Economic News
Construction sector held back by lack of skilled workers
Construction growth in London is being held back by a lack of sufficiently skilled workers and the impact of Brexit-related uncertainties on investment decisions, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has found.
FCA publishes additional "position limits" on certain commodity derivatives
The Financial Conduct Authority has today published a further set of "position limits" on certain commodity derivative contracts traded on UK trading revenues, to be applied from early January of 2018 to positions held in the "Spot Month" alongside other months' periods for each commodity derivative.
US open: Stocks come off lows after stronger than expected data
Wall Street is trading slightly lower, but well-off its intra-day lows, following the release of stronger than expected consumer price inflation and retail sales data for October and amid lingering concerns about the progress being made by the White House on tax reforms.
Thursday preview: ONS retail sales and results from Royal Mail, British Land, Qinetic
Thursday's UK retail sales numbers are not expected to provide any filip to the beleaguered sector, while the reporting season has not fully tailed off yet, with results due from 3i, British Land, Qinetiq, Assura Investec, Mediclinic, Royal Mail and Ted Baker.
BoE's Broadbent says Brexit may not mean low rates
Markets and analysts should not assume Brexit inevitably means lower interest rates, a Bank of England deputy governor has warned.
Minimum alcohol pricing ruled legal by UK supreme court
The UK supreme court has ruled that the introduction of a minimum price for alcoholic drinks is legal, despite an appeal by a Scottish whisky group.
Labour's Scottish leader resigns in wake of abuse claims
Alex Rowley, the acting leader of the Labour Party in Scotland, stood down from his role on Wednesday after a former partner made allegations of abuse against him.
Empire State manufacturing index drops more than expected in November
Manufacturing activity in the New York Fed's jurisdiction deteriorated more than expected in November, according to data released on Wednesday.
US retail sales jump past forecasts in October
Retail sales volumes in the States increased more quickly than expected last month, amid a jump in demand for motor vehicles and parts in the wake of the hurricanes that struck the Gulf of Mexico.
US core CPI edges past forecasts, some economists see big rise ahead
The cost of the living in the States increased a tad more quickly than expected last month as rising prices for used cars and trucks, shelter and medical care services pushed the so-called 'core' rate higher.
UBS sees S&P 500 at 2,900 by year-end 2018
The balance of risks for US equities is skewed to the upside, UBS said in an equity strategy note, as it targets a year-end 2018 level of 2,900 for the S&P 500.
Used car sales rack up two quarters of declines
Sales of used cars have fallen for the second quarter running, suggesting second-hand sales could be emulating reversals in the market for new vehicles.
Property obsession could be making UK poorer, NIESR says
Home ownership is crowding out other forms of long-term savings and investment with potentially damaging effects on pension savings and the wider UK economy, research suggests.
French core CPI inflation remains subdued in October
The cost of living in France increased last month, bolstered by higher fresh food prices, especially butter, amid slight signs of building price pressures, according to economists.
UK wages still under pressure as employment market falters
UK average wage growth has persisted in wallowing below inflation, official figures showed on Wednesday, while the employment market showed signs of faltering.
Euro area trade surplus at widest on record in September
The single currency bloc's trade surplus in goods with the rest of the world jumped in September to its highest level on record as import demand fell off.
PCE inflation should be allowed to run above 2%, Fed's Evans says
The US central bank should be willing to allow inflation to run moderately above its target and say so clearly, a top official said.
Army seizes power in Zimbabwe but denies Mugabe coup
Zimbabwe is now under the control of the country’s military after the army seized power on Wednesday, but said they guaranteed the security of President Robert Mugabe.