Investment Week www.investmentweek.co.uk Bank of England warns of sharp correction risk of 'stretched' asset prices <img alt="Bank of England warns of sharp correction risk of &#39;stretched&#39; asset prices" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/0504f1e/d0965cbe-ddf6-4681-884d-72749ee4f2cd/24/bank-of-england-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> The Bank of England has issued a stark warning about the increasing risk of a “sharp correction” across a broad range of asset prices, including private equity. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/0504f1e/d0965cbe-ddf6-4681-884d-72749ee4f2cd/24/bank-of-england-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4190372/bank-england-warns-sharp-correction-risk-stretched-asset-prices https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4190372/bank-england-warns-sharp-correction-risk-stretched-asset-prices https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4190372/bank-england-warns-sharp-correction-risk-stretched-asset-prices Wed, 27 Mar 2024 15:00:55 +0000 BoE rate setter Catherine Mann: Markets are pricing in 'too many' cuts <img alt="BoE rate setter Catherine Mann: Markets are pricing in &#39;too many&#39; cuts" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/a209081/4e7979d7-6245-49e8-965e-553fe1c156ea/27/MANN-Catherine-BoE-2-CC-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee member Catherine Mann said markets are pricing in “too many” rate cuts for the current year. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/a209081/4e7979d7-6245-49e8-965e-553fe1c156ea/27/MANN-Catherine-BoE-2-CC-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4190265/boe-rate-setter-catherine-mann-markets-pricing-cuts https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4190265/boe-rate-setter-catherine-mann-markets-pricing-cuts https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4190265/boe-rate-setter-catherine-mann-markets-pricing-cuts Wed, 27 Mar 2024 11:17:13 +0000 Bank of England's Andrew Bailey: Rate cuts are 'in play' for MPC meetings this year <img alt="Bank of England&#39;s Andrew Bailey: Rate cuts are &#39;in play&#39; for MPC meetings this year" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/04f1d25/0d58105e-38ed-4895-8fea-19113f5c37cd/27/BAILEY-Andrew-Bank-of-England-2022-CC-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey said rate cuts are "in play" for Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meetings this year. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/04f1d25/0d58105e-38ed-4895-8fea-19113f5c37cd/27/BAILEY-Andrew-Bank-of-England-2022-CC-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4188658/bank-englands-andrew-bailey-rate-cuts-play-mpc-meetings https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4188658/bank-englands-andrew-bailey-rate-cuts-play-mpc-meetings https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4188658/bank-englands-andrew-bailey-rate-cuts-play-mpc-meetings Fri, 22 Mar 2024 13:20:21 +0000 Deep Dive: UK economy shows signs of rebound but long-term growth outlook remains 'unspectacular' <img alt="Deep Dive: UK economy shows signs of rebound but long-term growth outlook remains &#39;unspectacular&#39;" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/441f6e7/f7e6d276-0fa3-4529-9043-5210d9d8c213/22/Uk-parliament-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> The UK economy appears to be bouncing back from the technical recession of the second half of last year, but long-term structural challenges are tempering expectations for growth. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/441f6e7/f7e6d276-0fa3-4529-9043-5210d9d8c213/22/Uk-parliament-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4188665/deep-dive-uk-economy-signs-rebound-long-term-growth-outlook-remains-unspectacular https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4188665/deep-dive-uk-economy-signs-rebound-long-term-growth-outlook-remains-unspectacular https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4188665/deep-dive-uk-economy-signs-rebound-long-term-growth-outlook-remains-unspectacular Fri, 22 Mar 2024 13:18:38 +0000 UK consumer confidence stalls in March <img alt="UK consumer confidence stalls in March" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/5cb0960/bf95cd86-ac41-424f-9164-36652935cc38/9/iStock-111885949-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> UK consumer confidence was unchanged in March, with GfK’s Consumer Confidence index remaining at -21. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/5cb0960/bf95cd86-ac41-424f-9164-36652935cc38/9/iStock-111885949-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4188555/uk-consumer-confidence-stalls-march https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4188555/uk-consumer-confidence-stalls-march https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4188555/uk-consumer-confidence-stalls-march Fri, 22 Mar 2024 08:42:41 +0000 Retail sales beat expectations by holding steady in February <img alt="Retail sales beat expectations by holding steady in February" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/bb979eb/2c913056-5119-470f-ae1f-e388439d8c3b/11/iStock-1308997064-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> UK retail sales beat expectations by remaining flat in February, according to data from the Office of National Statistics published today (22 March). <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/bb979eb/2c913056-5119-470f-ae1f-e388439d8c3b/11/iStock-1308997064-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4188543/retail-sales-beat-expectations-holding-steady-february https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4188543/retail-sales-beat-expectations-holding-steady-february https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4188543/retail-sales-beat-expectations-holding-steady-february Fri, 22 Mar 2024 08:34:01 +0000 Bank of England in 'no rush' to cut rates but growing MPC consensus fuels market speculation <img alt="Bank of England in &#39;no rush&#39; to cut rates but growing MPC consensus fuels market speculation" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/28c90db/d0965cbe-ddf6-4681-884d-72749ee4f2cd/15/bank-of-england-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> The decision by the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee to hold rates for the fifth consecutive time met market expectations, but industry players have pointed to a shift in member consensus, which may signal a turning point for interest rates. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/28c90db/d0965cbe-ddf6-4681-884d-72749ee4f2cd/15/bank-of-england-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news-analysis/4188332/bank-england-rush-cut-rates-growing-mpc-consensus-fuels-market-speculation https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news-analysis/4188332/bank-england-rush-cut-rates-growing-mpc-consensus-fuels-market-speculation https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news-analysis/4188332/bank-england-rush-cut-rates-growing-mpc-consensus-fuels-market-speculation Thu, 21 Mar 2024 15:38:16 +0000 Bank of England holds rates at 5.25% as MPC consensus grows <img alt="Bank of England holds rates at 5.25% as MPC consensus grows" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/82de83a/0e5b49f7-7043-4631-971f-df6719c6c703/14/bank-of-england1a-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee has decided to hold interest rates at the current 5.25% in its fifth consecutive move. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/82de83a/0e5b49f7-7043-4631-971f-df6719c6c703/14/bank-of-england1a-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4188154/bank-england-holds-rates-mpc-consensus-grows https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4188154/bank-england-holds-rates-mpc-consensus-grows https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4188154/bank-england-holds-rates-mpc-consensus-grows Thu, 21 Mar 2024 12:23:30 +0000 'Strong' economic activity prompts Fed to hold rates for fifth time <img alt="&#39;Strong&#39; economic activity prompts Fed to hold rates for fifth time" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/2369eab/c28a7cc8-e6a3-4849-b897-9d52c5afcd0d/10/federal-reserve-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> The Federal Reserve’s Open Market Committee (FOMC) decided to hold rates at 5.25%-5.5% yesterday (20 March), due to “strong” economic activity in the US. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/2369eab/c28a7cc8-e6a3-4849-b897-9d52c5afcd0d/10/federal-reserve-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4187945/strong-economic-activity-prompts-fed-hold-rates-firth https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4187945/strong-economic-activity-prompts-fed-hold-rates-firth https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4187945/strong-economic-activity-prompts-fed-hold-rates-firth Thu, 21 Mar 2024 08:26:45 +0000 UK inflation beats expectations as it drops to 3.4% <img alt="UK inflation beats expectations as it drops to 3.4%" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/5c2e362/1fac494f-fe41-4d57-80c1-628c561df2ac/3/decrease-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) dropped to 3.4% in February, after stalling at 4% for two months, according to the Office for National Statistics. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/5c2e362/1fac494f-fe41-4d57-80c1-628c561df2ac/3/decrease-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4187474/uk-inflation-beats-expectations-drops https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4187474/uk-inflation-beats-expectations-drops https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4187474/uk-inflation-beats-expectations-drops Wed, 20 Mar 2024 08:53:48 +0000 Chancellor stresses labour market difficulties are 'too big' to 'hang around' for better ONS statistics <img alt="Chancellor stresses labour market difficulties are &#39;too big&#39; to &#39;hang around&#39; for better ONS statistics" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/03c1774/073f6fa4-658b-4c49-a877-55a479585c12/15/Jeremy-Hunt-22-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said the scale of the challenges with the Office of National Statistics' (ONS) labour market figures is “so big”, that the government should not “hang around” for better statistics. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/03c1774/073f6fa4-658b-4c49-a877-55a479585c12/15/Jeremy-Hunt-22-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4187468/chancellor-stresses-labour-market-difficulties-big-hang-ons-statistics https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4187468/chancellor-stresses-labour-market-difficulties-big-hang-ons-statistics https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4187468/chancellor-stresses-labour-market-difficulties-big-hang-ons-statistics Wed, 20 Mar 2024 08:53:00 +0000 Global growth expectations hit two-year high as managers diverge on potential AI bubble <img alt="Global growth expectations hit two-year high as managers diverge on potential AI bubble" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/987fb06/e477f8a3-dcd7-4f65-8dca-33b63d169dae/13/Growth-Markets-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> Fund manager expectations for global growth have reached their highest level since January 2022, and have been “front-run by higher stock prices”, according to Bank of America. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/987fb06/e477f8a3-dcd7-4f65-8dca-33b63d169dae/13/Growth-Markets-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4187185/global-growth-expectations-hit-managers-diverge-potential-ai-bubble https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4187185/global-growth-expectations-hit-managers-diverge-potential-ai-bubble https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4187185/global-growth-expectations-hit-managers-diverge-potential-ai-bubble Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:11:38 +0000 Bank of Japan brings era of negative rates to a close <img alt="Bank of Japan brings era of negative rates to a close" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/af920b6/02ba5d86-22a4-40d5-8ffc-b34e41d05824/17/0712-bank-of-japan-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> The Bank of Japan has ended its era of negative interest rates with its first hike since 2007, the last central bank to end the use of negative rates. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/af920b6/02ba5d86-22a4-40d5-8ffc-b34e41d05824/17/0712-bank-of-japan-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4186948/bank-japan-brings-era-negative-rates-close https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4186948/bank-japan-brings-era-negative-rates-close https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4186948/bank-japan-brings-era-negative-rates-close Tue, 19 Mar 2024 08:33:32 +0000 Economists flag potential historic divergence between BoE and OBR growth forecasts <img alt="Economists flag potential historic divergence between BoE and OBR growth forecasts" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/12d54b0/7b42eed4-2dd2-4c62-bedc-3252a91b68e2/27/53571127666-b13e703e00-o-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> Economists have told the Treasury Select Committee that the divergence between the Bank of England and Office of Budget Responsibility’s economic growth forecasts is the "probably the largest" they have witnessed. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/12d54b0/7b42eed4-2dd2-4c62-bedc-3252a91b68e2/27/53571127666-b13e703e00-o-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4184685/economists-flag-potential-historic-divergence-boe-obr-growth-forecasts https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4184685/economists-flag-potential-historic-divergence-boe-obr-growth-forecasts https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4184685/economists-flag-potential-historic-divergence-boe-obr-growth-forecasts Wed, 13 Mar 2024 08:51:33 +0000 Cautious optimism as UK GDP turns positive in January <img alt="Cautious optimism as UK GDP turns positive in January" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/171bf4f/3455f63d-7b5b-44b5-ba51-b4e9b559a78c/4/UK-economy-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> Experts have expressed cautious optimism over the UK’s return to growth, with monthly GDP up 0.2% in January, although the three-month figure remains negative at 0.1%. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/171bf4f/3455f63d-7b5b-44b5-ba51-b4e9b559a78c/4/UK-economy-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4184827/cautious-optimism-uk-gdp-positive-january https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4184827/cautious-optimism-uk-gdp-positive-january https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4184827/cautious-optimism-uk-gdp-positive-january Wed, 13 Mar 2024 08:37:16 +0000 Hotter than expected US inflation fails to soften June rate cut hopes <img alt="Hotter than expected US inflation fails to soften June rate cut hopes" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/a3b935d/645075c3-4837-4509-b03b-6d56c957f10e/13/US-stocks-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> US inflation came in hotter than expected in February, but markets continue to anticipate that the Federal Reserve will cut rates in June. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/a3b935d/645075c3-4837-4509-b03b-6d56c957f10e/13/US-stocks-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4184629/hotter-expected-us-inflation-fails-soften-june-rate-cut-hopes https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4184629/hotter-expected-us-inflation-fails-soften-june-rate-cut-hopes https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4184629/hotter-expected-us-inflation-fails-soften-june-rate-cut-hopes Tue, 12 Mar 2024 15:23:00 +0000 OBR: Fiscally 'responsible' Spring Budget still carries 'significant risks' <img alt="OBR: Fiscally &#39;responsible&#39; Spring Budget still carries &#39;significant risks&#39;" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/b526d34/f422f9c2-d42d-4048-8c6e-2da5884d9ad7/10/Uk-economy-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> The Office for Budget Responsibility has said Chancellor’ Jeremy Hunt's Spring Budget last week was “responsible” in terms of its objectives, “but only just”. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/b526d34/f422f9c2-d42d-4048-8c6e-2da5884d9ad7/10/Uk-economy-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4184637/obr-fiscally-responsible-spring-budget-carries-significant-risks https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4184637/obr-fiscally-responsible-spring-budget-carries-significant-risks https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4184637/obr-fiscally-responsible-spring-budget-carries-significant-risks Tue, 12 Mar 2024 15:13:47 +0000 UK adds 20,000 jobs in February as unemployment rate remains steady <img alt="UK adds 20,000 jobs in February as unemployment rate remains steady" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/e35a6f1/55474d85-904e-4ed4-8af4-e216ed77fdb1/9/uk-equities-markets-035-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> The number of payrolled employees in the UK is estimated to have increased by 0.1% (20,000) in February, according to data from the Office of National Statistics today (12 March). <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/e35a6f1/55474d85-904e-4ed4-8af4-e216ed77fdb1/9/uk-equities-markets-035-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4184419/uk-adds-jobs-february-unemployment-rate-remains-steady https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4184419/uk-adds-jobs-february-unemployment-rate-remains-steady https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4184419/uk-adds-jobs-february-unemployment-rate-remains-steady Tue, 12 Mar 2024 08:31:30 +0000 Demand for UK staff declines at fastest rate in over three years <img alt="Demand for UK staff declines at fastest rate in over three years" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/0bf56da/b6d3e5e0-5033-49c4-932a-f384a5490bae/20/employment-cost-185x114.JPG" /> <p><!--summary start--> Overall demand for workers in February declined at the quickest rate since January 2021, the closely-watched KPMG and REC UK report on jobs has found. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/0bf56da/b6d3e5e0-5033-49c4-932a-f384a5490bae/20/employment-cost-185x114.JPG https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4184036/demand-uk-staff-declines-fastest-rate https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4184036/demand-uk-staff-declines-fastest-rate https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4184036/demand-uk-staff-declines-fastest-rate Mon, 11 Mar 2024 11:25:31 +0000 US jobs data revisions boost summer rate cut expectations <img alt="US jobs data revisions boost summer rate cut expectations" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/0e6a5da/a224912c-25a9-44f1-a420-ebe0c79d0826/11/US-Treasury-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> The US added 275,000 jobs in February, as January and December’s figures were downgraded, according to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/0e6a5da/a224912c-25a9-44f1-a420-ebe0c79d0826/11/US-Treasury-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4183720/us-jobs-revisions-boost-summer-rate-cut-expectations https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4183720/us-jobs-revisions-boost-summer-rate-cut-expectations https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4183720/us-jobs-revisions-boost-summer-rate-cut-expectations Mon, 11 Mar 2024 08:23:48 +0000 European Central Bank cuts growth and inflation projections as rates held steady <img alt="European Central Bank cuts growth and inflation projections as rates held steady " src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/65f2543/29895fc5-9de1-4f37-ad7b-2359f8c26dfe/7/ec-green-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> The European Central Bank has once again held its key interest rates steady, as the prospects of summer rate cuts come into view amid lower growth and inflation forecasts. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/65f2543/29895fc5-9de1-4f37-ad7b-2359f8c26dfe/7/ec-green-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4183135/european-central-bank-cuts-growth-inflation-projections-rates-held-steady https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4183135/european-central-bank-cuts-growth-inflation-projections-rates-held-steady https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4183135/european-central-bank-cuts-growth-inflation-projections-rates-held-steady Thu, 7 Mar 2024 15:06:13 +0000 Spring Budget 24: UK economy to grow more in 2024 and 2025 than previously forecast <img alt="Spring Budget 24: UK economy to grow more in 2024 and 2025 than previously forecast" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/f77aa46/cf42c9ca-16ff-497f-9fc3-2367ee81ecbf/43/Hunt-walking-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> The UK economy is set to grow more than forecast in the Autumn Statement over this year and next, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has said in his Spring Budget statement today (6 March). <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/f77aa46/cf42c9ca-16ff-497f-9fc3-2367ee81ecbf/43/Hunt-walking-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4182352/spring-budget-uk-economy-grow-2024-2025-previously-forecast https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4182352/spring-budget-uk-economy-grow-2024-2025-previously-forecast https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4182352/spring-budget-uk-economy-grow-2024-2025-previously-forecast Wed, 6 Mar 2024 14:15:27 +0000 Partner Insight: Robotics: five reasons to invest <img alt="Partner Insight: Robotics: five reasons to invest" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/b3b977c/6c6a250a-39bb-4dcd-b96b-89bc59e80332/22/Robotics-robot-arms-721-445-185x114.png" /> <p><!--summary start--> <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/b3b977c/6c6a250a-39bb-4dcd-b96b-89bc59e80332/22/Robotics-robot-arms-721-445-185x114.png https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/sponsored/4178761/partner-insight-robotics-reasons-invest https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/sponsored/4178761/partner-insight-robotics-reasons-invest https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/sponsored/4178761/partner-insight-robotics-reasons-invest Mon, 4 Mar 2024 10:50:26 +0000 Deep Dive: BoE inflation target requires flexibility to overcome 'exogenous shocks' <img alt="Deep Dive: BoE inflation target requires flexibility to overcome &#39;exogenous shocks&#39;" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/e2e47a0/b15e1c0d-8384-4540-94e6-4e061e387308/35/53501125832-b7ff021fcf-o-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> Flexibility in the Bank of England's 2% inflation target may be the way forward to manage the effects of “exogenous shocks” and create a balance of price stability and economic growth, experts have said. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/e2e47a0/b15e1c0d-8384-4540-94e6-4e061e387308/35/53501125832-b7ff021fcf-o-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/analysis/4179536/deep-dive-boe-inflation-target-requires-flexibility-overcome-exogenous-shocks https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/analysis/4179536/deep-dive-boe-inflation-target-requires-flexibility-overcome-exogenous-shocks https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/analysis/4179536/deep-dive-boe-inflation-target-requires-flexibility-overcome-exogenous-shocks Fri, 1 Mar 2024 12:43:04 +0000 UK food prices fall for the first time in five months <img alt="UK food prices fall for the first time in five months" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/5445f71/11352700-347e-4202-adb1-4f450bdf67fa/14/uk-equities-009-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> Food prices in the UK have fallen for the first time since September, with a month-on-month decline of 0.1% between January and February. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/5445f71/11352700-347e-4202-adb1-4f450bdf67fa/14/uk-equities-009-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4178900/uk-food-prices-fall-months https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4178900/uk-food-prices-fall-months https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4178900/uk-food-prices-fall-months Tue, 27 Feb 2024 08:57:30 +0000 Consumer confidence dips for first time in three months <img alt="Consumer confidence dips for first time in three months" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/5c2e362/1fac494f-fe41-4d57-80c1-628c561df2ac/3/decrease-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> The Consumer Confidence index has fallen by two points to -21 in February, GfK revealed today (23 February). <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/5c2e362/1fac494f-fe41-4d57-80c1-628c561df2ac/3/decrease-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4177957/consumer-confidence-dips-months https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4177957/consumer-confidence-dips-months https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4177957/consumer-confidence-dips-months Fri, 23 Feb 2024 08:25:41 +0000 Fiscal rules 'close to meaningless' unless sensitivity to OBR forecasts is reduced <img alt="Fiscal rules &#39;close to meaningless&#39; unless sensitivity to OBR forecasts is reduced" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/d740d8a/0c02944f-2700-43d1-90cb-39fa04b70038/17/parliament-london-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> Economists have called for the UK fiscal regime to be “less sensitive” to forecasts by the Office for Budget Responsibility, arguing the way these are currently applied makes the nation's fiscal rules “close to meaningless”. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/d740d8a/0c02944f-2700-43d1-90cb-39fa04b70038/17/parliament-london-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4177305/fiscal-rules-close-meaningless-unless-sensitivity-obr-forecasts-reduced https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4177305/fiscal-rules-close-meaningless-unless-sensitivity-obr-forecasts-reduced https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4177305/fiscal-rules-close-meaningless-unless-sensitivity-obr-forecasts-reduced Thu, 22 Feb 2024 11:44:25 +0000 Fed officials 'highly attentive' to inflation despite recent progress <img alt="Fed officials &#39;highly attentive&#39; to inflation despite recent progress" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/ed6d170/c28a7cc8-e6a3-4849-b897-9d52c5afcd0d/22/federal-reserve-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> Officials from the Federal Reserve are “highly attentive” to the risk of inflation, and noted the economic outlook is “uncertain”, according to minutes from the Federal Open Market Committee meeting last month. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/ed6d170/c28a7cc8-e6a3-4849-b897-9d52c5afcd0d/22/federal-reserve-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4177326/fed-officials-highly-attentive-inflation-despite-recent-progress https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4177326/fed-officials-highly-attentive-inflation-despite-recent-progress https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4177326/fed-officials-highly-attentive-inflation-despite-recent-progress Thu, 22 Feb 2024 11:41:34 +0000 Andrew Bailey: No need for inflation to come back to 2% target before cutting rates <img alt="Andrew Bailey: No need for inflation to come back to 2% target before cutting rates" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/190ad75/959ab8da-7541-43c1-8809-d1114ee2500a/26/BAILEY-Andrew-BoE-2021-CC-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey said the central bank does not need to wait for inflation to come back to its 2% target before cutting interest rates, as he brushed off deep recession fears. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/190ad75/959ab8da-7541-43c1-8809-d1114ee2500a/26/BAILEY-Andrew-BoE-2021-CC-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4176246/andrew-bailey-inflation-target-cutting-rates https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4176246/andrew-bailey-inflation-target-cutting-rates https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4176246/andrew-bailey-inflation-target-cutting-rates Tue, 20 Feb 2024 15:12:11 +0000 How big an impact could global elections have on portfolio allocation in 2024? <img alt="How big an impact could global elections have on portfolio allocation in 2024?" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/94c8774/c6b34ced-dfa2-4dbf-bb0a-004fd9ae171b/20/Polling-station-cover-image-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> In 2024, voters in 64 countries will head to the polls in one of the biggest election years on record. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/94c8774/c6b34ced-dfa2-4dbf-bb0a-004fd9ae171b/20/Polling-station-cover-image-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news-analysis/4175719/big-impact-global-elections-portfolio-allocation-2024 https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news-analysis/4175719/big-impact-global-elections-portfolio-allocation-2024 https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news-analysis/4175719/big-impact-global-elections-portfolio-allocation-2024 Mon, 19 Feb 2024 15:18:40 +0000 Ex-BoE chief economist Haldane: Bank credibility under threat if rates not cut soon - reports <img alt="Ex-BoE chief economist Haldane: Bank credibility under threat if rates not cut soon - reports" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/7400530/35c5eccf-3aea-4663-ae5a-c34e3c46c302/19/HALDANE-Andy-4-CC-Bank-of-England-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> Former Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane has said the central bank may risk creating a deeper recession for the UK, if its monetary policy is not loosened soon. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/7400530/35c5eccf-3aea-4663-ae5a-c34e3c46c302/19/HALDANE-Andy-4-CC-Bank-of-England-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4175739/boe-chief-economist-haldane-bank-credibility-threat-rates-cut-soon-reports https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4175739/boe-chief-economist-haldane-bank-credibility-threat-rates-cut-soon-reports https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4175739/boe-chief-economist-haldane-bank-credibility-threat-rates-cut-soon-reports Mon, 19 Feb 2024 15:12:18 +0000 Friday Briefing: A nation is a complicated thing <img alt="Friday Briefing: A nation is a complicated thing" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/41d6b93/0356e49a-5515-4fc4-be9a-ad7e0a145d46/15/BAXTER-DERRINGTON-James-friday-briefing-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> Last week, we learnt the UK had entered a technical recession. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/41d6b93/0356e49a-5515-4fc4-be9a-ad7e0a145d46/15/BAXTER-DERRINGTON-James-friday-briefing-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/opinion/4175508/friday-briefing-nation-complicated https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/opinion/4175508/friday-briefing-nation-complicated https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/opinion/4175508/friday-briefing-nation-complicated Mon, 19 Feb 2024 09:39:37 +0000 BoE's Greene: UK's 'more constrained' supply side is leading to 'stickier' inflation than the US <img alt="BoE&#39;s Greene: UK&#39;s &#39;more constrained&#39; supply side is leading to &#39;stickier&#39; inflation than the US" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/462fa64/42962121-3582-4b73-97e9-51f8e8dbc4f5/25/Megan-Greene-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> Megan Greene, Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee member, argued UK inflation is “stickier” than that of the US due to the UK supply side being “much more constrained”. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/462fa64/42962121-3582-4b73-97e9-51f8e8dbc4f5/25/Megan-Greene-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4174856/boes-greene-uks-constrained-supply-leading-stickier-inflation-us https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4174856/boes-greene-uks-constrained-supply-leading-stickier-inflation-us https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4174856/boes-greene-uks-constrained-supply-leading-stickier-inflation-us Fri, 16 Feb 2024 08:26:36 +0000 UK retail sales jump by highest level since spring 2021 <img alt="UK retail sales jump by highest level since spring 2021" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/3fa3e24/55474d85-904e-4ed4-8af4-e216ed77fdb1/22/uk-equities-markets-035-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> UK retail sales spiked 3.4% in January, the largest monthly rise since April 2021. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/3fa3e24/55474d85-904e-4ed4-8af4-e216ed77fdb1/22/uk-equities-markets-035-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4175026/uk-retail-sales-jump-level-spring-2021 https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4175026/uk-retail-sales-jump-level-spring-2021 https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4175026/uk-retail-sales-jump-level-spring-2021 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 08:12:22 +0000 'Outcry' for rate and tax cuts would only be a 'short-term fix' to UK growth issues <img alt="&#39;Outcry&#39; for rate and tax cuts would only be a &#39;short-term fix&#39; to UK growth issues" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/21a7e01/9317370f-1ffc-49bb-8baf-cd9df1c22a09/24/uk-equities-markets-028-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> Calls for the Bank of England to begin cutting interest rates in response to the UK slipping into a recession would not work as a long-term solution to the country’s growth problems, experts told Investment Week. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/21a7e01/9317370f-1ffc-49bb-8baf-cd9df1c22a09/24/uk-equities-markets-028-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4174629/outcry-rate-tax-cuts-short-term-fix-uk-growth-issues https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4174629/outcry-rate-tax-cuts-short-term-fix-uk-growth-issues https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4174629/outcry-rate-tax-cuts-short-term-fix-uk-growth-issues Thu, 15 Feb 2024 15:20:02 +0000 Jeremy Hunt weighs tightening public spending to fund tax cuts - reports <img alt="Jeremy Hunt weighs tightening public spending to fund tax cuts - reports" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/0d75c1b/6b086782-5427-48cb-910f-d2a6c70da417/12/Hunt-Jeremy-close-Alamy-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt may place significant reductions on public spending plans to finance pre-election tax cuts if finances for his Budget on 6 March are tight. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/0d75c1b/6b086782-5427-48cb-910f-d2a6c70da417/12/Hunt-Jeremy-close-Alamy-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4174447/jeremy-hunt-weighs-tightening-public-spending-fund-tax-cuts-reports https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4174447/jeremy-hunt-weighs-tightening-public-spending-fund-tax-cuts-reports https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4174447/jeremy-hunt-weighs-tightening-public-spending-fund-tax-cuts-reports Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:22:26 +0000 UK enters technical recession as economy shrinks 0.3% in Q4 2023 <img alt="UK enters technical recession as economy shrinks 0.3% in Q4 2023" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/d5fe654/36961d5b-4ca5-4043-9f67-8946c45468d5/2/0-UK-Recession-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> The UK economy shrunk by 0.3% in the last three months of 2023, placing it in a technical recession, according to data from the Office for National Statistics published today (15 February). <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/d5fe654/36961d5b-4ca5-4043-9f67-8946c45468d5/2/0-UK-Recession-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4174448/uk-enters-technical-recession-economy-shrinks-q4-2023 https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4174448/uk-enters-technical-recession-economy-shrinks-q4-2023 https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4174448/uk-enters-technical-recession-economy-shrinks-q4-2023 Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:16:27 +0000 'More questions than answers' as inflation remains unchanged at 4% <img alt="&#39;More questions than answers&#39; as inflation remains unchanged at 4%" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/6fcc488/e9f89a82-e225-4733-87c8-f2dde6ad0d78/9/iw-inflation-2018-006-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> UK headline inflation has remained unchanged at 4% in January, coming in under consensus expectations of a rise to 4.2%, although experts are split over the implications of the data. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/6fcc488/e9f89a82-e225-4733-87c8-f2dde6ad0d78/9/iw-inflation-2018-006-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4173925/questions-answers-inflation-remains-unchanged https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4173925/questions-answers-inflation-remains-unchanged https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4173925/questions-answers-inflation-remains-unchanged Wed, 14 Feb 2024 08:27:40 +0000 Hotter than expected US inflation tempers Fed rate cut expectations <img alt="Hotter than expected US inflation tempers Fed rate cut expectations" src="https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/1de11b0/55bc7438-19ba-411b-8df9-f024c1a6a111/21/US-dollar-629827156-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> Hopes of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve are being “pushed further out” after US inflation came in hotter than expected in January. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/api/v1/wps/1de11b0/55bc7438-19ba-411b-8df9-f024c1a6a111/21/US-dollar-629827156-185x114.jpg https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4173636/hotter-expected-us-inflation-tempers-fed-rate-cut-expectations https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4173636/hotter-expected-us-inflation-tempers-fed-rate-cut-expectations https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4173636/hotter-expected-us-inflation-tempers-fed-rate-cut-expectations Tue, 13 Feb 2024 15:06:32 +0000