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| 21-12-2025 |
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Welcome to the weekly international news from Stockmark.IT - covering the news that affecting international financial markets.
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Trump Media Shifts from Social Networks to Fusion Energy with Six Billion Pound TAE Merger
Trump Media and Technology Group, the entity behind Truth Social, has announced a strategic pivot with the proposed merger of TAE Technologies, a company specialising in fusion energy. The six billion pound deal marks a remarkable transition for Trump Media, historically focused on digital media, into the advanced energy sector. TAE, founded in 1998, is […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Avanti West Coast Derailment Prompts Urgent Review of Rail Landslip Sensors Near Shap Cumbria
The recent derailment of an Avanti West Coast train near Shap in Cumbria has prompted urgent scrutiny of the UK rail industry’s landslide monitoring systems. On 3 November 2025, a train travelling from Glasgow to London came off the tracks while moving at 83 mph following heavy rainfall, which washed debris onto the line. Four […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Visa and Mastercard agree to settle major lawsuit over ATM fees
Visa and Mastercard have reached a settlement totalling 1675 million dollars to resolve a class action lawsuit which accused the two payment giants of conspiring to maintain artificially high ATM access fees. The agreement was submitted this week in the federal district court in Washington and now awaits the approval of a judge. This proposed […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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AI Revolution Risks Entry Level Jobs Bank Of England Governor Warns 2025
The Bank of England’s governor, Andrew Bailey, has called for Britain to brace itself for a wave of job displacement driven by artificial intelligence. Comparing the trend to previous technological shifts such as the Industrial Revolution, Bailey stated that although mass unemployment may not result, the workforce will experience major changes. He gave particular emphasis […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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WH Smith faces accounting scandal and regulatory probe as profits tumble
WH Smith is under formal investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority following a significant accounting error in its United States business. This misstatement, which inflated profits over several years, resulted in the recent resignation of chief executive Carl Cowling. The mistake prompted a restatement of group profits for the financial years ending August 2023 and […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Ukraines Sea Drone Strategy Escalates Tanker Risks Across Europe
Ukraine has expanded its campaign of attacks against tankers transporting Russian oil, raising the stakes for the entire maritime sector as the potential theatre of conflict stretches from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean and possibly towards the English Channel. The recent strike on an Oman flagged tanker signalled a shift in Ukrainian military tactics, […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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SpaceX poised for trillion dollar flotation as space sector surges in value
Speculation has mounted in recent weeks that SpaceX, under the leadership of Elon Musk, may soon proceed with a major stock market listing. Executives are reportedly assessing investment banks to coordinate a potential initial public offering, with a valuation possibly reaching 1.5 trillion dollars. This stands in stark contrast to its previous valuation of 350 […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Entrepreneur found to have forged documents in failed yodel takeover attempt
A British parcel entrepreneur has been found by the High Court to have likely forged key documents in a failed attempt to seize control of the delivery company Yodel. Mr Justice Fancourt issued a critical verdict against Jacob Corlett, ruling that he conspired with his mother to falsify share warrants in the business. Signatures on […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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France Faces Fresh Fiscal Turmoil as 2026 Budget Vote Fails
France is once again grappling with a fiscal crisis following the governmentâs inability to secure parliamentary approval for the 2026 budget. Sebastian Lecornu, Franceâs fourth prime minister in just eighteen months, now finds himself forced to extend the current budget into January while urgently seeking consensus with rivals in the Assembly. He has publicly committed […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Supermarket Leaders Move to Outsmart Union Power Under New Labour Law
Executives at major supermarkets are taking strategic steps to navigate the changes introduced by Labour’s landmark Employment Rights Act, which recently received Royal Assent. As this new legislation prepares to grant unions sweeping access and stronger bargaining positions in the workplace, retailers are scrutinising their approaches to union engagement, seeking the most advantageous arrangements ahead […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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TikTok Joint Venture Approved to Prevent Ban in United States
After years of debate and regulatory tension, TikTok has secured approval for a joint venture to maintain its operations within the United States. The decision arrives five years after the initial ban threat from former President Donald Trump, who cited privacy and national security concerns related to the Chinese-owned platform. This agreement seeks to address […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Contactless Card Payment Limit of £100 Pounds to End in March 2026
The Financial Conduct Authority has announced a landmark shift in the regulation of contactless card payments in the United Kingdom. From 19 March 2026, the long-standing £100 cap on contactless card purchases will be lifted, granting banks and card issuers the autonomy to determine their own maximum limits. This regulatory change is designed to reflect […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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UK Retail Sales Disappoint as Shoppers Hold Back in November
Retail sales volumes across the United Kingdom recorded an unexpected contraction of 0.1 percent in November, according to data released by the Office for National Statistics. The figures defied City economistsâ expectations of 0.4 percent growth, highlighting cautious consumer spending in the period leading up to the budget. Excluding fuel, sales volumes fell by 0.2 […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Elliott Prepares Waterstones and Barnes and Noble for Landmark IPO
Elliott Management, the American investment firm controlling Waterstones and Barnes and Noble, is reportedly preparing to float the two bookselling giants in London or New York in the coming year. Market sources suggest that discussions with potential advisers are under way, with the appointment of investment banks anticipated early next year. While a final decision […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Naked Wines profits rise as Christmas sales boost turnaround success
Naked Wines has announced that its profits for the current financial year are set to reach the upper end of forecasts, following a strong trading period in the lead up to Christmas. The online wine retailer issued a trading update indicating its adjusted earnings before interest, tax and other items for the year ending March […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Nissan Sunderland Plant Bets Future On Electric Cars Amid Industry Challenges
The Nissan Leaf was heralded as the worldâs first mass-market electric car upon its 2013 launch in Sunderland. Despite early optimism, ambitions to reach an annual production of 50000 vehicles never materialised. Over 15 years, 700000 units have been sold globally, with 280000 manufactured in the North East. Tesla and other competitors quickly eclipsed Nissanâs […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Sony acquires controlling stake in Peanuts Holdings for $460 million dollars
The Japanese entertainment conglomerate Sony is set to secure a controlling interest in Peanuts Holdings, the company which owns the intellectual property rights to Charles Schulzâs iconic cartoon characters including Charlie Brown and Snoopy. Sony Music Entertainment Japan and Sony Pictures Entertainment are collectively investing $460 million dollars to purchase a 41 per cent share […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader Announce Merger to Form Worlds Fifth Largest Law Firm by Revenue
Hogan Lovells, the United Kingdom’s sixth highest-earning law firm, is set to merge with Cadwalader, the oldest legal practice on Wall Street. This deal will create an organisation with an annual revenue of £2.7 billion and will become the world’s fifth largest law firm by revenue. The announcement was made by partners in London, following […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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UK government borrowing reaches second highest level amid fiscal pressures
Government borrowing in the United Kingdom surged to £132.3 billion between April and November, marking the second-highest level for this period, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics. This figure was surpassed only in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, which triggered exceptional government spending to support the economy. Despite […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Britain faces soaring disability benefits bill amid surging claims
By the start of the next decade, disability benefits claims in Britain are projected to reach extraordinary levels, with one in eight people expected to receive support. Official estimates suggest that 8.7 million Britons will be claiming disability-related welfare by 2030, a significant increase from just under seven million at present, or one in ten […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Premier Inn Owner Faces Investor Pressure after Budget Setback
Whitbread, the owner of Premier Inn and restaurant brands such as Beefeater, is under increasing pressure from US-based activist investor Corvex following a recent financial blow linked to the Autumn Statement delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. The Chancellor’s overhaul of business rates, a property tax, resulted in higher tax bills for large commercial properties, with […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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BPs new chief Meg ONeill signals sharp pivot from net zero ambition
BP is set for a major strategic overhaul as Meg OâNeill is appointed chief executive, succeeding Murray Auchincloss in a surprise change that has triggered fervent investor reactions. The move comes as shareholders urge BP to set aside net zero targets and refocus on its traditional oil and gas operations, reversing the previous leadershipâs push […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Warner Bros Urges Shareholders to Reject Paramounts Latest Hostile Bid in Favour of Netflix Offer
The board of Warner Bros Discovery has advised shareholders to turn down a £108 billion hostile bid from Paramount Skydance, describing the approach as inferior compared to terms recently agreed with Netflix. In a letter addressed to investors, the studio highlighted concerns with the Paramount proposal, which marks the seventh such approach since September, criticising […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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UK Faces Steep Costs as it Prepares to Rejoin Erasmus Exchange Programme
Britain is set to pay nearly £1 billion annually to regain access to the Erasmus student exchange programme, a flagship EU initiative that allows students to study at universities across Europe. After leaving Erasmus at the end of the Brexit transition period, the UK is rejoining under a plan that will see British students return […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Mortgage Price War Set to Lower Fixed Rates as Interest and Inflation Dip in the UK
This winter, homeowners across the United Kingdom are poised to benefit from a dramatic shift in the mortgage market, as lenders engage in fierce competition to draw in borrowers. Industry experts anticipate that fixed mortgage rates could fall below 3 point 5 percent within weeks, a move driven by declining inflation and a likely cut […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Diageo sells East African Breweries stake to Asahi for $2.3 billion dollars
Diageo has reached an agreement to sell its majority holding in East African Breweries to Asahi for 2 point 3 billion dollars. This strategic move is part of Diageoâs ongoing plan to divest noncore assets, strengthen its balance sheet and accelerate growth. The sale includes Diageoâs 65 percent stake in East African Breweries and its […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Sothebys and Christies Signal Global Art Market Recovery in 2025
Sothebys and Christies, two of the most influential auction houses in the world, are forecasting a reversal of fortune in the global art market after a prolonged downturn. Sothebys, headquartered in New York, projects a 17 percent rise in sales to 7 billion US dollars for 2025. Auction sales are expected to surpass 5.7 billion […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Paddy Power Betfair Penalised Two Million Pounds for Social Responsibility Breaches by Gambling Commission
Paddy Power Betfair, a leading operator in the online betting sector, has been compelled to pay a penalty of two million pounds following an investigation by the Gambling Commission which identified significant shortcomings in the companyâs social responsibility protocols. The failings centred on delays in intervening when customers engaged in high-stakes or compulsive betting behaviours. […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Amazon poised for major multibillion investment in OpenAI amid surging AI demand
Amazon is reportedly preparing to invest as much as 10 billion dollars in OpenAI, the artificial intelligence company behind ChatGPT, indicating intensifying competition in the high stakes market for AI development. The deal could value OpenAI at more than 500 billion dollars, according to sources familiar with the discussions. Amazon’s shares registered a modest rise […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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The persistence of postpandemic hidden charges and fees in hospitality and leisure sectors
The Covid pandemic upended the hospitality and leisure sectors, leading businesses to adopt a flurry of new financial measures to stay afloat. While lockdowns and restrictions have faded, many pandemic-era practices remain firmly in place, causing consumers to shoulder expenses that extend far beyond initial prices. This evolution in pricing is visible across pubs, restaurants […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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UK Inflation Falls but Economic Worries Persist as Recession Looms
The United Kingdom has experienced an unexpectedly sharp fall in inflation, dropping from 3.6 percent in October to 3.2 percent in the twelve months to November, according to new data from the Office for National Statistics. This marks the lowest inflation rate since March and arrives at a pivotal moment for both the Treasury and […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Trump Row Puts UK Nuclear Power Ambitions At Risk Amid Trade Dispute
Britainâs ambitions to ignite a new era of nuclear energy are facing significant headwinds following a dispute with Donald Trump over the future of the UK US trade deal. Plans that had promised a surge in nuclear capacity and new jobs are now in jeopardy after the United States placed the tech prosperity agreement on […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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British Insured Tankers Caught in Venezuela Oil Sanctions Dispute
Three oil tankers insured by a leading British syndicate are at the centre of a developing diplomatic confrontation after they were observed transporting oil from the Venezuelan port of Puerto José. The vessels, named Kelly, Rene, and Marbella, have reportedly collected crude shipments despite stringent US sanctions prohibiting such activities. These tankers are covered by […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Surge in Young People Receiving Out of Work Benefits in the UK
More than 300,000 young people in the UK are now claiming out-of-work benefits without any requirement to seek employment, double the figure recorded five years ago. Recent government data shows that out of 8.36 million individuals claiming universal credit, 794,385 are aged between 16 and 24. Of these, over a third have been signed off […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Ford countenances $20 billion dollar setback as it moves away from electric vehicles
Ford has announced a major strategic reversal, revealing it will scale back commitments to electric vehicles and shift focus towards hybrid technology. This decision delivers a near 20 billion dollar hit to the American manufacturer as the company responds to changing market forces and policy environments since President Trumpâs administration took office. The Michigan-based company […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Britains Hydrogen Ambitions Under Threat as Projects Face Economic Headwinds
Britainâs pursuit of becoming a clean energy superpower is meeting serious obstacles as major hydrogen initiatives stall. In 2022, the government doubled its target to generate 10 gigawatts of clean hydrogen by 2030, hailing the gas as a future low carbon superfuel. Less than four years later, those ambitions are receding, most recently demonstrated by […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Oil Prices Drop Below Sixty Dollars as Ukraine Peace Hopes Drive Market Fears of Glut
The price of Brent crude has fallen below sixty dollars a barrel for the first time since May, as markets respond to potential progress in talks to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. On Tuesday morning, Brent crude, the international oil benchmark, fell by one point eight percent to fifty nine point four six […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Pearson fined two million pounds for exam failings and security breaches by Ofqual
Pearson, one of the largest education companies in the world, has been fined £2 million by Ofqual, the British qualifications regulator, for significant breaches of standards in its assessment services. The fine relates to failures identified in three instances between 2019 and 2023, impacting students taking GCSE and A-level examinations, as well as international candidates […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Hollywood Bowl Reports Record Revenues Despite Heatwaves as Families Seek Affordable Entertainment
Britain’s largest tenpin bowling operator, Hollywood Bowl, has achieved record annual revenues, demonstrating resilience amid unusually hot summer months. Families across the country flocked to its venues, drawn by affordable pricing at a time of muted consumer confidence and rising costs elsewhere. The group, which operates 77 sites in the UK, reported a revenue increase […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Bank of England Faces Divided Opinion on Interest Rates as Inflation Persists
The Bank of England is facing mounting pressure to keep interest rates unchanged amidst persistent inflation and burgeoning financial stability concerns. The Times shadow monetary policy committee, a group of economic experts regularly polled by the publication, delivered a narrow five to four majority in favour of holding the base rate at four percent in […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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UK unemployment rises as wage growth slows and retail jobs decline
The UK’s unemployment rate increased to 5.1 percent in the three months to October, reaching its highest level since January 2021. The uptick, reported by the Office for National Statistics, reflects a steady weakening of the labour market this year, with joblessness among workers aged 18 to 34 now at 8.7 percent. Graduate employment prospects […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Chinese made Audi electrifies German car fans but remains out of reach
German car enthusiasts are abuzz after Audiâs latest electric sports car, the E5 Sportback, garnered rave reviews for its combination of affordability and renowned Bavarian reliability. However, few in Germany will ever see one on their local roads. While Audi is celebrated globally for its advanced engineering, the E5 Sportback is built in China exclusively […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Morrisons Faces Seventeen Million Pound Tax Bill Over Rotisserie Chickens VAT Dispute
Morrisons has been handed a tax bill of seventeen million pounds after the High Court ruled its rotisserie chickens are subject to a twenty percent VAT rate. The British supermarket challenged the classification of its hot chickens, arguing that most customers consume them cold at home and the products should be zero rated. However, the […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Disability Benefit Claims for ADHD Surge in the UK as Payments Hit Record Highs
Newly released data from the Department for Work and Pensions reveals that claims for disability benefits linked to ADHD have risen sharply over the past year. The number of individuals claiming support for hyperkinetic disorder increased by 20 percent, climbing from 75722 to 91211 in the year to October. This marks ADHD as one of […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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OpenAI hires George Osborne to spearhead global AI expansion
OpenAI, the developer behind ChatGPT, has appointed former Chancellor George Osborne to direct its international growth strategy. Osborne’s new role places him at the helm of the company’s bid to strengthen American-led artificial intelligence infrastructure across the globe, positioning OpenAI in direct competition with China for technological dominance. He confirmed his appointment via X, expressing […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Tech Deal Between UK and US Suspended Over Online Safety and Artificial Intelligence Regulation
The White House has halted a significant technology agreement with the United Kingdom over concerns about the scope and impact of the Online Safety Act. The tech prosperity deal, valued at £31 billion, has been suspended as American officials weigh the implications of British online regulations on artificial intelligence firms. The law currently allows the […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Spain to Introduce Sixty Euro Nationwide Public Transport Pass
The Spanish government is preparing to introduce a nationwide public transport pass that will allow unlimited travel across the country by train or bus for a flat monthly fee of sixty euros. Announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, the new initiative is expected to come into effect during the second half of January. The policy […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Ford Faces £15 Billion Writedown as Electric Vehicle Plans Scaled Back Under Shifting US Policy and Market Constraints
Ford has announced a substantial £15 billion writedown while unveiling a decisive pivot away from battery electric vehicles in response to shifting US policy under President Trump and softening demand. Several forthcoming electric vehicle projects will be scrapped, with the company confirming that the all electric F150 Lightning will cease production. Instead, Ford will introduce […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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UK and South Korea Sign Major Trade Deal to Boost Exports and Ease Automotive Tariffs
The United Kingdom has signed a new trade agreement with South Korea, projected to contribute an additional £400 million annually to its economy. This deal replaces the 2019 post-Brexit arrangement and builds upon the existing £15 billion annual trade relationship between the two nations. The new accord covers key sectors, including professional services, automotive production, […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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US UK Tech Prosperity Deal Worth Thirty One Billion Pounds Put On Hold As Trade Disagreements Escalate
The United States government has suspended a £31 billion tech investment deal with the United Kingdom, citing ongoing trade disputes and limited progress in reducing trade barriers. This unexpected move represents a significant setback in economic relations between the two countries, particularly given the scale of the investments pledged by leading American technology companies. The […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Amigo appoints new chairman signals shift to mining sector
Amigo Holdings, once a leading subprime lender in the United Kingdom, has appointed Australian entrepreneur Craig Ransley as its executive chairman, marking a strategic move towards the mining industry as the companyâs future as a shell operation takes shape. Ransley, an executive with experience across mining, labour hire, and energy, is set to reposition the […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Chinese Lottery Digitisation Project Secures Thirty Million Pound Boost for UK Investment Firm
Sir Nigel Ruddâs Intuitive Investments Group has successfully raised thirty million pounds in equity funding for a landmark initiative to digitise the Chinese lottery system. The British firm, which listed on Aim in December 2020 initially with a focus on life sciences, has redirected its strategic efforts by backing Beijing-based Hui10 as its primary venture. […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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iRobot files for bankruptcy as Chinese supplier takes over Roomba maker under financial strain
iRobot, the Massachusetts-based pioneer of robotic vacuum cleaners, has filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States and will be acquired by its primary Chinese supplier after facing heightened competition and operational challenges. The company, best known for its Roomba range of vacuum cleaners, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware and is set for […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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AA and RAC at Strategic Crossroads as Private Equity Considers Five Billion Pound Moves in London
Private equity owners are weighing significant changes for two of the United Kingdomâs best-known motoring organisations, the AA and the RAC, with each valued at approximately £5 billion. The AAâs current backers have appointed JP Morgan and Rothschild to explore options for a sale or stock market flotation, while the owners of the RAC are […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Mortgage Rules to Be Eased for First Time Buyers and Self Employed in Major FCA Shake Up
First-time buyers, self-employed workers and older borrowers are expected to find it easier to access the property market as the Financial Conduct Authority outlines a significant overhaul of mortgage rules. The UK regulator has revealed plans to simplify regulations, giving lenders more flexibility to offer products better suited to varying income patterns and stages of […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Hydrogen investment in Britain faces uncertainty as government signals reduced ambitions
Industry groups have warned that Britain risks losing tens of billions of pounds in potential investment if the government downgrades its hydrogen ambitions. A new strategy for the sector is anticipated within weeks and is seen as a critical moment for the country’s emerging hydrogen industry. The previous Conservative administration set a target to achieve […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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McKinsey to Cut Thousands of Jobs as Artificial Intelligence Advances
McKinsey, the global management consultancy renowned for offering advice on cost reduction, is preparing for significant internal changes as advances in artificial intelligence reshape the industry. Senior partners have initiated plans that could see the firm shed up to 10 per cent of roles within nonclientfacing departments over the next two years. While exact figures […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Labour Faces Overwhelming Rejection on AI Copyright Plan
Labour’s proposal to permit artificial intelligence firms to use copyrighted materials unless rights-holders explicitly opt out has been firmly rejected by the British public. In a recent consultation attracting more than 11500 responses from creators, AI developers, academics and lawyers, just 3 percent supported the government’s preferred opt-out position. The vast majority, 88 percent, called […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Morrisons Delays Net Zero Deadline to 2050 as Competition from Lidl Intensifies
Morrisons has become the first leading UK supermarket to announce a delay to its net zero target, marking a significant shift in the companyâs commitment to environmental goals. The Bradford-based retailer now aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 instead of the previously publicised 2035 target, extending its timeline by fifteen years. The company […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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BT and Three face Ofcom probe over mobile outages disrupting 999 calls
Ofcom has launched an investigation into BT and Three following significant mobile network outages that left thousands of customers without access to essential call services, including emergency numbers. The review comes after multiple disruptions during the summer, raising concerns regarding the reliability and preparedness of leading UK telecoms providers. BT notified the regulator that a […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Trump launches ten billion dollar defamation claim against BBC over doctored speech
Former US president Donald Trump has initiated legal proceedings against the BBC, filing a claim for 10 billion US dollars in a Florida court. The lawsuit accuses the British broadcaster of defamation over a Panorama programme that allegedly doctored footage from Mr Trumpâs speech delivered on 6 January 2021. The edited broadcast reportedly omitted Mr […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Public sector wage squeeze looms amid economic pressures
Public sector employees across the United Kingdom are facing increasingly constrained pay prospects as the Treasury signals a period of subdued wage growth. The fiscal pressures weighing on government finances mean nurses, doctors, teachers and civil servants should prepare for modest pay increases next year, according to the latest statements from the department of the […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Comcast bid for ITV raises concerns over future of British broadcasting independence
The proposed takeover of ITV by Comcast, the US-owned parent company of Sky, has intensified focus on the future of British public service broadcasting and the strategic independence of UK media. Should the deal proceed, it would bring to an end ITVâs seventy years as an independent broadcaster, placing one of the last major UK-based […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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City and Guilds to Cut UK Staff After Greek Takeover Amid Twenty Two Million Pound Cost Saving Strategy
City & Guilds, the longstanding training and qualifications organisation, is set to reduce its UK workforce significantly following its recent acquisition by the private Greek firm PeopleCert. The move forms part of a £22 million cost-cutting programme, reflecting a marked shift for an institution established in 1878 by the City of London and sixteen livery […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Daily Mail Owner Secures Funding for Telegraph Takeover in Landmark Media Deal
>Lord Rothermereâs Daily Mail and General Trust has obtained £500 million in financing to acquire the Telegraph, according to recent reports. The deal, structured in two instalments, represents a significant step forward in the British media landscape and is subject to regulatory and governmental review before completion. The transaction begins with an initial payment of […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Criminal Gangs Exploit UK Demand for Weight Loss Drugs with Counterfeit Jabs
The UK faces a surge in counterfeit weight loss injections as criminal groups target a lucrative and vulnerable market. Recent warnings from the pharmaceutical sector highlight an exponential rise in illegal supply networks distributing fake medications, specifically popular drugs including Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy. These counterfeit autoinjectors, often found circulating in gyms, beauty salons, and […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Kindle Hack Exposes Amazon Account Risks for Ebook Readers
A recent security breach has highlighted significant vulnerabilities facing Kindle users who download ebooks from unofficial sources. An engineering analyst at Thales in France, Valentino Ricotta, demonstrated how a malicious ebook could grant attackers full access to an Amazon account linked to a Kindle device. The findings were presented at the Black Hat Europe hacker […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Meta Shifts Focus From Metaverse Missteps To Ambitious Artificial Intelligence Spending spree
Mark Zuckerbergâs grand experiment with the metaverse has proven to be one of the costliest technology flops in recent memory. In October 2021, the Facebook founder rebranded his company as Meta and poured nearly $90 billion into Reality Labs, the division tasked with realising his vision of immersive digital worlds. Despite this enormous outlay, the […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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UK Interest Rates Remain High as Inflation Surprises Halts Deep Cuts in 2025
The anticipated decline in UK interest rates throughout 2025 did not materialise as expected. At the close of the previous year, the Bank of England held its base rate steady at 4.75 percent and projected a steady descent towards the 2 percent inflation target over the coming twelve months. Most economists foresaw at least four […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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UK Legal Services Revenue Soars With Decade of Robust Growth
The UK legal sector has recorded a substantial increase in revenue, rising 65 per cent over the past ten years according to new research from TheCityUK. The latest figures indicate that lawyers in Britain achieved an annual income of £38 billion, up more than 10 per cent in just a single year. Legal services now […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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WH Smith Faces Uphill Battle to Restore Confidence Amid Accounting Scandal and US Uncertainty
WH Smith has entered a critical phase in its transformation, following the sale of its historic high street stores and a significant accounting blunder that rocked investor confidence and forced the resignation of its chief executive. Under Kate Swannâs leadership from 2003, the company made a remarkable pivot from struggling high street retailer to a […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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The Oracle Gamble How Debt and AI Mania Threaten to Reshape Tech Markets
At the apex of the current surge in artificial intelligence investment stands Larry Ellison and his technology conglomerate Oracle, poised as both champion and potential destabiliser of the sectorâs rapid transformation. With AI trumpeted as Silicon Valleyâs next epochal breakthrough, investors are facing fundamental questions about the credibility of projected returns and the possibility of […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Power Hungry Tech Giants Turn to Jet Engines Amid AI Energy Crunch
Soaring demand for artificial intelligence is dramatically reshaping the energy landscape in the United States, with leading technology companies forced to seek unconventional ways to feed the relentless appetite of data centres. As the scale and intensity of AI workloads grow, the demand for electricity is outpacing the capacity of the countryâs ageing and congested […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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BBC terrestrial TV switch off raises closure risk for UK commercial radio stations 2025 update
The BBC’s initiative to phase out terrestrial television broadcasts is triggering wider alarm across the UK broadcasting landscape, with commercial radio leaders warning of significant economic and operational threats to their sector. Ministers have been told that the proposed transition to internet-based television could impose untenable distribution costs on commercial radio, particularly as many of […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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British Banks Criticised for Relying on Flawed Net Zero Study
Three of Britain’s leading banks, Lloyds, NatWest, and HSBC, are facing sharp criticism following revelations that they leaned on a discredited study to inform decisions related to climate risk and net zero strategy. The research in question, integral to guidance from the Network for Greening the Financial System, was recently retracted after economists uncovered significant […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Johnson and Johnson ordered to pay forty million dollars in talc cancer case in California
Johnson and Johnson has been ordered by a California jury to pay a total of forty million dollars to two women who attributed their ovarian cancer to years of using the companyâs talc-based baby powder. The juryâs decision in Los Angeles Superior Court awarded eighteen million dollars to Monica Kent and twenty-two million dollars to […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Car Sharing Rivals Target London After Zipcar UK Withdrawal
The impending departure of Zipcar from the United Kingdom market has triggered a wave of new interest from rival car sharing companies, seeking to fill a substantial void in one of Europes most populous and transit-dependent cities. Free2Move, part of the Stellantis group, revealed that it is closely monitoring the situation in London and actively […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Vape Sales Plunge Across Britain Amid Government Crackdown on Disposables
Vape sales have fallen sharply at retailers across Britain as a result of a government clampdown on disposable devices. Expenditure on vapes dropped by £225 million, representing a decline of nearly 13 percent over the year to 6 September, according to figures from data firm NIQ and The Grocer magazine. Leading brands such as Lost […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Cost of Home Improvement Set to Rise as Travis Perkins Announces Price Increases for Building Materials
Homeowners are set to face higher costs for renovations as Travis Perkins, the country’s largest builders merchant, signals a significant increase in prices for key construction materials beginning in January. The company, which serves nearly 300,000 builders and tradespeople nationwide, has informed customers to expect price hikes across a range of products that will outpace […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Daily Mail Owner to Acquire Telegraph Newspapers in MultiMillion Pound Deal
Lord Rothermereâs Daily Mail and General Trust is finalising a major acquisition of the Telegraph newspapers, offering £500 million in a two-part transaction. The first payment of £400 million will be made upfront, with a further £100 million scheduled for payment after two years. This deal, predominantly financed by loans from NatWest and existing company […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Northern Ireland Faces New Car Shortages Amid Post Brexit Regulatory Changes
Northern Ireland is set to experience a shortage of new cars and increased motoring taxes as significant post Brexit changes under the Windsor Framework take effect. From 1 January 2026, new vehicles sold and registered in Northern Ireland must comply with European Union regulations rather than British standards. Dealers are already contending with the looming […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Leasehold Reforms Could Threaten Billions in UK Investment
Pension firms, insurers and international investors are cautioning the government that proposed leasehold reforms may jeopardise substantial investment in Britain unless ministers reconsider Labourâs commitment to overhaul the countryâs ground rent regime. Keir Starmer has pledged to replace the current system for 4.8 million leasehold households with a commonhold approach and to present a draft […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Labour Faces Economic Challenges as Interest Rates Cut Again
The United Kingdom is facing a shifting economic landscape as interest rates continue to fall. Amid the ongoing discussions on stability and growth, Chancellor Rachel Reeves asserts that Labourâs economic stewardship has returned stability to the markets and enabled the Bank of England to reduce borrowing costs. Despite these claims, the driving factors behind the […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Jaguar Land Rover Cyber Attack Exposes Staff Payroll Data and Hits UK Economy
Jaguar Land Rover which employs more than 38000 people has confirmed that a significant cyber attack earlier this year resulted in the theft of staff payroll and benefit data placing employees and former staff at risk of fraud. The breach which brought production to a halt for weeks is now revealed to be the most […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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John Lewis stands firm as SodaStream boycott pressure mounts
John Lewis has resisted mounting pressure from pro-Palestine groups to cease selling Israeli SodaStream products despite allegations regarding treatment of Palestinian workers. The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians, ICJP, had urged several British retailers, including John Lewis, to remove SodaStream goods from their shelves, citing concerns over alleged segregation, discrimination and exploitative labour practices […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Netflix Bid for Warner Bros Sparks Cinema Industry Backlash
Cinema operators have called for government scrutiny of Netflixâs proposed takeover of Warner Bros, warning the deal could significantly reduce the range of films available to audiences. With Netflix planning an 83 billion dollar acquisition of the studio renowned for the Harry Potter series, concerns are rising within the industry about the implications for both […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Conservatives Signal Uturn on 2030 Petrol and Diesel Car Ban As Badenoch Calls For Economic Realism
The Conservative Party has vowed to abandon the scheduled 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles should it return to government, marking a significant shift away from current policy. Kemi Badenoch, the party leader, described the existing electric vehicle quotas as an economic setback for the United Kingdom and criticised the Labour Partyâs approach […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Insurers Compete in Multi Billion Pound Sale for Aegon UK Arm
More than half a dozen of the United Kingdom’s largest insurers have been identified as potential bidders for Aegon’s UK arm, in a transaction expected to raise between £1.5 billion and £3 billion. A source at a prominent City investment bank indicated that the deal could involve the sale of the business as a single […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Harbour Energy expands North Sea footprint with $170 million dollar Waldorf deal and job cuts follow
Harbour Energy has strengthened its North Sea operations through a $170 million dollar acquisition of key assets from Waldorf Energy Partners and Waldorf Production, shortly after the company announced it would consult on approximately 100 job losses within its UK workforce. The transaction brings Harbour a significant uplift in production capacity, adding around 20000 barrels […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Falkland Islands Oil Bonanza Set to Transform Local Economy
Plans for the Sea Lion oil field, located 137 miles north of the Falkland Islands, have reached a significant milestone as Rockhopper Exploration and its operating partner Navitas Petroleum commit to the initial phase of development. The project, valued at $2.1 billion, is projected to begin production in 2028 and deliver up to $4 billion […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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City Law Firm Taylor Wessing Nears Transatlantic Merger with Winston and Strawn
Taylor Wessing, ranked as the twentieth largest law firm in the United Kingdom by revenue, is close to finalising a merger with Chicago-based Winston and Strawn. Partners at the City of London firm have confirmed advanced talks that, if successful, would create a transatlantic legal business with a combined revenue of £1.23 billion. The deal […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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MPs pension fund invests just three percent in UK shares as calls grow for domestic backing
Politicians have been criticised for the reluctance of their pension scheme to invest substantially in UK companies after it was revealed that less than three percent of its equity portfolio is allocated to domestic shares. The parliamentary contributory pension fund, worth £855.5 million, had only £12.8 million invested in UK stocks by the end of […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Netflix faces fierce challenge as Paramount enters billion pound battle for Warner Bros Discovery Studios
A dramatic contest for control of Warner Bros Discoveryâs studios and streaming assets has intensified as Paramount Skydance launched a rival offer of 108 billion pounds, challenging Netflixâs previously announced 82.7 billion pound agreement. The high stakes manoeuvring has placed shareholders and regulators at the centre of a contest for one of Hollywoodâs most valuable […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Can Labour Make Britain a Nation of Investors Again
Britainâs financial services industry is drawing inspiration from the past as it seeks to revive the culture of retail investing that flourished under Margaret Thatcher. The movement aims to bring back the spirit of popular capitalism, a vision that in the 1980s saw millions participate in landmark privatisations of firms such as British Gas and […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Aberdeen expands in United States with acquisition of £15 billion in funds
Aberdeen Group is strengthening its position in the United States closed end investment fund market with the acquisition of mandates to manage nine bond funds holding assets valued at £15 billion. The asset management firm intends to merge these funds into two larger entities, using this base to support further acquisitions and expansion efforts in […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Gerald Ratner Attempts Takeover of H Samuel and Ernest Jones After Three Decades
Gerald Ratner is mounting a bid to regain control of H Samuel and Ernest Jones, thirty four years after his resignation from the business that once bore his family name. The former jewellery magnate is appealing directly to shareholders to facilitate a purchase of the struggling UK division of New York listed Signet Jewelers. Ratner, […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Nationwide fined £44 million for major anti money laundering failings by FCA
Nationwide has been fined £44 million by the Financial Conduct Authority for serious flaws in its financial crime controls. The enforcement, announced on December 12 2025, highlights significant shortcomings at the UKs biggest building society. These lapses left Nationwide vulnerable to fraudsters, resulting in the most severe incident during the Covid pandemic when a customer […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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UK recession fears intensify as growth stalls in final quarter
Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves made economic growth the centrepiece of Labour’s manifesto, yet the first sixteen months of their government have brought little improvement. The UK economy has contracted or flatlined in nine of those months. The most recent data for October recorded a 0.1 percent decline, following a similar fall in September […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Temu European Headquarters Raided By EU Regulators Over Subsidy Concerns
The European Commission has conducted an unannounced raid on the Dublin base of Temu, the Chinese e-commerce giant, as part of an ongoing enquiry into potential infringements of foreign subsidy regulations. This action marks a significant development in the regulatory scrutiny facing Temu within the European Union. With approximately 116 million monthly users across the […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Nestle alters Toffee Crisp and Blue Riband recipes as cocoa costs surge
Swiss food giant Nestlé has revised the recipes for its popular Toffee Crisp and Blue Riband bars, prompting the confectionery to lose its official ‘chocolate’ designation in the United Kingdom. The company now describes these bars as ‘encased in a smooth milk chocolate flavour coating’, a change driven by surging cocoa prices and broader pressures […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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