Hot Topics & News

• 9:35 am
• Standard

The performance of financial markets continued to be driven by rising inflation and rising central bank interest rates, but the rate of both has added the fear of recession to the mix.

• 4:17 pm
• Standard

This week inflation continued to grind higher, with price rises heaping more pressure on the embattled British consumer. Unsurprisingly confidence has dropped to record lows, a bad sign for a nation dependent on consumer spending for growth.

• 7:44 am
• Standard

This week saw further evidence that the global housing market is beginning to cool. New mortgage approvals and home completions are falling in the US.

• 8:59 am
• Standard

This week we got the classic one-two of British politics, a big scandal followed by a big policy announcement. The publication of Sue Gray’s long- awaited report into partying in number 10 painted the government, and particularly the prime minister’s office, in a terrible light which no doubt will have political ramifications down the line.

• 9:15 am
• Standard

This week we have seen inflation dominate financial markets again. US inflation fell, slightly, although it remains at the highest level in decades. Markets are mulling whether this is a quirk in the data or a sign that inflation is peaking.

• 8:29 am
• Standard

This week the war in Ukraine has had a significant impact on markets as Russia suspended gas flows to Poland and Bulgaria. The move increases the risk of a large energy disruption in Europe, which until now had seen supplies remain stable.

• 6:15 pm
• Standard

This week we got more evidence that the gloss might be coming off the economic recovery from the coronavirus. Following on from disappointing growth figures last week, this week there were reports of sharply slowing retail sales and a plunge in consumer confidence.