Expert views
Commentary submitted by Danni Hewson in their own words.
Back to profile‘Unprecedented’ demand for jewellery helps retail sales surge in January
It’s clear consumers are still under pressure and still making complicated decisions about where to spend every penny.
Government posts record borrowing surplus in boost for Chancellor
This month’s figures were also boosted by a £5 billion decrease in the interest being paid on the huge debt mountain.
Inflation falls to 3% boosting chance of interest rate cuts
The latest inflation figures are encouraging, although they effectively turn the clock back to where we were a year ago, before the impact of Rachel Reeves’ first Budget and Donald Trump’s trade skirmishes made their mark.
UK jobless rate surges as nearly one in six young people out of work
Businesses have been clear that government policies which increased labour costs resulted in them pressing pause on hiring plans.
UK economy ekes out growth in final months of 2025 – ONS
Subdued, sluggish, and slow – three words that sum up UK economic growth during the last three months of 2025.
Pubs and music venues to see business rates cut by 15%, says Treasury
However, it doesn’t give the industry the long-term certainty needed to stoke investment.
Retail sales see surprise December bounceback amid online boost
The headline rise in retail sales masks what has been a difficult Christmas for our high streets.
Government borrowing falls sharply as national insurance hike boosts coffers
The deficit is reducing, but the pace of the reduction is glacially slow.
Russell & Bromley bought in rescue deal but 33 stores at risk
Not one to miss an opportunity, Next has stepped in to buy the brand and take on three flagship stores.
Inflation bounces back in December as Christmas travel fuels price rises
December’s inflation jump can be partially explained by the dates covered in today’s data capturing the airfares for many winter holiday makers.
Ministers raise inheritance tax threshold for farmers in climbdown after protests
This decision will feel like an early Christmas present for those who had been forced to consider scaling back investment.
UK economic slowdown in third quarter confirmed – ONS
It’s not just the UK struggling to find the right fertiliser.