Expert views
Commentary submitted by Danni Hewson in their own words.
Back to profile‘Little Christmas cheer’ for Reeves as borrowing figures higher than forecast
Finding ways to balance the books isn’t easy and rarely popular.
Retail sales dip unexpectedly in November as Black Friday fizzles
The date of this year’s Budget was unhelpful, unnerving consumers at the very peak of the festive shopping period.
Inflation drops sharply to 3.2% in November after food prices fall
As Christmas gifts go, this is a most welcome one.
Jobless rate rises to 5.1% as wage growth slips back further
Getting that first job has become increasingly difficult, with businesses less likely to take a punt on fresh faces as costs have increased.
Paramount sparks takeover battle for Warner Bros with £81.3 billion hostile bid
Paramount Skydance has taken its hostile offer, which is for the whole Warner Bros Discovery business, straight to shareholders.
FTSE 100 dips as Unilever falls amid Magnum split
Weight loss drugs could take a big bite out of global ice cream demand over time.
Netflix strikes £54bn deal to buy Warner Bros studios
Netflix has offered an olive branch to a nervous Hollywood.
UK and US agree zero tariff deal on pharmaceuticals
There was little market reaction, with GSK up a fraction and AstraZeneca ending the day down a touch.
OBR chairman resigns over Budget leak
The yield on the 10-year gilt has crept up today as the dust left by the Budget has continued to swirl.
Increase in minimum wage rates announced
It adds to the burden on businesses still trying to find ways to mitigate the impact of the last Budget.
Government borrowing higher-than-forecast in pre-Budget blow to Chancellor
Last year’s hike to employer National Insurance has helped, but Rachel Reeves needs to go much further.
Retail sales fall unexpectedly in October amid Budget hit to consumer confidence
It’s hardly surprising that shoppers are keeping their powder dry.