The Indian government has unveiled groundbreaking legislation designed to revolutionise its domestic oil and gas exploration sector, marking a decisive shift towards energy independence. The move comes as Asia’s third-largest economy grapples with an enormous import bill, currently bringing in 80% of its oil requirements from overseas markets. The strategic legislation aims to modernise the […]

Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche has finalised a £4.4 billion deal with Danish biotech firm Zealand Pharma to develop and commercialise a next-generation obesity treatment. The agreement focuses on Petrelintide, a weekly injectable drug targeting weight loss. This collaboration marks a significant step in expanding Roche’s pipeline for a market projected to exceed £82 billion by […]

The German luxury carmaker Porsche has announced plans to reduce its workforce by nearly 10 per cent in response to challenging market conditions and ongoing tariff uncertainties. The company, which is majority-owned by Volkswagen, confirmed it intends to cut 4,000 jobs through measures such as non-renewal of fixed-term contracts, natural turnover, and retirements over the […]

Curve, the British financial technology firm challenging Apple Pay, has announced plans to raise new funding after pausing its operations in the United States. The company, founded by Shachar Bialick in 2015, provides a platform that combines multiple cards and PayPal accounts into one smart card or device, with wearable payment options such as rings […]

Peak AI, the Manchester and Jaipur-based artificial intelligence software firm, has been acquired by American automation group UiPath for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition is part of UiPath’s strategy to expand its AI capabilities and comes after what has been a challenging period for Peak AI’s business growth. Founded in 2015 by Richard Potter, David […]

The market turmoil gripping the United States has dealt a significant blow to the collective valuations of America’s top technology companies, known as the Magnificent Seven. Over $2.7 trillion has been wiped from the combined market value of Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Meta Platforms, Nvidia, and Tesla. The sharp decline follows a stellar run for […]

Oxford Medical Simulation, a UK-based virtual reality (VR) training company, has shifted its primary focus to the United States, citing bureaucratic obstacles within the NHS as a major hindrance to innovation. The London-based firm, founded in 2017, offers virtual reality simulations to train healthcare professionals, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Co-founders […]

Telegraph Media Group has initiated an independent review into its reported circulation figures and certain revenue recordings between 2020 and 2023. The move follows concerns raised by the acting Chief Financial Officer, Cathy Southgate. She took over the role after her predecessor, Cormac O’Shea, departed early last year amidst an ongoing government investigation into the […]

Amid ongoing tensions between the United States and the European Union, Ireland finds itself in a precarious position as trade talks intensify. For years, the Irish economy has benefited significantly from US investment, but concerns are mounting over potential tariffs and tax changes that could undermine its economic stability. Currently, Ireland holds the fourth-largest trade […]

The UK steel industry faces significant challenges as President Trump’s latest tariffs tighten their grip on global trade. The new measures impose a 25 per cent levy on aluminium products and extend beyond raw materials to include goods partly made with steel or aluminium. British companies exporting to the United States are now grappling with […]

Seraphim Space Investment Trust, a London-listed company specialising in military applications in space, has faced a perplexing lack of interest from investors despite the announcement of significant increases in global defence spending. According to its manager, Mark Boggett, the trust’s share price has barely moved, even as other defence-related stocks have enjoyed substantial gains. The […]

Trainline, the rail ticketing giant, has reported weaker-than-expected sales growth, compounding investor anxiety over the looming threat of a state-backed competitor. Despite a 12 per cent rise in net ticket sales to £5.9 billion over the 12 months to February, this fell marginally short of City analysts’ predictions. The company attributed the shortfall to changes […]

Deliveroo has reached a milestone by reporting its first full year of profit since its founding 12 years ago. The food delivery company posted a net profit of £2.9 million for the financial year ending in December 2024, a significant turnaround from a £31.8 million loss the previous year. However, its performance fell short of […]

The iconic model train maker Hornby has announced its intention to delist from AIM, London’s junior stock exchange, after more than four decades as a public company. The move comes amidst increasing regulatory burdens and costs that the company says outweigh the benefits of staying listed. Hornby, which has been backed by billionaire Mike Ashley […]

Shares in Savills have faced new pressure, despite the property agent announcing a significant rise in profits for 2024. The firm reported a 59 per cent increase in pre-tax profits, reaching £88.3 million compared to the £55.4 million recorded in 2023. This performance was supported by a 7 per cent growth in revenues, which climbed […]

The John Lewis Partnership has announced a significant leap in profits, with pre-tax earnings before exceptional items tripling to £126 million for the year ending 25 January 2025. This marks a dramatic rise from the previous year’s figure of £42 million. However, the long-standing employee-owned retailer has, for the third consecutive year, decided against paying […]

President Donald Trump has reignited trade tensions between the United States and the European Union by threatening a substantial 200 per cent tariff on wine, champagne, and other alcohol products imported from the EU. The move is a response to the bloc’s planned 50 per cent surcharge on US whiskey exports, which is set to […]

Keir Starmer has confirmed he will not respond with immediate counter-tariffs if former US President Donald Trump imposes a 25% levy on all steel and aluminium imports from the United Kingdom. The Prime Minister, who discussed the matter with Trump during a phone call on Monday, has prepared for the tariffs to take effect at […]

Motability Operations, the company managing Britain’s largest vehicle leasing scheme for people with disabilities, is at a crossroads as the government prepares to slash disability benefit payouts. With 815,000 customers, almost one in five new cars sold in the UK today is linked to the scheme. This highlights its critical role not only for the […]

Discord, the communications platform primarily used by gamers, and Klarna, the Swedish payments giant, are reportedly laying the groundwork for their initial public offerings (IPOs) in 2025. Both companies are in discussions with investment banks as they prepare to debut on the stock markets. This move has the potential to reinvigorate the global IPO market, […]

Synairgen, the respiratory-focused biotechnology company born out of the University of Southampton, is set to delist from the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) following a turbulent period of funding challenges. Shareholders are expected to vote on the decision later this month as the company pivots towards seeking private investment to stabilise its future. The decision follows […]

A contentious £3 billion refinancing package for Thames Water has stirred significant debate as critics argue it could worsen the company’s financial troubles. The plan, approved by the High Court last month, was hailed by Thames Water as a critical milestone in addressing its mounting debt of £19 billion. However, environmental and consumer groups, along […]

The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, is expected to face significant fiscal challenges at the upcoming Spring Statement, scheduled for 26 March 2025. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) is set to release its latest economic forecasts, which are widely anticipated to downgrade growth expectations and increase financial pressure on the government. Recent developments, including soaring inflation […]

The trade war between the United States and Canada reached new heights on Tuesday as Donald Trump announced plans to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium products. The levies, initially set at 25%, are expected to rise to 50% amid rising tensions between the two neighbouring nations. This move follows Ontario’s imposition of a […]

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is on the verge of introducing a compensation scheme that could see banks proactively inform borrowers if they have been mis-sold car loans, potentially resulting in billions of pounds in redress. This development arises amid escalating concerns over the widespread mis-selling of motor finance, a scandal reminiscent of the Payment […]

The sonic boom of Concorde, a groundbreaking aircraft that once sped across the skies, spelled its ultimate downfall more than two decades ago. Its thunderous 110-decibel roar ensured the jet was banned from flying over land, limiting its usage to transatlantic routes. Alongside prohibitive maintenance costs and a fatal crash, the disruption caused by its […]

The end of the financial year is fast approaching, and with it comes the need for UK investors and savers to make the most of their Individual Savings Account (ISA) allowances before 5 April. Each year, individuals are entitled to shelter up to £20,000 from tax in an ISA, but this allowance operates on a […]

Latham & Watkins has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the second law firm in history to surpass the $7 billion revenue threshold. The Los Angeles-founded firm reported a 23 per cent increase in revenue during the last quarter, solidifying its position as one of the most successful legal practices on the global stage. The […]

One of the UK’s leading care providers, Cera, is trialling the use of robots to deliver support and improve care for elderly and vulnerable individuals. Collaborating with North Northamptonshire Council, Cera aims to enhance the experience of home-based care while addressing staff shortages in the sector. These robots assist with medication reminders, encourage hydration and […]

Volkswagen Group’s latest financial results reveal an unconventional yet intriguing highlight. Despite a challenging year that saw a significant 30.4% drop in profits after tax for 2024, the German automaker sold a record-breaking 8.5 million currywurst sausages — 200,000 more than the previous year. The company, which operates leading brands such as Audi, Porsche, and […]

The downturn in US stock markets deepened yesterday following the Trump administration’s announcement of fresh tariffs on Canadian aluminium imports. Equity prices continued their slide, wiping billions from company valuations and raising fears of worsening economic disruption. America’s leading stock indices suffered across the board. The S&P 500, widely seen as a barometer for the […]

Online fashion retailer Boohoo is to undergo a significant transformation as it rebrands itself as the Debenhams Group. Under the leadership of new chief executive Dan Finley, the company aims to replicate the success of Debenhams, which it acquired in 2021, to revitalise its broader business operations. Finley, who previously headed the Debenhams business before […]

More than 12 million Nationwide customers are set to receive a £50 payment as a “thank you” gesture, following the building society’s acquisition of Virgin Money last year. This £600 million initiative will be distributed to eligible members who held either a savings or current account with at least £100 in it, or a Nationwide […]

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS), often referred to as the “central bank of central banks,” has raised serious concerns over the impact of President Trump’s trade policies on the global economy. Despite forecasting that the US and most advanced economies will steer clear of a recession this year, the BIS has warned that escalating […]

Sir Richard Branson has expressed his aspiration to commence Virgin Galactic spaceflights from UK soil, with Cornwall emerging as a potential launch site. Speaking via video link from his private retreat on Necker Island, he highlighted ongoing discussions with Italian officials about constructing a spaceport there and emphasised his desire to explore similar possibilities with […]

Whistleblowers in the UK could stand to earn significant financial rewards for exposing tax avoidance and fraud under a new scheme outlined by the Treasury. Inspired by similar programmes in the United States, informants will be entitled to receive a share of the additional tax revenue raised, with payments ranging from 10% to 25% of […]

The UK’s business landscape has witnessed a notable contraction, with the number of companies registered at Companies House declining in the final quarter of 2024. For the first time since 2012, the total figures for businesses on the official register fell, marking a challenging period for entrepreneurs and small business owners. According to data, the […]

The recent alignment of seven major planets over Britain coincided with promising developments in the field of genetics, particularly for UK-based Genomics, a genetic analytics firm spearheading a transformative approach to healthcare. The company, led by Sir Peter Donnelly, has received regulatory approval for four genetic tests targeting heart disease, type 2 diabetes and breast […]

Deliveroo, the FTSE 250-listed food delivery company, has announced its decision to exit the Hong Kong market after nine years of operation, citing overwhelming competition from rivals. The company revealed that assets from its Hong Kong operations will be sold to Foodpanda, a Singapore-based rival owned by Germany’s Delivery Hero. Liquidators have been appointed to […]

The chief executive of BP, Murray Auchincloss, has defended his decision to scale back the firm’s previous commitments to renewable energy and increase fossil fuel production, stating that the strategy has been positively received by investors. In an opinion piece written for The Times, Auchincloss highlighted that shareholders are primarily focused on how swiftly the […]

Ford has announced plans to invest €4.4 billion into its electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing programme in Germany, an attempt to revitalise its struggling European operations. The US automotive giant, which previously pledged to transition its European business to fully electric by 2030, has faced significant financial challenges. Reports indicate that its German business is currently […]

Over 300,000 small businesses in the UK are planning to lay off workers following the sharp increases in employer national insurance contributions and the minimum wage announced in Rachel Reeves’ October budget. Surveys reveal a turbulent jobs market as companies prepare for the rising cost pressures set to take effect from April. The main rate […]

The takeover of Assura, one of the NHS’s largest landlords, appears to have moved a step closer after the American private equity firm KKR, in partnership with Stonepeak, raised its offer to £1.6 billion. The board of Assura, which owns a £3.2 billion portfolio of over 600 healthcare properties, has indicated it is “minded” to […]

Landsec, one of the UK’s largest property companies, is undergoing a significant transformation under the leadership of its chief executive, Mark Allan. Traditionally known for owning vast office spaces and major retail centres such as Bluewater in Kent and Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, the company is now pivoting towards the residential market. By 2030, Landsec […]

Shares in London-listed shipping company Clarkson have dropped by 21.7% despite the firm reporting record annual profits. The share price fell by 955p to £34.55 amid concerns over the impact of global trade tensions, regional conflicts, inflation, and sanctions. These factors are contributing to increased uncertainty in the shipping industry, said the company’s chief executive, […]

The UK government’s plan to support onshore wind power growth in Scotland beyond 2030 has raised significant concerns among key developers. Despite projections that onshore wind capacity in Scotland will double by the close of the decade, figures show almost no further expansion in the five years following. Developers are warning this sharp decline in […]

Lloyd’s of London has announced that Californian wildfires last year generated a market-wide loss of approximately $2.3 billion (£1.9 billion), according to its preliminary 2024 results. While this has impacted the insurance market’s 2024 profits, the group remains stable due to disciplined operations and strong premium growth. The specialist insurance firm saw its gross written […]

The activist investor DBay Advisors is set to take Alliance Pharma private with a final, sweetened offer of £362 million. The Isle of Man-based investment firm has increased its cash offer to 64.75p per share, up from a previous bid of 62.5p in January. This revised proposal has received the backing of Alliance’s board, along […]

Unilever’s new chief executive, Fernando Fernandez, has announced plans to expedite the sale of underperforming brands in the company’s Foods Europe division, marking a swift shift in its restructuring strategy. Speaking publicly for the first time since his appointment, Fernandez revealed that €1 billion worth of food brands have been identified as unsuitable for the […]

Wall Street endured a turbulent trading session on Monday as investors reacted to growing concerns about a potential US economic downturn. The sell-off was triggered by uncertainty surrounding President Trump’s trade policies and large-scale federal job cuts, which have heightened worries about a looming recession. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite plunged by 4 per cent, reaching […]

Contingency measures are being prepared to safeguard the pensions of 12,000 Thames Water employees as the utility company faces potential special administration. The company, which serves 16 million households, is at the centre of financial turmoil, with its future hinging on a court decision regarding a £16 billion restructuring plan. The Court of Appeal is […]

At this year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the latest innovations powered by 5G technology were on full display, from Telefonica’s firefighting drones to Nokia’s driverless cars. Yet while these advancements turn heads, Europe’s 5G rollout lags significantly behind its global competitors. Despite the growing appetite for high-speed connectivity across the continent, less than half […]

Richard Oldfield, the newly appointed chief executive of Schroders, has vowed to deliver £150 million in cost savings as he navigates the evolving investment landscape. Since taking the reins in November, he has embraced a hands-on approach, even dining in the staff canteen and forgoing his company car. These actions underline his commitment to aligning […]

The United States has witnessed a dramatic shift in attitudes towards cryptocurrency, culminating in the recent “digital asset summit” hosted by President Donald Trump at the White House. The event was attended by tech heavyweights, crypto advocates, and cabinet members, highlighting the growing embrace of digital currencies at the highest level of government. From its […]

Heathrow’s chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, has revealed that the construction of the proposed third runway will require a significant re-routing of the M25, one of the busiest motorways in Europe. The existing 12-lane stretch of road, located between junctions 14 and 15, is set to be diverted through a new tunnel to accommodate the expansion. […]

Project Blazing Star, a significant £10 billion deal, has seen Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) sell its business to the private equity firm Sycamore Partners. This sale marks a dramatic turning point for the retail giant, which struggled financially in recent years. Walgreens, which once merged with Boots in a historic £10 billion transatlantic deal in […]

The debate surrounding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing and its compatibility with defence spending has reignited amid growing global tensions and calls for increased security funding. European and British defence budgets have seen significant boosts, and investors are reconsidering long-held exclusions of defence stocks from ESG portfolios. Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron described Europe […]

British Railways, once the centrepiece of the nation’s transport infrastructure, is set to undergo a major rebrand sixty years after its iconic “double arrow” logo was launched. The revamped branding, featuring the Union Jack, seeks to establish a renewed sense of “Britishness” on the national railway network. The changes coincide with the Labour government’s move […]

Troubled British steel tycoon Sanjeev Gupta is at the centre of a legal dispute with administrators for control of InfraBuild, an Australian steel company valued at A$6 billion (£3 billion). InfraBuild, a linchpin of Gupta’s global metals empire, has come into focus following the collapse of UK-based Greensill Capital, which had heavily financed Gupta’s businesses. […]

Sony Music, one of the world’s leading entertainment companies, has strongly criticised the UK government’s proposed changes to copyright laws. The government intends to create an exemption allowing artificial intelligence (AI) developers to mine video, audio, and text content without explicit permission unless creators opt out. Sony has warned that these reforms could undermine both […]

Ministers have grown frustrated with the deadlock over how the funds should be allocated, with Abramovich arguing for broader use of the funds outside Ukraine, while the government pushes for exclusive spending within the country. Officials remain determined to access the money, which has been frozen in a UK bank account under Abramovich’s company Fordstam […]

The European Central Bank (ECB) has announced another cut in interest rates across the 20-member eurozone, reducing its deposit rate by a quarter of a percentage point to 2.5%. This marks the second rate cut this year as the region grapples with slowing economic growth and increasing trade tensions. Economists widely predicted this move, with […]

The European Union has reached a historic consensus on significantly increasing defence spending, marking a pivotal moment for its collective security strategy. Leaders convened at a special summit in Brussels to approve European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal for a sweeping €800 billion defence package. This development arrives amidst growing concerns over diminished […]

Anthropic, a leading artificial intelligence company headquartered in San Francisco, has rapidly emerged as one of the most prominent competitors to OpenAI. Co-founded by siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei in 2020, the company is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge AI technology while maintaining a strong focus on safety and ethics. Both founders believe that […]

Harbour Energy, the UK’s largest oil and gas producer, has reported a post-tax loss for the past financial year, as higher taxes on North Sea operations offset a significant increase in pre-tax profits. The latest results highlight the challenges the company faces in navigating the country’s complex tax regime and its lasting impact on the […]

Schroders, the London-based asset management company, has unveiled a significant cost-cutting initiative aimed at saving £150 million annually as part of a three-year transformation plan. The newly appointed chief executive, Richard Oldfield, stated that the measures were necessary to streamline operations and improve efficiency. The company has already reduced its workforce by approximately 200 employees […]

Severe cost pressures are mounting on British businesses, prompting the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) to downgrade the UK’s economic growth forecast for 2025. The lobby group now expects the economy to grow by 0.9% this year, a reduction from the previously predicted 1.3%, with slowed growth mainly driven by increased government spending. The BCC […]

Melrose Industries, the Birmingham-based aerospace engineering giant, reported a remarkable 36% increase in pre-tax profits for 2024, reaching £438 million. The strong performance was driven by growth in both its engines and structures divisions, alongside a significant rise in demand for aftermarket services. Despite the robust financial results, the company’s shares dropped sharply by 17.2% […]

The multinational healthcare and insurance company Bupa has reported a staggering 72 per cent rise in profits, reaching £972 million for the year ending 31 December. This impressive growth coincided with a surge in its customer base, which expanded by 10.5 million to a total of 60.5 million customers. Group-wide revenue increased by 16 per […]

Reckitt Benckiser, the FTSE 100 consumer healthcare group behind well-known brands like Dettol and Strepsils, has issued a sales outlook that falls below City forecasts. The company, headquartered in Slough, is undergoing a complex restructuring as it shifts focus towards its high-growth, high-margin powerbrands. These include prominent names such as Durex, Gaviscon, and Mucinex. The […]

The owner of Ladbrokes and Sportingbet, Entain, has expressed confidence in meeting market expectations for 2025 following a strong performance in 2024. The company reported underlying adjusted earnings of £1.09 billion for the year ending December 31, 2024. Total net gaming revenues, excluding its US joint venture BetMGM, climbed by 7 per cent to £5.16 […]

China’s economic leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a five percent growth target for 2025, despite rising global trade tensions and scepticism from analysts. This ambitious goal, outlined during the National People’s Congress, follows a similar target set last year, which some experts believe was met only due to exceptional export figures. The annual […]

The Pepco Group is reportedly weighing the possible sale of Poundland as the discount chain battles significant challenges in the UK’s increasingly difficult retail environment. Poundland, which generates 30 per cent of Pepco’s total revenue, has seen a decline in performance, prompting the company to evaluate its strategic options for the business. This comes as […]

The Chief Executive of ITV, Dame Carolyn McCall, has indicated that the company will keep “all options open” while it considers the future of its production arm. Speaking amid speculation about a potential separation of ITV’s production and broadcasting businesses, McCall emphasised the benefits of the current structure. She noted that ITV Studios’ in-house labels […]

Admiral has reported a significant surge in annual profits, driven by a strategic decision to lower UK motor insurance premiums after an industry-wide price hike. The FTSE 100 company has seen remarkable growth in customer numbers and total revenues, a testament to its pricing strategy and market agility. The insurer recorded a 15 per cent […]

European government bond markets experienced renewed turbulence yesterday as Germany announced a €500 billion investment fund while loosening its strict fiscal borrowing rules. The yield on Germany’s benchmark ten-year government bond, known as the “bund,” surged by as much as 13 basis points to 2.93 per cent. This followed a steep 31 basis points rise […]

Chinese researchers have made a groundbreaking leap forward in the field of quantum computing, unveiling a new prototype superconducting quantum computer that could usher in a transformative era in processing power. Developed by scientists at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), the quantum processor is reported to operate at a speed quadrillions […]

The £3.6 billion takeover of the Royal Mail’s parent company, International Distribution Services, by Czech tycoon Daniel Kretinsky has hit delays due to political upheaval in Romania. The acquisition, involving EP Group, required final regulatory approval in Romania, but a crisis involving the country’s postponed presidential elections has disrupted the process. Shareholders had been advised […]

European financial markets have surged following Germany’s decision to suspend its strict “debt brake” rule, enabling a historic increase in defence and infrastructure spending. This paradigm shift has also driven a sharp rise in German government bond yields, with the interest rate on 30-year bonds jumping 25 basis points to 3.08% – the largest single-day […]

Corrinne Durber, a gardener from Gloucestershire, has won a decisive high court victory against Paddy Power, compelling the gambling company to pay her jackpot prize of £1,076,867.57. The dispute arose after the betting giant initially awarded her only £20,265.14, claiming she had won a ‘daily jackpot’ rather than the advertised ‘monster jackpot’. Durber’s win came […]

The UK government has revealed a comprehensive set of proposals aimed at reshaping the North Sea’s energy future, prioritising a shift away from oil and gas exploration towards cleaner energy sources. The announcement confirms a ban on new oil and gas drilling licences, aligning with the nation’s commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by […]

Sales of Tesla vehicles in the United Kingdom rose significantly last month, showcasing the enduring popularity of the electric carmaker despite ongoing controversies surrounding its CEO, Elon Musk. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), nearly 4,000 Tesla vehicles were sold in the UK in February, marking a 20.7 per cent increase […]

Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has decided to drop its investigation into Microsoft’s $13 billion stake in OpenAI. The regulator concluded that Microsoft does not hold the degree of control over the artificial intelligence firm sufficient to merit additional scrutiny. This marks the end of a case opened in December 2023 which sought to […]

Quilter, one of the UK’s leading wealth management firms, has allocated £76 million to cover compensation costs for clients who paid for financial advice they did not receive. The FTSE 250 company revealed the provision in its annual results and confirmed this step was necessary following an ongoing review into its advisory services from 2018 […]

Adidas has reduced its profit forecast for 2025 amidst signs of slowing growth, as the German sportswear giant navigates a challenging economic landscape. The company now expects operating profits to range between €1.7 billion and €1.8 billion, falling below analysts’ estimates of €2.1 billion. This follows a period of strong growth driven by its retro […]

International investors have significantly reduced their holdings of UK government debt at the outset of the year, marking the steepest decline in two years. Data from the Bank of England reveals that foreign bondholders cut their net holdings by £22.3 billion in January. This retreat highlights fiscal nerves within bond markets and raises questions concerning […]

The Barclay family’s retail empire, The Very Group, has suffered another financial blow as its credit rating was pushed deeper into junk status by Fitch Ratings. The company, which carries debts exceeding £2 billion, has now been downgraded from B-minus to CCC-plus. This reflects a significant risk of default on its loans, raising serious concerns […]

The Bank of England’s governor, Andrew Bailey, has warned of substantial risks to the UK economy and the global economy stemming from President Trump’s aggressive trade policies. Speaking to MPs on the Treasury select committee, Bailey highlighted that the imposition of punitive tariffs by the United States could significantly impact economic growth and reduce the […]

The United Kingdom is preparing to submit a formal bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035, marking a significant moment for British football. England will collaborate with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to organise the tournament, a move that could solidify Britain’s reputation as a major player in global football. This follows […]

Consumers in the United States have been urged to prepare for increased prices following the implementation of new tariffs by former president Donald Trump. On Monday, a 25 per cent duty was imposed on exports from Mexico and Canada, in addition to increased tariffs on Chinese goods. Economists and industry leaders warn that these measures […]

Taiwan’s government has pledged to retain its most advanced semiconductor technology onshore, following the announcement of a significant $100 billion (£79 billion) deal between Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) and Donald Trump. The agreement, which includes building five state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in the United States, has drawn scrutiny over its potential implications for Taiwan’s national […]

CK Hutchison Holdings, a Hong Kong-based logistics giant, has announced the sale of a majority stake in Panama Ports Company to investors, including US financial powerhouse BlackRock. The deal, valued at nearly $23 billion, hands over control of the ports of Balboa and Cristóbal, two vital hubs in Panama, until 2047. The transaction forms part […]

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has denounced Donald Trump’s decision to impose new tariffs on Canadian goods as a “dumb” trade war and accused the former US president of aiming to destabilise Canada’s economy. Speaking in Ottawa, Trudeau contended that the ultimate goal of the US administration’s aggressive trade policies was to undermine Canadian sovereignty […]

Rachel Reeves has announced plans to prioritise UK companies and jobs in the government’s commitment to significantly increase defence spending. Speaking to the manufacturing trade body Make UK, the chancellor outlined how the defence budget would act as a catalyst for economic growth, particularly in the country’s “left behind” industrial towns. The government has pledged […]

Arab nations have collectively endorsed a £42bn ($53bn) reconstruction initiative focused on rebuilding Gaza under the future administration of the Palestinian Authority (PA). This ambitious plan was unveiled during an Arab League summit in Cairo and is seen as a strategic alternative to controversial proposals previously floated by Donald Trump. The project, which emphasises emergency […]

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, announced a comprehensive €800 billion plan to bolster Europe’s defence capabilities and address urgent military requirements for Ukraine. The “ReArm Europe” initiative, unveiled at the Commission’s headquarters in Brussels, includes a set of measures aimed at increasing defence expenditure, pooling resources, and reducing fragmentation across the […]

President Trump’s decision to impose sweeping tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China has brought an end to weeks of speculation over his trade policies. The introduction of these levies represents the most significant rise in protectionist measures by the United States in over half a century. Average tariffs in the country have now […]

Saudi Aramco has announced a significant decline in dividends for 2025, marking almost a 30 per cent reduction from the $124 billion distributed last year to a total of $85.4 billion. This drop comes as the oil giant reported a 12 per cent fall in net income, from $121.3 billion in 2023 to $106.2 billion […]

Deutsche Bank has sounded the alarm on the potential decline of the US dollar’s long-held safe haven status. Recent developments in global markets suggest cracks are beginning to show in the currency’s historically strong position. According to George Saravelos, the global head of FX research at Deutsche Bank, the early signs of this shift have […]

Abrdn, the investment giant previously known as Standard Life Aberdeen, has announced it will revert to a simplified version of its former branding, renaming itself Aberdeen Group. This move marks an end to the three-year experiment with the ‘disemvowelled’ name that was widely derided since its introduction in 2021. Jason Windsor, who became CEO in […]