Why China’s devaluation of the yuan is good for the UK January 19, 2016 The UK knows only too well what it means to have an overvalued currency – sterling’s strength has dulled the competitiveness of the UK’s export-oriented manufacturing industry for decades. Even though the UK earns around 30 per cent of its GDP from exports, the continuously large trade deficit on goods means that overall trade is [...]
UK house prices: Though it’s currently the economic golden child, Milton Keynes needs to shake off its brand image to become hot property January 19, 2016 Despite being one of the most confusing and maligned cities in the UK, Milton Keynes is managing to outpace London in terms of economic growth, according to the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR). With good transport links, a booming property market, and massive employers like Argos and Red Bull based there, on paper this makes sense. But, let’s [...]
The bear is back: Experts warn the FTSE 100 is on the brink as global market volatility continues January 19, 2016 Fears that the FTSE 100 could be dragged into bear market territory deepened yesterday as global equities were gripped by volatility in another day of torrid trading. The FTSE 100 has so far managed to fend off falling into the bear trap, trading around 19 per cent off its all time high of 7,103 in April [...]
Private equity firms dine out on restaurant chains January 19, 2016 The restaurants and bar sector was a veritable feeding frenzy of deals last year, with more choice of companies to buy than an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet. Robust trading conditions thanks to improved consumer spending provided an opportune time for private equity companies to sell long-term investments to rival buyout firms with cash to spend. CBPE’s sale of [...]
Oil steadies after Iranian influx pushes the price to under $28 January 18, 2016 The oil price steadied in yesterday’s trading after the immediate reaction to Iranian production coming back onto the market sent it below $28 a barrel. International benchmark Brent crude fell to fresh lows not seen since September 2003, hitting $27.67 before climbing back about $28. Oil cartel group Opec warned in its latest monthly review [...]
HSBC expansion curtailed by China slowdown January 18, 2016 London based HSBC has had its expansion plans throughout Asia dashed by slowing economic growth in China and increased market volatility throughout the region, according to Moody's Investors Service. The bank, which is still considering whether to move its headquarters to Hong Kong or possibly the US, pulled in around 60 per cent of pre-tax [...]
Economists: Iran faces barriers to strong growth January 18, 2016 The lifting of sanctions against Iran has not erased pessimism over the future of its economic growth. Iran’s economic growth plummeted after sanctions relating to its nuclear programme were put in place. Yet some are warning the removal of restrictions may not mark a return to high levels of pre-sanctions growth for a sustained period. “Given [...]
Bank of Enland’s Gertjan Vlieghe: Pay and inflation are not high enough to justify interest rate hike January 18, 2016 The Bank of England’s newest rate-setter Gertjan Vlieghe has said today he is unlikely to vote for an interest rate rise unless pay growth and inflation pick up and growth remains robust. “In order to be confident enough of the medium-term inflation outlook to raise Bank Rate, I would like to see evidence that growth [...]
UK finance chiefs are worried about losing their top workers amid competition for talent January 18, 2016 UK finance directors are worried about losing their top talent as a professional talent war breaks out among finance firms. Of over 200 finance directors surveyed by recruiter Robert Half, 38 per cent said a major internal concern for 2016 was keeping hold of talent. The headache for firms was evident last year – 58 per [...]
Small UK businesses fear EU referendum currency swings January 18, 2016 A large number of smaller UK businesses trading internationally are concerned about potential swings in the exchange rate caused by an EU referendum, according to new survey figures published today. The survey of over 1,000 senior decision makers at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) revealed 75 per cent of them feared currency volatility related to [...]
