Expert views
Commentary submitted by Susannah Streeter in their own words.
Back to profileInterest rates held at 3.75% but Bank warns Iran war could mean future hike
The longer the war with Iran continues to rage and keeps crude and gas prices elevated, the greater the chances of a hike later this year and next, especially if data shows consumer price inflation continues to rise.
Interest rates held at 3.75% but Bank warns Iran war could mean future hike
Inflation is the fever central bankers want to bring down, but the Bank of England is holding off administering the bitter medicine of an interest rate hike.
Next warns against growth-‘stifling’ tax rises in Budget
On the face of it, Next’s results look rosy – it leaned on clever marketing and on-point ranges to rack up online sales during the summer heatwaves. But the UK high street performance was left lacking.
Next warns against growth-‘stifling’ tax rises in Budget
As an international retailer, Next has a bird’s-eye view of how economies are holding up around the world, and the patterns are pointing to underlying weakness in the UK. That’s why boss Simon Wolfson is reigniting the debate on tax and spending, calling for the government to hold off from creating an even greater burden for businesses.
King to seek ‘reassurance’ from AI leaders amid concerns over the technology
The UK is trying to cement its reputation as a global centre for AI safety and security, as the summit could be a catalyst in carving out its role.
Fed doesn’t blink and raises interest rates
Despite calls by President Trump to cut rates, the Federal Open Market Committee voted to raise the Fed funds rate by 0.25 percentage points.
Markets brace for higher-for-longer rates as AI safety debate heats up
The mood across broader markets is still set to remain cautious after the Fed took a tougher line on inflation.
Inflation increases to 3.1% after jump in petrol prices
The pressure on the Bank of England to raise rates is mounting, although a hold at 3.75 per cent is still expected tomorrow.
Inflation increases to 3.1% after jump in petrol prices
Inflation has slipped from the reins and is running higher again, and coaxing the price spiral down looks set to be painful.
WH Smith set for sharp fall in profits amid cost and trading pressures
WH Smith has been finding out that escaping the high street doesn’t mean escaping the pressures facing retailers.
Red Sea risks fuel inflation fears as UK jobs market loses momentum
There’s no let-up in the volatility rippling through financial markets, with energy prices staying painfully elevated.
UK economy unexpectedly grew by 0.4% in July
The spectre of stagflation is still hovering over the UK economy, but the latest growth snapshot has provided a welcome glimmer of resilience, with the economy expanding rather than going into reverse.