Expert views
Commentary submitted by Danni Hewson in their own words.
Back to profileUK retail sales beat expectations amid hot weather boost
May’s scorching temperatures made some purchases more of a necessity than just a nice to have.
UK Government borrowing jumps as debt interest costs hit record May high
Long-term borrowing costs have been creeping up and will be monitored closely if the anticipated Labour leadership contest gets under way.
Bank of England holds interest rates at 3.75% but says inflation still to rise
The Bank of England has once again proved to be a reliable partner, delivering the much-anticipated interest rate hold as the inflationary outlook continues to fluctuate.
Vacancies tumble to lowest in five years – ONS
The number of people starting new jobs has fallen to a five-year low, as has the number of vacancies.
Inflation holds steady at 2.8% as food price rises ease
It would be churlish not to at least quietly celebrate the fact that prices haven’t risen by as much as many economists had feared.
UK economy contracts for first time since last August
Consumers anticipating fresh price increases have already started changing their spending habits.
Shopper footfall suffers in record-breaking May temperatures
UK retailers are under a real cloud thanks to the knock to consumer confidence delivered by the Iran conflict and resulting energy price shock.
Young people not in work or education: Latest numbers and trends
Sadly there were no real surprises in today’s NEET data.
Hiring people in first jobs no longer cost-effective, Hollywood Bowl boss says
The bowling alley operator is successfully navigating cost-of-living pressures amid strong UK demand for affordable leisure pursuits.
UK retail sales suffer sharpest fall for almost a year
The high street – real or virtual – is a tough place right now.
Borrowing surges by more than expected in blow to Chancellor amid Iran war woes
there is a huge amount of uncertainty about the level of borrowing which may be required in the coming months.
Inflation drops back by more than forecast as energy offsets Iran war fuel hit
Looking at the positive side of the equation, the biggest contributor to the fall in inflation in April came from the energy price cap