Expert views
Commentary submitted by Susannah Streeter in their own words.
Back to profileSainsbury’s says Iran war to hit its shoppers and business
The war has thrown up clouds of uncertainty for Sainsbury’s.
Taxing times for bereaved families as IHT receipts hit a fresh record
Inheritance tax receipts have hit a fresh high of £8.5 billion, surpassing last year’s total and marks the fifth consecutive annual record.
Annual Government borrowing drops unexpectedly to lowest in three years
The latest snapshot of the UK public finances is encouraging but scratch below the surface and the picture still remains fragile. Borrowing for March came in £1.4 billion lower than a year earlier and the lowest for the month since 2022. Given that it indicates some more stabilisation in the government finances, helped by a stronger-than-expected inflow of revenues, it will come as welcome relief for Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Fresh jitters over Iran war sends oil prices higher again
The FTSE 100 has opened lower in early trade as investors turn skittish again about the effects on supply chains.
Industry-backed campaign aims to boost UK’s investment culture
At a time when millions of pounds of excess savings are languishing in low-interest accounts, this push to encourage more people to invest is not just timely but vital.
Reckitt cautions over impact of Iran war on costs and consumer demand
Household goods giant Reckitt Benckiser is the latest to flag how the conflict looks set to hurt business.
UK inflation accelerates after Iran war drives sharp rise in fuel prices
Prices rose more steeply in March as the surge in energy costs began to seep across the economy.
Primark owner ABF reveals plan to spin off high street fashion chain
Primark was the odd one out in the larder of ABF’s businesses.
Unemployment drops sharply as inactivity in jobs market rises
The FTSE 100 has turned positive in morning trade after the latest snapshot of the UK labour market painted a picture of an economy that had been showing signs of more resilience just before the Iran crisis hit.
Fresh uncertainty over US-Iran war sends oil price back up
Fresh worries are percolating about the fragility of the Iran ceasefire, sending oil prices higher and keeping investors on edge.
Germany set to sell off former Gazprom unit as gas prices stay elevated
Higher gas prices and trading revenue, given volatile prices, are likely to be part of the reason for the move now.
Average price tag on a home jumps by nearly £3,000 in April – Rightmove
Data from Rightmove indicates that average asking prices for newly listed homes were up by 0.8 per cent in April.