the Bank of England’s 2% target, data from the Office for National Statistics showed Wednesday. Economists polled by … Read more

Banks get bullish on the British pound

Banks get bullish on the British pound

LONDON — With sterling as one of the best performing major currencies so far this year, analysts at various investment banks believe that the British pound still has more room to run, despite the Bank of England likely cutting interest rates in the near term. In a recent research note, experts at Goldman Sachs were … Read more

What a new Labour government means for investing in the UK

What a new Labour government means for investing in the UK

General view of Bishopsgate in the City of London, the capital’s financial district. The UK economy has reportedly seen faster growth than initially estimated in early 2024. Vuk Valcic | Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images The U.K.’s Labour Party won big in Thursday’s election and is now set to take over from the … Read more

Stoxx 600, central bank decisions, UK retail sales

Stoxx 600, central bank decisions, UK retail sales

Shoppers and local residents on Church Street on June 02, 2024 in Godalming, United Kingdom.  Jack Taylor | Getty Images News | Getty Images LONDON — European stocks are heading for a cautiously higher open Friday as investors monitor a slew of central bank decisions and data releases. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index is on … Read more

Bank of England interest rate decision June 2024

Bank of England interest rate decision June 2024

General view of the Bank Of England building in London.  Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images LONDON — The Bank of England on Thursday opted to keep interest rates steady at its June meeting, but described the decision as “finely balanced” after U.K. inflation hit its 2% target. Markets nudged bets on an August … Read more

History shows how election can impact stocks

History shows how election can impact stocks

Labour leader Tony Blair arriving in Downing Street after his election victory with crowds waving flags in the background, 2nd May 1997. Jeff Overs | BBC News & Current Affairs | Getty Images LONDON — The U.K. is less than six weeks away from a General Election in which polls suggest the center-left Labour Party … Read more

UK inflation, March 2024

UK inflation, March 2024

Workers deliver drinks to a pub in the City of London, UK, on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.  Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images Inflation in the U.K. eased to 3.2% in March from 3.4% in February, the Office for National Statistics said on Wednesday, but a set of higher-than-expected figures spurred investors to push back … Read more