Expert views
Commentary submitted by Susannah Streeter in their own words.
Back to profileSpring in the step of the Footsie amid hopes for Middle East peace deal
There’s a dose of cautious optimism still swirling, but it’s losing its potency after fresh US attacks in Iran
Market report – Retail sales fall as Middle East crisis takes a toll
There remains cautious optimism at the end of the week, with the FTSE set to step into positive territory.
SpaceX IPO shows potential of private market investments
The listing also shines a spotlight on the increasingly powerful role private markets are playing in shaping the future economy.
Lacklustre start for blue chips but QinetiQ cheers up the FTSE 250
It’s been a lacklustre start for the FTSE 100 with the blue chip index on the back foot in early trade.
Jobless rate rises and vacancies slump to lowest level in five years – ONS
Stagflation worries are stalking the UK as the latest data shows the labour market continuing to lose momentum, while conflict in the Middle East has fanned the flames of inflation. The jobs numbers show employers are becoming increasingly cautious about hiring amid a backdrop of sluggish growth, geopolitical uncertainty and increasing cost pressures.
UK borrowing costs remain elevated amid political uncertainty
Amid heightened global tensions, the Downing Street drama is adding to the unpredictability.
UK’s political drama collides with energy price worries
There’s a downbeat mood at the start of the week as worries about a global energy crunch collide with fresh instability on the UK political scene.
British Gas agrees £20m payout and compensation for prepayment meter failures
This is a very hefty fine for British Gas and with the compensation due alongside, it is arguably the largest consumer redress package the UK energy sector has seen in recent years.
Gilts and pound suffer sell-off as market frets over Labour leadership
Sterling has dropped and UK borrowing costs are on the rise again.
UK economy records strongest quarterly growth in a year
Growth of 0.3 per cent in March hardly blows the lights out, but it confounds expectations.
Airlines cannot continue ‘absorbing cost’ of Hormuz closure warns air boss
With Brent crude edging back towards $107 a barrel, the pressure building on carriers is unlikely to ease any time soon.
UK government borrowing costs hit 28-year high on leadership uncertainty
Ten-year gilt yields have risen higher again, reaching above 5.11 per cent, the highest level since July 2008.