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| 28-12-2025 |
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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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Rising Chocolate Prices Driven by Cocoa Market Volatility and Supply Constraints
The chocolate industry faces sustained inflationary pressure as cocoa prices remain approximately 150 per cent higher than five years ago, compelling manufacturers to implement price increases, reduce portion sizes, and in some cases reformulate products. The surge in cocoa costs, which reached record highs of over £9,000 per tonne in December 2024, has fundamentally altered […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Winter Wonderlands Rising Tax Burden Threatens Londons Festive Cash Cow
London’s Winter Wonderland has evolved from a modest fairground into a formidable revenue generator, occupying over 40 acres of Hyde Park and attracting 3.5 million visitors annually. The seasonal attraction now faces significant fiscal pressures that could reshape its economic model and pricing structure for years to come. The event’s financial trajectory illustrates remarkable growth. […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Boxing Day Footfall Surges to Decade High Despite Economic Headwinds
Retail footfall across the United Kingdom experienced a significant uplift on Boxing Day, registering a 4.4 per cent year-on-year increase and marking the strongest performance in ten years. The data, compiled by retail technology firm MRI, contradicts earlier indications of subdued consumer activity and suggests resilient consumer demand despite ongoing economic pressures. Initial assessments released […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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London Eye Architect Proposes 11 Billion Pound Tidal Power Station Off Somerset Coast
Julia Barfield, the architect behind London’s iconic Eye and Brighton’s i360 observation tower, has unveiled an ambitious £11 billion proposal for a tidal power station spanning 14 miles off the Somerset coast. The West Somerset Lagoon project represents a significant opportunity for institutional investors seeking exposure to renewable energy infrastructure whilst addressing Britain’s rapidly escalating […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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UK Concert Ticketing Industry Faces Scrutiny Over Opaque Fee Structures and Consumer Protection Concerns
The UK live entertainment sector is confronting renewed pressure over pricing transparency, following revelations that major ticket sellers are applying questionable fees to recently constructed venues. Gigantic, a prominent ticketing platform, has issued refunds to purchasers of Gorillaz concert tickets after enquiries by the Guardian exposed both the application of a restoration fee to a […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Airlines Consulting Psychologists Over Passenger Evacuation Safety Risks
Airlines are engaging behavioural psychologists to investigate an increasingly dangerous passenger phenomenon that threatens aviation safety protocols. Mobile phone footage from recent emergency evacuations has revealed that travellers are routinely pausing to retrieve cabin baggage during critical safety procedures, prompting concerns across the global airline industry. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced plans […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Wagamama Plans Strategic Price Increases Amid Rising Operational Costs in 2026
Wagamama, the prominent noodle chain operating 165 restaurants across Britain, has indicated plans to implement selective price increases in 2026 as the company contends with mounting cost pressures across its operations. The casual dining group disclosed to bondholders that it anticipates labour costs and food and beverage expenses to rise by between 4 and 5 […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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UK Job Market Faces Sharpest Decline Among G7 Nations Following Fiscal Policy Changes
Britain’s labour market has experienced the most severe contraction among G7 economies following the Chancellor’s October Budget, with recruitment data revealing a 12.3 per cent decline in new job advertisements since the fiscal event. The downturn significantly exceeds comparable contractions observed across other major developed economies, raising concerns about the broader economic trajectory. Data from […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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UK Defence Exports Reach Record 20 Billion Pounds Supporting Thousands of Jobs Amid European Security Concerns
British defence exports have achieved unprecedented levels in 2025, with ministers securing contracts exceeding £20 billion in value. This figure represents the highest annual total since official records commenced more than four decades ago, marking a significant milestone for the United Kingdom’s defence manufacturing sector. The substantial export programme has directly supported more than 25,000 […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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AI Boom Propels US Tech Billionaire Wealth Beyond Half Trillion Dollars in 2025
The artificial intelligence investment surge has generated extraordinary wealth accumulation among America’s technology elite, with the combined net worth of the sector’s ten most prominent founders and executives climbing from $1.9 trillion to nearly $2.5 trillion over the past year. Data compiled by Bloomberg through Christmas Eve reveals an aggregate gain exceeding $500 billion, underscoring […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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UK Streaming Market Reaches Inflection Point as Ad Supported Subscribers Surpass Premium Tier Users
The British streaming landscape has reached a pivotal milestone, with ad-supported subscription packages overtaking premium ad-free plans for the first time. This structural shift represents a fundamental reassessment of consumer priorities and signals significant implications for the sector’s revenue models and competitive dynamics. According to Ampere Analysis, ad-supported streaming subscriptions in the UK are projected […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Apple Seeks to Overturn 15 Billion Pound UK Overcharging Ruling
Apple has filed an appeal against a landmark £1.5 billion court ruling that found the technology giant systematically overcharged millions of UK consumers through its App Store commission structure. The Competition Appeal Tribunal’s decision in October 2025 represents one of the most significant challenges to big tech’s market dominance in British legal history. The original […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Roman Abramovich Assembles Elite Legal Team for Jersey Asset Dispute Worth 5 Point 3 Billion Pounds
Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich has retained a formidable team of legal experts to contest proceedings in Jersey that could determine the fate of over £5.3 billion in frozen assets. The outcome of this dispute carries substantial implications for the UK government’s insistence that proceeds from the £2.35 billion Chelsea Football Club sale be released to […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Boxing Day Retail Sales Forecast to Decline by One Billion Pounds Amid Economic Headwinds
British retailers face mounting pressure as Boxing Day sales projections indicate a substantial contraction to £3.6 billion, representing a decline of approximately £1 billion compared to the previous year. The forecast, derived from Barclays’ extensive transaction data covering nearly half of all UK credit and debit card payments, underscores the persistent impact of elevated living […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Disney Box Office Surpasses 6 Billion Despite Streaming Competition
The Walt Disney Company’s theatrical division has exceeded $6 billion in global box office revenues for 2025, marking the studio’s strongest performance since 2019. This achievement, whilst representing a notable recovery from recent years, remains substantially below pre-pandemic benchmarks and highlights the ongoing structural challenges facing traditional cinema exhibition. The entertainment conglomerate’s 2025 box office […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Business Leaders Should Scrutinise Reform UK Economic Agenda Warns Labour Select Committee Chair
Business leaders are justified in their apprehension regarding Reform UK’s potential ascent to power and must demand rigorous scrutiny of the party’s economic policies, according to Liam Byrne, the Labour chairman of the Commons business and trade select committee. Byrne, who previously served as a Treasury minister, emphasised that if Reform UK emerges as the […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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AstraZeneca Launches 32 Million Pound Lawsuit Over Fire Safety Defects at Cambridge Research Facility
AstraZeneca has initiated High Court proceedings against International Fire Consultants, seeking £32 million in damages for alleged widespread fire safety defects that reportedly caused significant delays to its £1.1 billion Cambridge headquarters project. The FTSE 100 pharmaceutical company claims the Cheltenham-based fire engineering consultancy, a subsidiary of Netherlands group Kiwa, failed to meet contractual obligations […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Australian Beef and Lamb Imports Surge Following UK Trade Agreement
British livestock producers are confronting intensified competition following a substantial increase in Australian meat imports since the May 2023 free-trade agreement between the two nations came into force. The surge has reignited concerns about market displacement and production standards that farmers raised when the deal was initially negotiated. According to Australian trade data, beef imports […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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National Lottery Revenue Shortfall Threatens 8 Billion Pound Hole in UK Treasury
The United Kingdom faces a significant fiscal challenge as the National Lottery appears set to deliver substantially lower revenues than projected, creating an estimated £8 billion shortfall in Treasury receipts over the next decade. This development compounds the already difficult fiscal environment confronting Chancellor Rachel Reeves as she prepares for next month’s Budget. Analysis of […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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China Imposes Sanctions on Boeing Following 11 Billion Dollar Taiwan Arms Package
China has escalated geopolitical tensions by imposing sanctions on Boeing and a roster of American defence contractors following the Trump administration’s approval of an $11 billion arms sale to Taiwan. The package represents one of the largest military support commitments to the island nation in recent history, surpassing the aggregate value of all arms transfers […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Weight Loss Medications Demonstrate Significant Impact on Alcohol Consumption Patterns
Weight loss medications are producing an unexpected secondary effect that could reshape drinking habits across millions of users, as mounting evidence suggests these treatments substantially reduce cravings for alcohol alongside their appetite-suppressing properties. Ian Strachan, a pharmacist operating multiple locations across Greater Manchester, prescribes weight loss injections to between 200 and 300 patients monthly. Whilst […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Asda Sells Supermarkets for 600 Million Pounds to Reduce Debt Pile
Asda has offloaded two dozen supermarkets and a distribution depot in a £568 million transaction designed to alleviate the retailer’s substantial £3.8 billion debt burden. The sale represents the latest effort by TDR Capital, which holds a majority stake in the struggling supermarket chain, to extract value from its property portfolio whilst maintaining operational control […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Cinema Operators Pursue Premium Strategy as UK Box Office Targets Pre Pandemic Recovery
The UK cinema industry is implementing an aggressive premiumisation strategy as box office revenues approach £1 billion for 2025, marking the first time this threshold has been reached since the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the sector. Major operators including Vue, Odeon, and Everyman are investing substantial capital in luxury amenities, ranging from VIP bed-style seating to […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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British Mobile Tech Unicorn Nothing Remains Non Committal on London IPO Plans
Nothing, the British smartphone manufacturer founded in 2020, has declined to commit to a London Stock Exchange listing despite government efforts to revitalise the UK’s flagging public markets. The company, which is on track to double its annual sales to $1 billion this year, represents a significant test case for Britain’s ability to retain high-growth […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Boxing Day Sales Expected to Fall by 1 Billion Pounds Amid Economic Pressures
Retailers face a challenging Boxing Day trading period as consumer spending is projected to reach £3.6 billion, representing a decline of approximately £1 billion compared to the previous year. The substantial drop reflects ongoing cost of living pressures that continue to constrain household budgets across the United Kingdom. Analysis from Barclays, which monitors nearly half […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Hedge Funds Position Against UK Retail Stocks Ahead of Christmas Trading Results
Hedge funds have established substantial short positions against several major British retailers as the sector approaches its crucial post-Christmas trading updates, signalling significant market scepticism about festive season performance. Retail stocks continue to feature prominently among the most heavily shorted equities on the London Stock Exchange. This positioning reflects broader concerns that the critical Christmas […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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UK Set to Become Fifth Largest Global Economy by 2040
The United Kingdom is projected to reclaim its position as the world’s fifth-largest economy by 2040, overtaking Japan in a significant shift amongst advanced economies. According to the Centre for Economics and Business Research, British GDP is forecast to expand from approximately $4 trillion in 2025 to $6.8 trillion by the end of the next […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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UK Living Standards Projected to Fall Behind Malta by 2035
The United Kingdom faces a stark economic reckoning, with living standards forecast to slip behind those of Malta within the next decade, according to new projections from the Centre for Economics and Business Research. The analysis presents a sobering assessment of Britain’s economic trajectory and raises fundamental questions about the sustainability of current fiscal policy. […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Rising Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Costs Drive Consumer Price Increases Across Multiple Sectors
Artificial intelligence proponents have long championed visions of radical abundance and post-scarcity economics. Elon Musk recently suggested that money could become irrelevant within a decade, whilst OpenAI’s Sam Altman has predicted dramatic price reductions across consumer goods. These optimistic forecasts, however, stand in stark contrast to the current economic reality of AI deployment. The infrastructure […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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UK Live Music Industry Faces Existential Threat as Grassroots Venues Struggle Beneath Supertour Boom
Britain’s live music sector presents a stark contradiction in 2025. Whilst major artists command record-breaking revenues through stadium tours, the grassroots venues that historically nurtured emerging talent face an existential crisis. The dichotomy threatens to undermine the pipeline that has long positioned the UK as a global music powerhouse. Oasis’s reunion tour exemplifies the commercial […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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US Economy Expands 43 Per Cent in Q3 2025 Outpacing G7 Peers
The United States economy expanded at an annualised rate of 4.3 per cent during the third quarter of 2025, marking the strongest growth performance in two years. The US Bureau of Economic Analysis revised its initial estimate upward from 3.8 per cent, significantly exceeding Wall Street consensus forecasts of 3.3 per cent growth. This acceleration […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Gold and Silver Rally to Unprecedented Levels as Market Dynamics Shift
Precious metals have achieved remarkable milestones this week, with gold surpassing $4,500 per ounce whilst silver simultaneously reached historic peaks. The extraordinary rally reflects a confluence of factors including heightened geopolitical uncertainty, sustained central bank accumulation, and market expectations of monetary policy adjustments in the coming months. Spot gold climbed to an intraday high of […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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South Korea Transforms Gaming Industry Into Major Economic Export Powerhouse
South Korea has undergone a remarkable economic transformation in its approach to video gaming, shifting from restrictive policies that once likened the activity to substance addiction towards embracing it as a strategic industrial sector. The pivot represents a significant policy reversal with substantial financial implications for investors monitoring the Asian technology and entertainment markets. The […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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UK Electric Car Charger Rollout Slows Amid Policy Uncertainty and Investment Concerns in 2025
The United Kingdom’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure expansion decelerated sharply throughout 2025, marking the slowest growth rate since 2022 as investors recalibrated expectations amid weakened policy support and mounting concerns over the pace of electrification. Data from Zapmap, the industry’s primary tracking service, reveals that 87,200 chargers were operational across the UK by the end […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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UK Government Deploys Over One Million Pounds on Influencer Marketing Strategy Since 2024
The UK government has allocated in excess of £1 million to social media influencer campaigns since 2024, representing a strategic shift in public sector communications spending. Recent freedom of information disclosures reveal that 215 influencers have been engaged across multiple departments, with activity accelerating from 89 contracts in 2024 to 126 in 2025. The Department […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Poundland Draws Emergency Overdraft Amid Deepening Retail Crisis
Poundland is preparing to access £30 million in emergency financing as the discount retailer confronts a significant deterioration in trading conditions. The company intends to draw down on an overdraft facility provided by its former parent company, Pepco, following a concerning decline in sales performance during the critical Christmas trading period. The Polish retail group […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Petrofac North Sea Operations Acquired by CBI Securing 3000 UK Energy Jobs
Chicago Bridge and Iron Company has acquired Petrofac’s Aberdeen-based engineering and operations division in a rescue transaction that preserves approximately 3,000 positions within the United Kingdom’s energy sector. The Texas-based infrastructure specialist announced the takeover on Christmas Eve, marking a significant development for the North Sea oil and gas industry. The acquisition addresses mounting concerns […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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BP Divests Castrol Majority Stake in Strategic Refocus 2025
BP has announced the sale of a 65 per cent stake in Castrol, its historic British engine oil business, to New York-based investment firm Stonepeak. The transaction, valued at six billion US dollars and placing Castrol’s enterprise value at ten billion US dollars, constitutes BP’s largest divestment in more than a decade. The proceeds will […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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The Second China Shock and the Growing Threat to European Industry
China’s government is accelerating its efforts to dominate advanced technologies through state-backed industrial policies, reshaping global trade and posing a significant risk to European industrial competitiveness. As the authorities in Beijing pass the new 15th five-year plan, their ambitions are clear: to lead the emerging industries of the fourth Industrial Revolution and position China at […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Four day week warning issued to English local councils by government
The Secretary for Local Government has issued a formal warning to councils across England about the adoption of a four day working week for local authority staff. The government has expressed concern that such a move risks authorities being labelled as failing if employees work reduced hours for full time pay without compelling justification. Steve […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Ryanair fined €256m euros by Italian regulator for blocking online travel agents
Ryanair has reached a record valuation of â¬31 billion euros making it the worlds second most valuable airline after Delta Air Lines. The Irish carrier has recently been fined â¬256 million euros by Italys competition authority for deploying obstructive tactics that restricted the sale of its tickets by online travel agencies. According to the regulator […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Scottish whisky sector faces supply glut amid sliding sales and tariffs
The Scottish whisky industry has entered a period of oversupply as global sales decline and trade barriers persist. Recent data from the alcohol analytics provider IWSR revealed a 3 percent drop in global Scotch sales during the first half of 2025, making this the third consecutive year of contraction after several decades of steady growth. […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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European Electric Car Sales Surge as Tesla Loses Ground in Key Markets
Electric vehicle sales in Europe increased by 27 per cent during the first eleven months of 2025 compared with the same period the previous year. This growth translated to 2.27 million electric cars registered, an increase of nearly half a million zero emission vehicles. Notably, Teslaâthe longstanding leader in the sectorâsuffered a significant downturn, with […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Glastonbury Profits Surge as Iconic Festival Fuels Record Charitable Giving
Glastonbury Festival has reported a significant increase in both revenues and profits for its latest financial year, bolstered by headline performances from leading artists including Dua Lipa and Shania Twain. According to newly filed accounts for the year ending 31 March 2025, revenues rose to £75.2 million, an increase from the previous yearâs £68.4 million. […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Videndum shares plunge as refinancing plan dilutes investor stakes
Shares in Videndum, the camera and film equipment supplier, fell sharply after the company announced a refinancing agreement that will significantly dilute existing shareholder value. On Tuesday, the company revealed it would exchange £23 million of its debt for new equity while seeking a further £70 million from shareholders in a bid to stabilise its […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Novo Nordisk gains edge as US approves weight loss pill
Novo Nordisk has secured a significant regulatory victory, following the United States Food and Drug Administration’s approval of its new weight loss pill containing semaglutide. The decision delivers the Danish pharmaceutical group a first-mover advantage in the fiercely competitive market for oral obesity treatments. The new medication will be marketed under the Wegovy name, identical […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Bet365 Chief Denise Coates Earns £280 Million Despite Decline In Profits
Denise Coates, chief executive of Bet365, has received around £280 million in pay from the gambling group in the past year, despite a significant fall in company profits. The recently published annual accounts show that her total remuneration for the year ending last March rose dramatically from £159 million to £281 million. The sum accounts […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Private equity duo receive lengthy bans over banking system exploitation
Two executives from a private equity group, previously involved in the controversial takeover of Maker and Son, have been barred from serving as company directors following allegations of serious misconduct in banking transactions totalling nearly £14 million. The governmentâs Insolvency Service described their actions as an exploitation of the banking system, resulting in insolvencies exceeding […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Freshfields boosts Gen Z resilience with new city law career training
Freshfields, one of the City of London’s renowned magic circle law firms, has begun offering resilience training to Generation Z students in a bid to prepare them for the high-pressure demands of legal practice in the Square Mile. The initiative includes a series of workshops at prominent British universities, including Bristol, Warwick, and Manchester, designed […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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US economy driven by AI and data centre investment surprises markets with strong growth
The United States economy has experienced its fastest expansion in two years, with gross domestic product rising by 4.3 percent in the third quarter of 2025. This surge surpasses both the previous quarter’s 3.8 percent pace and analysts’ expectations of 3.2 percent. The primary drivers of this growth have been unprecedented investment in data centres, […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Labour Government Backs Down on Inheritance Tax for Family Farmers After Rural Backlash
Sir Keir Starmer has significantly revised Labourâs approach to inheritance tax on farming estates following sustained opposition from rural voters and industry leaders. Under the new measure, the threshold for agricultural assets that can be passed on without triggering inheritance tax increases from £1 million to £2.5 million per individual. As a result, spouses or […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Billionaire Donor Alan Howard Leaves Britain for Switzerland Amid Labour Tax Hike
Alan Howard, the prominent billionaire and co founder of hedge fund Brevan Howard, has left the United Kingdom for Switzerland following the Labour government’s recent changes to tax policy. This move places him among a growing list of high net worth individuals departing Britain as a result of new fiscal measures. Howard’s change of residency […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Consulting Giants Grapple with AI Driven Upheaval and Slowing Growth
Management consultancies are confronting mounting challenges against a backdrop of weak global economic conditions and technological upheaval. Accenture, recognised as the largest listed consultancy, has seen its share price fall over 22 percent since the start of the year. The Big Four, comprising Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC, have experienced profits stagnating after years of […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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UK economy slides as growth revised down in spring and household incomes fall
The United Kingdomâs economic growth was lower than anticipated in the spring, preceding a significant decline in household living standards, according to the latest official statistics. The Office for National Statistics reported that gross domestic product expanded by 0.2 per cent in the three months to June, a downward revision from the previous estimate of […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Alphabet to acquire Intersect for forty seven billion five hundred million pounds in push for data centre clean energy solutions
Alphabet, the parent company of Google, has reached an agreement to acquire Intersect, a clean energy start up, for four point seven five billion pounds in cash. The purchase will significantly expand Alphabets commitment to on site power generation and storage, catering to the growing energy demands of its data centres across the United States. […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Gold hits all time high on hopes of us interest rate cuts and safe haven demand
Gold has soared to an unprecedented height, surpassing 4400 dollars an ounce as markets anticipate additional United States interest rate cuts. This surge has elevated bullion prices by more than two thirds since January, when the precious metal traded at just over 2600 dollars an ounce. Spot gold climbed 2.25 percent to reach 4438 dollars, […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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London poised for revival in initial public offerings as optimism returns to the market
After several subdued years, cautious optimism is surfacing in the City as London shows tentative signs of revival in its initial public offering market. A modest recovery in IPO activity this year has provided hope of a turning point, as companies such as MHA, Shawbrook bank, and Princes have chosen to list in the capital. […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Falklands Oil Project Moves Forward After Significant Rockhopper Fundraising
Rockhopper Exploration has secured 142 million dollars through a share placing on Londons junior equity market, bringing the long anticipated Sea Lion oil field project in the North Falkland Basin a step closer to production. The funding, raised through the placing of new shares at 53 pence, covers the entire equity portion required for the […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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UK Fuel Retailers Under Fire As Watchdog Flags Persistently High Profit Margins
The Competition and Markets Authority has raised concerns over continuing high profit margins on road fuel in Britain, challenging claims from fuel retailers that increased operating expenses justify the higher prices being charged at forecourts. According to the Authority’s inaugural annual monitoring report, the sustained rise in fuel margins during the past year is primarily […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Car Finance Compensation Payouts May Fall Short for Millions
Victims of car finance mis selling could be set to miss out on an average of £500 each due to the compensation calculations proposed by the Financial Conduct Authority. Slater and Gordon, one of the United Kingdom’s largest consumer law firms, has voiced concerns that the approach favours the very banks held responsible for the […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Hargreaves Lansdown Deepens Commitment to Workplace Pensions with Smart Group Alliance
Hargreaves Lansdown is strengthening its position in the workplace pensions market through a significant technology alliance with Smart Group, signalling its intent to scale up in the autoenrolled pensions sector. The partnership, announced by Richard Flint, the new chief executive, comes after the firm’s £5.4 billion acquisition by CVC and Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Citadel Places Major Short Bet on Magnum After Demerger from Unilever
One of the worlds largest hedge funds has swiftly established a substantial short position in Magnum shares in the days following the companys demerger from Unilever the FTSE 100 consumer goods group. Miami based Citadel has disclosed a net short position valued at approximately £50 million equivalent to 0.69 percent of Magnums share capital according […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Humanoid robots poised to reshape global economies by 2050
The market for humanoid robots could reach 9 trillion dollars by 2050 according to analysis by the Royal Bank of Canada. The household sector is projected to represent approximately 2.9 trillion dollars or one third of this total market. Within the next five years, basic humanoid robots may begin appearing in homes with their initial […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Britain Faces Growing Calls to Rejoin EU Customs Union as Cabinet Split Emerges
The debate over Britain’s post-Brexit trading relationship with the European Union has intensified after Health Secretary Wes Streeting publicly advocated for joining a customs union with Europe, directly contravening Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s stated policy position. The move signals a significant challenge within the Cabinet and comes as recent polling reveals overwhelming support for […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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FCA imposes restrictions on Axa Partners over policyholder treatment
The Financial Conduct Authority has taken decisive action against Axa Partners UK, prohibiting the addition of new customers or corporate partnerships without written approval. This measure follows concerns over the firmâs treatment of policyholders and its claims handling practices. The restriction, effective since 31 October, limits Axa Partnersâ policy count to just under 6.5 million […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Leonardo Warns of Factory Closure Amid UK Defence Contract Delays
The chief executive of defence group Leonardo has issued a stark warning regarding the future of its Somerset helicopter facility, citing the ongoing delay over the Ministry of Defenceâs New Medium Helicopter contract. Roberto Cingolani communicated to Defence Secretary John Healey that absence of a timely decision on the £1 billion project could prompt a […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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BuildABear Outpaces Nvidia On The Global Stock Market Stage
Investors in the worldâs largest technology companies seldom look to toy retailers for benchmark returns. Over the past five years, however, BuildABear Workshop has quietly eclipsed Silicon Valley heavyweight Nvidia on the New York Stock Exchange, with peak total returns climbing beyond 1800 percent by September. This outperformance has drawn attention from financial analysts who […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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UK Economic Outlook Brightens as 2026 Approaches
The United Kingdom has endured a challenging 2025, with stagnant growth, persistent inflation, and nervous bond markets contributing to a decidedly subdued economic mood. Despite these difficulties, there are emerging signs that the economic climate in 2026 could be more promising. Several factors are coalescing to provide much-needed optimism for the year ahead. One key […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Record NHS Spending on Weight Loss Drugs Raises Long Term Cost Debate in Scotland
Scotland’s National Health Service saw a dramatic increase in the prescription of semaglutide, known commercially as Ozempic and Wegovy, as the annual number of prescriptions rose to 168,486 in 2024 and 2025. This represents an increase of more than 112 percent from the 79,182 prescriptions recorded in the prior year and marks the single largest […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Britains Flu Vaccine Industry Battles Uptake Hesitancy as Cases Rise
The UK is experiencing heightened pressure on its health system as hospitals report a significant rise in flu admissions, coinciding with industrial action by doctors. According to NHS England, the week ending 12 December saw hospitalised flu cases reach 3140, an 18 percent increase week on week and the highest for this period in recent […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Vodafone outlines growth strategy after transformative merger with Three in the UK
Margherita Della Valle, chief executive of Vodafone, has overseen a period of significant transformation at the telecommunications group. In a year marked by an ambitious £16.5 billion merger with Three, Vodafone has restructured its operations, reinforced its dividend after a seven-year pause, and prioritised sustainable profit growth, aiming to restore investor confidence in the £22.8 […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Potential Social Media Ban for UK Teens Under 16 Gains Momentum
Discussions have intensified within Downing Street regarding a potential ban on social media access for children under 16, following Australiaâs introduction of a world-first law restricting teenagers from platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has conveyed personal reservations towards a blanket ban but government officials are […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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City of London Braces for Last Chance at IPO Revival
The year ahead is set to be momentous for initial public offerings, with expectations that household names such as OpenAI could be valued as high as $1 trillion when they float, and SpaceX perhaps even higher. Not only are the technology giants poised to take centre stage, but stalwarts of the high street, including booksellers […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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How Artificial Intelligence Is Threatening Amazons Dominance In Online Shopping
With over 43 million adult Britons making purchases on Amazon every month, the retail giant has become the default destination for online shopping in the UK. Consumers spend more than two hours a month browsing the site, far exceeding the time spent on its closest competitors. One in every four pounds spent online is transacted […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Britain Alcohol Consumption Falls to Record Lows as Gen Z Drinking Habits Shift
Christmas has long been associated with increased alcohol consumption, as office parties and family gatherings encourage many Britons to indulge in festive drinks. However, the latest data now indicates that this year may be markedly less boozy. Research from IWSR, a drinks industry data specialist, reveals that average alcohol consumption in Britain has fallen to […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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UK exporters face surge in paperwork as EU rejects tax exemption bid
British manufacturers exporting to the European Union will soon encounter substantial new administrative requirements following the UK’s failure to secure a key tax exemption from Brussels. Efforts to obtain a Christmas carve-out from the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism were unsuccessful, leaving the country’s industry to contend with a surge in documentation starting January. The […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Whitbread Faces Investor Pressure for Strategic Split Amid Rising Costs
Whitbread, owner of the Premier Inn chain, is under mounting pressure to separate its business following a significant move by US activist investor Corvex Management. Corvex has recently revealed a 6 per cent stake in Whitbread and published an open letter urging the FTSE 100 group to review its core strategy and capital allocation priorities. […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Jacket Potatoes Return to UK Roads as SpudBros Strikes Nationwide Expansion Deal with EG On The Move
The jacket potato is experiencing a significant revival in the United Kingdom as SpudBros, a family-operated business, announces a major expansion deal with EG On The Move. Founded in 2020 by brothers Jacob and Harley Nelson, SpudBros began with a single hot potato cart in Preston, Lancashire. Through strategic use of TikTok and other social […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Impact of Non Dom Status Abolition Under Treasury Review
The Treasury is conducting a review into the effects of the abolition of non-domiciled tax status, a key provision which formerly allowed wealthy UK residents to avoid taxation on overseas income. Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who implemented the change in April, is assessing the impact through the analysis of self-assessment tax returns for the 2025 to […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Monzo Faces Shareholder Unrest Over Chief Executive Departure And Board Representation
Monzo Bank is confronting a period of turbulence as major shareholders express discontent following the resignation of chief executive TS Anil. Several investors, who collectively state that they hold half of the shares in the privately owned digital bank, were taken aback by the announcement of Anilâs departure in October. The management shift has sparked […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Robotics Startup ScrubMarine Secures Funding for Autonomous Ship Hull Cleaning Innovation
ScrubMarine, a maritime robotics startup headquartered in the United Kingdom and led by 22-year-old Rohith Devanathan, has raised over £750,000 in venture funding to advance the development of its autonomous hull-cleaning robots. The investment, led by SFC Capital and PXN Ventures, will support the completion of ScrubMarineâs prototype, team expansion in Whitehaven, and the growth […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Britains Coffee Shop Boom Faces Cost Pressures As Chains Lose Ground To Independents
Coffee shops have become a vital thread in the fabric of British high streets, reflecting shifts in consumer trends and economic pressures shaping the sector. Today, the UK’s café market is valued at approximately £10 billion annually, with sales rising 4.1 percent in the past year, according to Mintel. The number of coffee bars has […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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LK Bennett urgently seeks buyer after six year revival attempt fails
LK Bennett, the well known British womenswear brand once synonymous with upper middle class elegance, has been placed on the market less than six years after its last rescue from administration. The company, revered for its blend of accessibility and aspirational style, has engaged Alvarez and Marsal to secure a buyer as financial pressures mount […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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British Steel Merger Plan Threatens UK Blast Furnaces and Jobs
The future of British Steel and the UK steel industry is in jeopardy as government officials consider a merger proposal involving British Steel and part of Speciality Steel UK, a division of Sanjeev Guptaâs metals empire recently placed into government-led insolvency. Should the plan proceed, both of the last remaining blast furnaces at British Steelâs […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Elon Musk on the Verge of Becoming the Worlds First Trillionaire
Elon Musk is set to make financial history as he approaches a net worth that could see him become the first ever trillionaire. Musk, propelled by the remarkable success of Tesla and SpaceX, has steadily climbed the global wealth rankings. In 2020, his personal fortune stood at 190 billion dollars, surpassing figures such as Jeff […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Abu Dhabi Fund Gains Control of Barclay Property Empire Amid Telegraph Fallout
The collapse of the Barclay familyâs business empire has taken a significant new turn as International Media Investments, a fund owned by Abu Dhabi, has assumed control of Trenport Property Holdings. This move follows the failure of an attempted takeover of The Telegraph and comes as the fund seeks to recover losses incurred during its […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Pubs Across Britain Face Surge In Tax Bills And Existential Threat From Business Rates Hike
Publicans throughout the United Kingdom are preparing for a tumultuous period as soaring business rates threaten the viability of thousands of pubs, particularly independent and rural establishments. Starting in April, new valuations and the phasing out of pandemic relief will significantly increase the financial burden on the sector, with many landlords fearing closures and diminished […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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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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