News Briefing – 23/09/2024
UK Economics On 19 September the Bank of England chose to hold its base rate at 5%. This came after CPI inflation remained at 2.2% in August, unchanged from July. Also on 19 September, Thames Water announced it would be going to the High Court to seek an agreement with its lenders to extend its debt terms. The embattled firm, currently £18bn in debt, has … Continue reading News Briefing – 23/09/2024
News Briefing – 11/06/2024
UK Economics Data released on 4 June showed that admissions to private hospitals hit a record high of 898,000 over the course of 2023. This comes as many patients turn away from the NHS, which has been beset by worker shortages and record waiting lists. On 5 June the Conservatives unveiled a new campaign, claiming that a Labour government would cost the average household £2000 … Continue reading News Briefing – 11/06/2024
Room for Industrial Policy?
“I’ll be the greatest jobs president that God ever created.” – Donald J. Trump The arrival of Donald Trump into the White House initiated a new wave of industrial policy in the West. Prior to Mr. Trump it was the 2008/09 recession that ushered in Mr. Obama’s economic nationalism: “Our first priority is making America a magnet for new jobs and manufacturing”, and before that … Continue reading Room for Industrial Policy?
The London Rent VS Buy Divide
London, a city celebrated for its rich history, vibrant culture, and world-class attractions, also faces a stark reality: a housing crisis. Property prices have skyrocketed 454% since 1996, far outpacing average salary growth of just 109%; London is now also the 4th most expensive city for expats. Homeownership, once a cornerstone of British identity, is now out of reach for most young Londoners. Only the … Continue reading The London Rent VS Buy Divide
The Collapse of Thames Water
Amidst a cascade of financial challenges and operational setbacks, Thames Water finds itself at a critical juncture. It is teetering on the brink of a profound transformation, with headlines echoing defaults on debt, investor withdrawals, and a funding crisis. From regulatory scrutiny to underinvestment in infrastructure, Thames Water’s journey to this precarious position reflects a complex interplay of factors. As stakeholders grapple with the repercussions, … Continue reading The Collapse of Thames Water
Paris Olympics and the French Economy
On 26th July, Paris will welcome 14,000 athletes from 206 countries, 9 million audience members and 4 billion television spectators to join the Olympic Opening Ceremony. French President Emmanuel Macron has articulated a vision for a “wide open” Games designed to spread opportunities and maximise the benefits for the long-term unemployed, small businesses and deprived communities. In his new year’s address Macron predicted the “Paris 2024 … Continue reading Paris Olympics and the French Economy
News Briefing – 03/06/2024
UK Economics On 22 May the Office for National Statistics announced that the UK’s CPI inflation rate fell to 2.3% in April. This came in above market forecasts for 2.1% CPI growth, but nonetheless marks the first time since mid-2021 that inflation has returned to the Bank of England’s official 2% ±1% target range. Higher than expected UK inflation has led investors to bet that the … Continue reading News Briefing – 03/06/2024
News Briefing – 20/05/2024
UK Economics On 14 May the Office for National Statistics announced that UK wage growth stood at 5.7% in the three months to March. This came in above analysts’ expectations of 5.5%, indicating persistent inflationary pressures in the UK labour market. Despite this, mortgage brokers continued to lower mortgage rates this week, as markets increasingly bet that the Bank of England will cut its base … Continue reading News Briefing – 20/05/2024
News Briefing – 12/05/2024
UK Economics On Wednesday, 8 May government sources reported that HS2 Ltd. is set to be provided with a £1bn injection of taxpayer money, to fund the construction of a tunnel connecting Old Oak Common and Euston Station. The injection is set to end months of uncertainty around HS2’s London terminus. On 9 May the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee voted to hold its … Continue reading News Briefing – 12/05/2024
News Briefing – 06/05/2024
UK Economics On 2 May the OECD released new forecast data for the UK economy. Its projections suggest that the UK economy will grow by just 0.4% this year, slower than any G7 country except Germany. Average inflation will stand at 2.7% over 2024, the highest rate in the G7. UK mortgage rates have ticked up over the past two weeks, as markets widely anticipate … Continue reading News Briefing – 06/05/2024
