Expert views
Commentary submitted by Susannah Streeter in their own words.
Back to profileFTSE 100 jumps as oil prices descend amid Iran conflict hopes
The Footsie 100 has rallied higher, with optimism replacing pessimism, given the ceasefire looks more likely to hold.
Vodafone to buy CK Hutchison out of VodafoneThree venture for £4.3bn
Given that joint ventures can slow decision-making, this should enable Vodafone to up the pace of its 5G infrastructure roll-out.
HSBC profits worse than forecast after jump in bad debt provisions
The reignition of hostilities in the Middle East has fired up oil prices again, keeping investors on edge about the duration of the conflict.
UK 10-year gilt yields spike again
Rising gilt yields mean it’s becoming more expensive for the government to finance UK debt, which puts pressure on current budgets.
Bank of England holds interest rates at 3.75% but hints at future hikes
With geopolitical tensions so fraught, the Bank of England wanted to avoid a knee-jerk reaction and is trying to project calm by keeping rates on hold.
Oil prices race to highest level since 2022 over fears of Iran war escalation
A fresh fire has been lit under oil prices, amid reports that attacks on Iran could resume.
Volkswagen profits fall 14% in the first quarter
Volkswagen was facing a collision of problems, even before the current energy crisis hit.
Household giant Unilever posts better-than-expected results
For now household goods giant Unilever, the maker of Cif and Colgate, has been spared significant fallout from the war in Iran. It posted better-than-expected growth for the first quarter, with sales volumes up 2.9%. But these numbers only captured a month of disruption due to the war, and some of the most onerous effects and increased costs haven’t yet filtered through.
Bank of England meets amid concerns of price pressures mounting
Mounting price pressures are the backdrop to today’s Bank of England meeting.
Lloyds earnings jump by a third but UK economic outlook worsens
Its performance appears glossy, with profits jumping by a third to £2bn as increased margins and tight cost control shine through
UK firms in ‘critical distress’ jump a third as costs surge
With households also facing sharply higher costs, consumers are cutting back on trips away and evenings out.
Energy crunch pushes up UK Government borrowing costs
Financial markets are now pricing in as many as three rate hikes from the Bank of England.