Leading American investment banks have posted exceptional fourth-quarter profits, driven by renewed optimism in the world’s largest economy, which has catalysed deal-making and stock trading activities. JPMorgan Chase emerged as the standout performer, reporting a remarkable 50% increase in profits to $14 billion for the final quarter of 2024. This stellar performance contributed to an […]

The chief executive of Europe’s largest stock exchange operator, Euronext, has declared that the exodus of listings to the US markets is exclusively a “London problem” that does not affect continental Europe. Stéphane Boujnah emphasised on Wednesday that European markets remain robustly positioned to retain and attract listings on their primary exchanges, despite occasional US […]

British government borrowing costs experienced their sharpest decline since 2023 on Wednesday, following better-than-expected inflation figures that helped alleviate market concerns about persistent price increases. The benchmark 10-year UK government bond yield dropped by nearly 20 basis points to 4.71 per cent, marking its most significant single-day decline in approximately two years. The yield on […]

The newly appointed UK pensions minister, Torsten Bell, has historically advocated for replacing the state pension triple lock, describing it as “not a sensible mechanism” for pension increases. Bell’s appointment follows Tulip Siddiq’s resignation as City minister and Emma Reynolds’ promotion to the role. Bell, who secured his position as MP for Swansea West in […]

The commodities supercycle that transformed China into the world’s largest steel producer has reached its conclusion, marking a pivotal shift in global resource markets. Chinese steel production descended to a four-year low in 2024, with forecasts indicating further decline ahead. The impact reverberates through Wuhan, the birthplace of China’s steel industry, where traders like Xiao […]

The Bank of England might need to implement between five to six interest rate cuts over the coming year, according to a key policymaker who has voiced concerns about the UK’s stalling economy. Alan Taylor, an external member of the Monetary Policy Committee, suggests a more aggressive approach may be necessary to secure a ‘soft […]

The long-standing rivalry between aviation giants Boeing and Airbus has taken a decisive turn, with the American manufacturer experiencing a significant decline in its market position. After enduring a year plagued by setbacks and operational challenges, Boeing’s grip on its share of the global aircraft manufacturing sector has loosened considerably. The manufacturing crisis gripping Boeing […]

Recent data from Nationwide, the UK’s largest building society, reveals a significant upward trend in cash usage, marking the third consecutive year of growth. Nearly 33 million cash withdrawals were recorded from Nationwide ATMs in 2024, with notable increases observed in Chiswick, West London, and Shotton, North Wales. The Post Office reported a historic milestone, […]

In a significant shift of corporate strategy, Starbucks has announced the reversal of its 2018 open-access policy in North America, now requiring visitors to make a purchase to utilise their facilities. The global coffee giant’s new code of conduct, set to be implemented across all US and Canadian outlets, explicitly states that Starbucks spaces, including […]

The anticipated cost of constructing the Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk has seen a dramatic escalation, potentially reaching £40 billion – double the initial estimates presented to the UK government in 2020. Rising construction costs, coupled with significant delays and overruns at EDF’s Hinkley Point C project in Somerset, have contributed to this […]

The low-cost fitness operator, The Gym Group, has delivered impressive financial results for the year ending December 2024, surpassing market expectations and setting the stage for accelerated expansion plans. Membership figures demonstrated remarkable resilience, with average members growing by 4% to 906,000 throughout the year. The company concluded 2024 with 891,000 members, marking a substantial […]

Games Workshop, the renowned manufacturer of Warhammer miniatures, has delivered impressive financial results with a 33 per cent increase in half-year profits, driven by the continued expansion of its fantasy figurine empire. The company’s maiden results as a FTSE 100 constituent revealed pre-tax profits of £126.8 million for the six months to December 1, 2024, […]

Britain’s largest sportswear retailer, JD Sports Fashion, has witnessed its shares tumble to a five-year low after reducing its annual profit forecast amid challenging market conditions. The company now projects profits between £915 million and £935 million, marking a significant reduction from its previous guidance of £955 million to £1.03 billion. The FTSE 100 company […]

British online grocer Ocado Retail has reported a remarkable 17.5% surge in retail revenue to £715.8 million for the 13 weeks leading to December 1, marking a significant milestone in its recovery journey. The joint venture between Ocado Group and Marks & Spencer has demonstrated robust growth, particularly during the festive season. Chief Executive Hannah […]

Luxury British retailer Fortnum & Mason has delivered impressive financial results, paying £2.6 million in dividends to its billionaire owners, the Weston family, following substantial profit and sales growth in the previous fiscal year. The prestigious department store, operating through its Wittington Investments vehicle, reported a remarkable 24 per cent increase in pre-tax profits to […]

Britain demonstrated remarkable strength in its government bond market on Tuesday, with a successful placement of £1 billion in 30-year inflation-linked gilts, despite recent market volatility. The Debt Management Office’s auction drew impressive investor interest, with bids exceeding three times the sale amount. The robust demand comes as long-term gilt yields hover near their highest […]

The tech behemoth Amazon is orchestrating a significant overhaul of its Alexa voice assistant, aiming to revolutionise the platform with advanced generative AI capabilities. The $2.4 trillion company has dedicated the past two years to reimagining Alexa’s core functionality across its 500 million device ecosystem worldwide. Rohit Prasad, heading Amazon’s artificial general intelligence (AGI) team, […]

India’s expansive information technology outsourcing sector is eyeing a potential renaissance under a second Donald Trump presidency, as the industry, which generates more than half its revenues from the US, anticipates increased customer spending driven by proposed business incentives. The $128bn annual revenue back-office and consultancy sector, spanning vast campuses across metropolitan hubs from Bengaluru […]

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a groundbreaking investigation into Google’s market dominance, marking the first probe under Britain’s newly established digital markets competition regime. The watchdog aims to determine whether the tech giant’s commanding position in search services warrants special regulatory oversight. The investigation, announced on Tuesday, will scrutinise whether Alphabet-owned Google’s […]

Brussels has initiated a comprehensive review of its investigations into major technology companies, including Apple, Meta, and Google, as these US corporations appeal to president-elect Donald Trump to intervene against what they perceive as excessive European regulatory enforcement. The reassessment, which could potentially result in scaled-back or modified probe parameters, encompasses all cases launched since […]

Oil prices surged to their highest levels since August as refiners in India and China desperately sought alternative supplies following stringent new US sanctions targeting Russian oil revenues. Brent crude, the international benchmark, climbed 1.9 per cent to reach $81.29 per barrel in London trading, surpassing the previous October peak of $80.93. This uptick followed […]

The three largest state-owned Chinese airlines are aggressively expanding their European routes, capitalising on their unique advantage of unrestricted access to Russian airspace. This strategic expansion comes as Western carriers retreat from Chinese routes due to mounting operational costs and airspace restrictions. Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern have significantly increased their passenger capacity […]

Billions of pounds in council debt are jeopardising the most comprehensive reorganisation of local government in England for generations, senior local authority officials warn. The situation has become particularly acute in areas where councils have declared effective bankruptcy. Surrey and Essex county councils have approached central government seeking debt write-offs as they pursue ambitious restructuring […]

In a significant policy shift, French Prime Minister François Bayrou has signalled his willingness to renegotiate Emmanuel Macron’s contentious pension reforms, which raised the retirement age from 62 to 64. The move comes as Bayrou seeks crucial support from leftist parties to pass a deficit-reduction budget through a divided parliament. The Prime Minister’s proposal, delivered […]

The chief investment officer of one of the world’s largest charitable foundations has issued a stark warning about the private credit sector, highlighting concerns over relaxed lending standards and excessive capital inflow. Nick Moakes of the £37.6bn Wellcome Trust believes substantial losses could materialise if the US economy enters a recession. Moakes emphasised that “accidents […]

British healthcare technology firm Cera has secured a landmark $150 million funding round, propelling the company to coveted unicorn status with a valuation exceeding $1 billion. The fundraising effort, combining debt and equity funding, was spearheaded by US merchant bank BDT & MSD Partners alongside Schroders Capital, the private markets division of the British asset […]

The British government is weighing a groundbreaking initiative that would permit private enterprises to monetise NHS patient data, marking a significant shift in healthcare data management. Labour leader Keir Starmer unveiled plans to embrace artificial intelligence innovation, incorporating anonymised patient records to advance medical treatments, pharmaceutical developments, and diagnostic capabilities. The strategic move arrives amid […]

British pharmaceutical giant GSK has struck a significant deal worth up to $1.15 billion to acquire IDRx, a Massachusetts-based biopharmaceutical company, strengthening its position in the oncology sector. The FTSE 100-listed company will pay $1 billion upfront with an additional $150 million earmarked for milestone achievements. The strategic move aligns with GSK’s ambitious target to […]

Shares in Oxford Nanopore Technologies jumped 8.9 per cent today after the British gene sequencing innovator reported robust revenue growth and reaffirmed its path to profitability. The FTSE 250 company saw its shares close at 142¾p, valuing the enterprise at approximately £1.4 billion. The company’s trading update revealed full-year revenue of £183 million, marking an […]

In a significant move towards sustainable logistics, Amazon has placed orders for over 150 electric heavy goods vehicles, positioning itself to operate Britain’s largest zero-emission truck fleet. The online retail giant’s substantial investment includes more than 140 Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 trucks and eight Volvo FM Electric trucks, complementing its existing fleet of nine electric tractor […]

Prominent retailers in London’s prestigious West End have issued a stark warning to the government regarding impending business rates reforms, projecting a staggering £44.5 million annual increase in property bills that could trigger widespread shop closures and significant job losses. The New West End Company, representing 600 retail establishments, hotels, and restaurants, has revealed that […]

Global markets faced renewed pressure today as oil prices climbed to their highest levels since August, intensifying worries about inflation and interest rates that have already triggered significant bond market turbulence since 2025 began. The cost of Brent crude surged 1.72 per cent to $81.13 per barrel, marking a substantial 6.4 per cent increase over […]

Insurance companies are steeling themselves for potential losses reaching £20 billion as devastating wildfires continue to tear through Los Angeles’ most exclusive neighbourhoods, according to recent analyst projections. JPMorgan analysts have revised their initial loss estimates upward, doubling their previous day’s forecast of £10 billion. The adjustment reflects the fires’ ongoing spread and limited containment […]

In a significant development highlighting the continuing impact of Brexit, Northern Ireland is poised to follow different artificial intelligence regulations compared to Britain as the European Union’s new AI law takes effect next month. This regulatory divergence emerges just as the UK government intensifies its efforts to establish itself as a global AI powerhouse. The […]

US steel giants Cleveland-Cliffs and Nucor are poised to make a joint bid for US Steel, mere weeks after President Joe Biden vetoed Nippon Steel’s proposed £15bn acquisition on national security grounds. The strategic partnership sees Cleveland-Cliffs planning to acquire US Steel entirely through a cash transaction, with Nucor subsequently purchasing the target’s Big River […]

In a significant move that marks the largest biotech acquisition since 2023, Johnson & Johnson has announced its agreement to purchase neuroscience drugmaker Intra-Cellular Therapies for £14.6 billion. The New Jersey-based pharmaceutical giant will pay £132 per share, representing a premium of nearly 40 per cent above Intra-Cellular’s Friday closing price. The deal emerges as […]

In a devastating blow to investor confidence, Moderna’s shares experienced a dramatic decline of up to 22 per cent on Monday following disappointing sales forecasts from the US biotech giant. The Boston-headquartered company revised its 2024 sales projections downward to $1.5bn-$2.5bn, a significant reduction from its previous forecast of $2.5bn-$3.5bn. This adjustment fell notably below […]

Germany’s first foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in over three decades has triggered international export restrictions on its meat and dairy products, delivering a significant blow to the EU’s largest economy. The outbreak, which originated in water buffalo on a farm in Brandenburg, has resulted in the country losing its foot-and-mouth disease-free status under World Organisation for […]

Western corporations operating in Russia contributed a staggering £2.8 billion in profit taxes during 2023, highlighting the continued financial ties between international businesses and Moscow despite widespread sanctions following the Ukraine invasion. The revealing data, compiled by campaign group B4Ukraine and the Kyiv School of Economics Institute, demonstrates that businesses from G7 and EU nations […]

Disruptive passenger incidents on flights have more than doubled since the pandemic’s end, prompting Ryanair to call for stringent alcohol restrictions at airports across Europe. The Irish carrier is pushing for a two-drink maximum policy before passengers board their flights. Data reported to the UK aviation regulator reveals disturbances have escalated from roughly 100 per […]

US liquefied natural gas giant Venture Global is positioning itself for a remarkable public debut, targeting a staggering $110bn valuation. The company’s ambitious IPO plans include offering 50 million shares at up to $46 each, potentially raising $2.3bn in what could become one of the energy sector’s most significant listings in recent history. The timing […]

The Labour Party’s ambitious strategy to position Britain as a leading artificial intelligence superpower is encountering substantial challenges, ranging from energy infrastructure constraints to data privacy concerns. Sir Keir Starmer’s recently unveiled AI Opportunities Action Plan, crafted by venture capitalist Matt Clifford, presents 50 recommendations aimed at catapulting the UK from an ‘AI taker’ to […]

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to intensify pressure on British regulators this week, demanding they eliminate rules perceived as barriers to economic growth. The move comes amidst mounting criticism from the business sector regarding the government’s regulatory approach. CBI chair Rupert Soames expressed concerns on Monday, stating that businesses feel “bruised” by government policies. He […]

In a bold move to address its escalating housing crisis, Spain has announced plans to implement a 100 per cent tax on property purchases made by non-EU buyers, including British citizens. The dramatic measure, unveiled by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, aims to curb foreign speculation in the Spanish property market and improve housing affordability for […]

The British economy faces mounting pressure as market confidence continues to deteriorate, spreading from business sectors to financial markets. In a significant development last week, investors initiated a substantial sell-off of gilts whilst simultaneously disposing of sterling positions, driven by escalating concerns regarding the UK’s fiscal sustainability. Ten-sign government bond yields have reached levels not […]

Chinese technology manufacturer XPeng has unveiled its groundbreaking Aero HT Land Aircraft Carrier, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of personal aerial transportation. The innovative vehicle combines a six-wheeled four-seat ‘mothership’ with an integrated quadcopter system, capable of carrying two passengers. The development represents a significant shift in the flying car paradigm, which has […]

The British government is preparing to implement stringent measures targeting Members of Parliament who substantially boost their £91,346 base salary through lucrative media contracts. The proposed regulations aim to address mounting concerns over MPs’ external income sources and potential conflicts of interest. Lucy Powell, Leader of the House of Commons, will initiate discussions regarding these […]

Liverpool’s burgeoning life sciences sector is positioning itself as one of Europe’s premier biotech clusters, with projections indicating up to £800 million in investment over the next decade. The region’s ambitious growth plans include the creation of 8,000 new jobs, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of British pharmaceutical innovation. Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) is […]

The American aerospace giant Boeing is projected to confirm manufacturing figures at less than half those of its European rival Airbus for 2024, raising serious concerns about the company’s production capabilities and future growth plans. Industry analysts at Flight Plan forecast Boeing will report approximately 340 aircraft deliveries when figures are released on Tuesday, significantly […]

The UK financial markets witnessed significant turbulence this week as 30-year gilt yields surged to their highest levels since 1998, triggering widespread concerns about the nation’s economic stability and government borrowing costs. British government bonds, commonly known as gilts, have experienced a dramatic sell-off amidst growing investor anxiety over persistent inflation and mounting debt levels. […]

City speculation is intensifying regarding a potential renewed takeover attempt of Anglo American by mining giant BHP. The previous £39 billion bid, which faltered in 2024, could see fresh momentum as Anglo American has begun implementing the very changes its suitor originally demanded. The core attraction remains Anglo’s copper assets, which are increasingly vital for […]

British Steel is set to abandon its plans for steelmaking on Teesside, dealing a significant economic blow to northeast England. The Chinese-owned manufacturer had initially proposed constructing a ‘green steel’ furnace in the region alongside another at its Scunthorpe facility in Lincolnshire as part of a major organisational restructure. The revised strategy now positions both […]

Price controls and inflation-linked adjustments overseen by the government are poised to maintain elevated inflation levels throughout 2025, creating additional challenges for the Bank of England’s interest rate strategy. Research from Pantheon Macroeconomics indicates that modifications to at least 17 government-controlled or inflation-indexed prices will drive services inflation to 5.2 per cent in April, dropping […]

Labour’s Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is considering revolutionary changes to the BBC’s funding model, potentially abolishing the licence fee in favour of general taxation funding. This dramatic shift, coupled with plans to transform the broadcaster into a mutual organisation, represents the most significant reform in the BBC’s 102-year history. The proposed changes aim to address […]

Britain faces mounting pressure to establish new mines and enhance its stockpiling capabilities to secure critical minerals supply, according to the nation’s minerals supply watchdog chief. The stark warning comes amid growing concerns about the country’s vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions. Gavin Mudd, director of the UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre (CMIC), suggests the […]

A bold move is underway in the UK investment trust sector as American hedge fund manager Boaz Weinstein positions himself as a potential saviour for British investors. The founder of New York-based Saba Capital has launched an ambitious campaign targeting seven UK investment trusts, with plans to revolutionise their management approach. Weinstein’s vision involves merging […]

Private equity groups have demonstrated a remarkable surge in European acquisitions throughout 2024, capitalising on the continent’s economic challenges to acquire large companies at attractive valuations. The total value of European buyout deals exceeding $1bn reached $133bn, marking a significant 78 per cent increase compared to the previous year, substantially outpacing the global growth rate […]

The prospect of Donald Trump returning to the White House has sparked concerns of an impending global tax conflict, with experts warning of potential Republican retaliation against countries imposing additional levies on US multinationals. A senior tax executive at a major multinational corporation shared with the Financial Times that 2025 could mark a critical turning […]

The serene Arctic nation of Greenland has found itself thrust into an unexpected geopolitical maelstrom following Donald Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring the territory and his refusal to rule out military force as a means of acquisition. The revelation came to light during a peculiar encounter when Ole Jørgen Hammeken, a veteran polar explorer, discovered […]

A landmark legal battle commenced Monday as Apple confronts a £1.5 billion class action lawsuit in the UK over allegations of “excessive and unfair” charges on its App Store downloads. The trial, set to span seven weeks in the Competition Appeal Tribunal, marks the first major tech antitrust class action to reach UK courts. The […]

In a landmark move that reshapes the American power generation landscape, Constellation Energy has announced its acquisition of Calpine Corporation for $16.4 billion, marking one of the most significant transactions in US power sector history. The strategic merger will forge the nation’s largest independent power provider, serving approximately 2.5 million customers. The deal’s total value, […]

The British tea market is witnessing a remarkable transformation as premium sparkling tea emerges as a sought-after alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages. Sales figures from the festive period indicate a significant shift in consumer preferences, with luxury sparkling tea brands experiencing unprecedented growth. Real, a Buckinghamshire-based beverages company, reports exceptional performance of its £10 sparkling […]

British government borrowing costs have climbed at twice the pace of international peers this week, whilst sterling dropped to its lowest level since 2023, signalling mounting pressure on the UK economy. The benchmark 10-year UK government bond yield has risen by approximately 20 basis points since Monday, reaching levels not witnessed since 2008. This stark […]

Sainsbury’s CEO Simon Roberts has issued a cautious stance on future recruitment amid mounting wage pressures, despite the supermarket giant celebrating its most successful Christmas trading period to date. The UK’s second-largest supermarket chain reported a robust 3.8% increase in like-for-like sales during the six weeks leading to 4 January. The impressive performance was primarily […]

The high street pharmacy giant Boots has reported exceptional sales growth, propelled by a surge in Black Friday online shopping, whilst its American parent company’s shares climbed by nearly 20 per cent. The retailer, owned by Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), delivered an impressive 8.1 per cent increase in like-for-like retail sales during the quarter ending […]

The struggling consumer healthcare company Alliance Pharma appears poised to exit London’s junior stock exchange following a £350 million takeover bid from activist investor Dbay Advisors. The Isle of Man-based investment firm, which holds the position of Alliance’s largest shareholder, has secured board recommendation for its 62.5p per share offer. The proposed deal represents a […]

The US Supreme Court’s justices displayed scepticism towards TikTok’s attempts to overturn a federal “divest-or-ban” law, as the social media giant cautioned it might cease operations in one of its largest markets within nine days. The legal proceedings centred on legislation requiring TikTok’s Chinese parent company ByteDance to sell the platform by 19 January or […]

Italian aerospace giant Leonardo is confronting an unprecedented £2.15 billion lawsuit filed by the family of deceased Thai billionaire Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in what stands to become the largest fatal accident claim in English legal history. The legal action, lodged in London’s High Court, stems from the tragic 2018 helicopter crash that claimed the life of […]

The world’s largest consumer technology exhibition has been transformed into a showcase of artificial intelligence-powered innovations, with everything from televisions to automobiles featuring generative AI capabilities. Major industry players including Google, Amazon, LG, and Hisense have unveiled their latest AI-integrated products, marking a significant shift in consumer electronics. Nvidia’s Chief Executive Jensen Huang set the […]

Rachel Reeves, the UK Chancellor, has embarked on a mission to revitalise the connection between London and Shanghai stock exchanges during her groundbreaking visit to China this weekend. The trip marks the first high-level UK diplomatic engagement with Beijing in more than five years. The Chancellor’s three-day visit to Beijing and Shanghai comes amid significant […]

The US economy demonstrated remarkable resilience in December, generating 256,000 jobs and catching market observers off guard. This substantial employment creation triggered an immediate spike in US government debt yields, prompting traders and financial institutions to revise their Federal Reserve interest rate cut predictions. The Bureau of Labour Statistics’ figures significantly outperformed the Reuters economist […]

A 164-year-old dairy farm’s managing director has issued a stark warning about the impact of Rachel Reeves’s recent Budget on rural communities and cheese prices. Richard Clothier, who leads Wyke Farms in Somerset, Britain’s largest independent cheese producer, has signalled inevitable price increases to counterbalance rising labour costs following the Chancellor’s £25bn National Insurance (NI) […]

Major insurers are retreating from the California market as devastating wildfires wreak havoc across Los Angeles, causing an estimated £41 billion in economic damage. JP Morgan analysts project insurance losses of approximately £16.5 billion, with potential for higher costs if the fires remain uncontrolled. The crisis has prompted mass evacuations affecting more than 130,000 residents, […]

Recent turbulence in the bond market has sparked fresh concerns about rising borrowing costs, reminiscent of the 2022 crisis following the ill-fated mini-budget. Despite market jitters, financial experts are advocating for a measured response to the situation. The mortgage landscape faces potential shifts as new fixed-rate products could experience upward pressure due to bond market […]

Rachel Reeves is weighing significant reductions to public services as the UK’s borrowing costs surge to levels not seen since 1998, amid mounting pressure on the Labour government’s fiscal strategy. The Chancellor’s position has become increasingly precarious following a tumultuous week in which investors drove UK borrowing costs higher and pushed sterling to a 14-month […]

A groundbreaking series A funding round has positioned London-based Verdiva Bio at the forefront of the obesity treatment sector, securing an impressive $411 million investment. This remarkable achievement stands as Europe’s largest biopharma series A fundraising to date. The substantial funding round was orchestrated by Dutch investor Forbion and American private equity powerhouse General Atlantic, […]

The European aerospace sector is preparing for significant trade headwinds as Airbus chief executive Guillaume Faury signals mounting concerns over potential US tariffs under a second Trump presidency. The industry anticipates “pronounced” and “very strong” import duties, though the exact scope remains uncertain. Faury, speaking in his role as president of the French Aerospace Industries […]

Britain’s largest supermarket chain faces mounting pressures from wage increases and rising costs, casting a shadow over its record-breaking Christmas trading period and highest market share since 2016. Tesco’s Chief Executive Ken Murphy revealed the retailer will shoulder an additional £250 million annually due to increased employer national insurance contributions. The FTSE 100 retailer, which […]

The retail giant Marks & Spencer has made a bold commitment to minimise cost increases for consumers amid mounting economic pressures and post-budget challenges. Chief Executive Stuart Machin emphasised the company’s determination to maintain price stability despite facing a substantial £120 million increase in wage expenses. The retailer’s shares experienced an 8 per cent decline […]

Major British retailers saw more than £2 billion wiped from their market value as mounting cost pressures and economic uncertainties cast a shadow over the retail sector. Despite strong festive sales performances, retail giants Tesco and Marks & Spencer faced significant share price declines following warnings about rising inflation and increased staff costs. The market […]

De La Rue, one of Britain’s most venerable listed companies established in the 1820s, faces the prospect of private ownership following a £244 million takeover approach from British financier Edi Truell. The prominent entrepreneur has expanded his initial partial offer for 40 per cent of the banknote printer into a comprehensive takeover bid at 125 […]

British government borrowing costs have surged to their highest levels since 1998, sparking concerns about the UK’s economic outlook and putting pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s fiscal headroom. The dramatic sell-off in gilt markets has seen yields on 30-year bonds reach levels not witnessed in over two decades. The current market turbulence bears unsettling similarities […]

A landmark research initiative analysing blood proteins could catalyse significant advancements in disease treatment and prevention, presenting substantial opportunities for healthcare sector investors. The extensive UK-based study, backed by 14 pharmaceutical companies, is poised to examine thousands of proteins from 300,000 blood samples through the UK Biobank project. The research programme, valued for its potential […]

The British government attempted to quell market concerns on Thursday by reaffirming its commitment to fiscal rules, as UK borrowing costs reached levels not seen since the 2008 financial crisis. Treasury Minister Darren Jones addressed MPs, emphasising that “UK gilt markets continue to function in an orderly way,” despite the 10-year gilt yield climbing to […]

Great Britain’s electricity grid operator has issued an urgent call for additional power generation capacity as the nation braces for severe winter weather conditions. The National Energy System Operator (Neso) is seeking an extra 1,700 megawatts of power-generating capacity to maintain operational safety margins during peak demand hours. The critical period identified spans from 4pm […]

The British video game market has experienced a notable 4.4% contraction, marking a significant shift in consumer behaviour, with boxed video game sales plummeting by 35%. The Entertainment and Retail Association’s latest data values the UK gaming market at £4.6 billion, positioning it between the music industry at £2.4 billion and the TV/film sector at […]

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, made an unprecedented second public statement in as many days, asserting her “iron grip” on public finances amidst an intensifying bond market sell-off. The cost of government borrowing has escalated to levels not witnessed since the 2008 global financial crisis, potentially threatening the Chancellor’s fiscal objectives. The Treasury’s […]

British luxury automotive manufacturer Rolls-Royce has unveiled plans for a £300 million expansion of its Goodwood facility, signalling a strategic pivot towards bespoke vehicle production amid a 5% decline in annual sales. The prestigious marque delivered 5,712 vehicles in 2024, marking its third-highest sales figure historically, yet falling short of the record 6,032 units achieved […]

Hornby, the renowned model railway manufacturer, has reported a remarkable 23 per cent increase in December sales year-on-year, demonstrating the enduring appeal of traditional toys in today’s digital age. The Margate-based company’s fourth-quarter revenue climbed 7 per cent, marking a significant achievement in challenging economic conditions. The company’s direct-to-consumer strategy has proven particularly successful, with […]

British equity funds experienced their most challenging year on record compared to global counterparts, highlighting London’s diminishing influence in global financial markets. The latest data from Calastone reveals investors withdrew a staggering £9.6 billion from UK funds in 2024, creating a stark contrast to the £27.2 billion inflows observed in equity funds globally. The exodus […]

British consumers are bracing for a significant uptick in food prices, with inflation forecast to exceed 4 per cent this year, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC). This projection comes despite a reported 1 per cent decrease in overall shop prices last month. The anticipated surge is primarily attributed to governmental policy changes, including […]

The landscape of auditing is experiencing a profound transformation through artificial intelligence, yet the promised cost reductions remain elusive. Major accounting firms, including Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC, have poured hundreds of millions of pounds into AI development, marking a significant shift from traditional auditing methods. The evolution from manual sampling to AI-driven analysis represents […]

The founder of RBG Holdings, Ian Rosenblatt, has declared the listed legal services group “insolvent” amidst an intensifying boardroom dispute. The situation reached a critical point as Rosenblatt threatened legal action against the board over what he describes as “defamatory” market statements following his removal from the company. The Aim-listed group announced the suspension of […]

British pharmaceutical giant GSK is in advanced negotiations to acquire IDRx, a Massachusetts-based biotechnology company, in a deal valued at approximately $1 billion. The announcement is expected to coincide with the upcoming JP Morgan healthcare conference in San Francisco next week. The Cambridge-headquartered IDRx, which secured £120 million in funding last August from prominent investors […]

The UK’s financial landscape is facing mounting pressures as rising borrowing costs threaten to derail Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ fiscal strategy mere months after her inaugural Budget. The situation has become increasingly precarious, with signs pointing towards potential mandatory fiscal tightening as early as March when the Office for Budget Responsibility presents its forecasts. The core […]

Lloyds Banking Group has unveiled plans to permit customers of Halifax, Lloyds and Bank of Scotland to utilise branches across all three brands, igniting concerns about potential widespread closures and redundancies. The transformation was announced in a staff memorandum by Jayne Opperman, the group’s consumer relationship chief, who emphasised the need to adapt branch services […]

Physical money is experiencing an unexpected resurgence in Britain, defying predictions of a cashless revolution. Recent data from Nationwide Building Society reveals cash withdrawals have increased for the third consecutive year, highlighting the enduring appeal of notes and coins among British consumers. The UK’s largest building society reported nearly 33 million ATM withdrawals in the […]

Household essentials, including food and beverages, might see price hikes of up to 20% in 2025 amid ongoing global supply chain challenges, according to industry experts. The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) has issued a stark warning about potential cost increases affecting everything from electronics to petroleum products. The mounting pressures stem from […]

Rising government borrowing costs have pushed UK gilt yields to their highest level since 1998, potentially forcing Chancellor Rachel Reeves to implement additional public spending cuts at the upcoming March spring forecast. The yield on 30-year UK debt climbed by 0.4 percentage points to reach 5.22%, surpassing the peak witnessed during the market turbulence following […]

Scottish spirits giant William Grant & Sons has announced exceptional financial results for 2023, with sales approaching £2 billion and pre-tax profits soaring to £554 million, marking a significant increase from £397.6 million in the previous year. The family-owned enterprise, which traces its roots back to 1887, demonstrated remarkable resilience in challenging global trading conditions. […]