Economic News
CBI boss dismisses 'false choice' between EU and global trade
Britain’s relationship with Europe supports trade with the rest of the world and those who say the UK must decide between the two options present a false choice, the head of the CBI will tell business leaders.
Thursday preview: Barclays, Centrica, Playtech and Serco results in focus
Continuing the series of banks reporting this week, Barclays results on Thursday come alongside those from Anglo American, BAE Systems, British American Tobacco, Centrica, Playtech, RSA Insurance and Serco.
May to ask EU for extended Brexit implementation phase
The UK wants to extend the Brexit transition period to the European Union, according to reports on Wednesday.
US business activity grows more than expected in February - IHS Markit
Activity in the US manufacturing and services industries grew more than expected in February, according to preliminary data released on Wednesday.
UK February public sector surplus beats forecasts
The UK's budget surplus widened further at the start of the year, with economists optimistic that Westminster was set to overshoot its own targets for fiscal consolidation.
Maduro claims $735m raised by sale of new Venezuelan cryptocurrency
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro used his Twitter account on Tuesday to announce that the country has made $735m from the sale of its new cryptocurrency on the first day.
AI growth could be dangerous and threaten everyday life if misused by hackers
Breakthroughs in artificial intelligence technology could be used maliciously, boosting cybercrime by means of political threats, physical attacks and data corruption, according to researchers at Cambridge University.
EC fines vehicle shipping and supplies firms for cartel behaviour
The European Commission handed out a total of €546m in fines to car shipping and parts suppliers for anti-competitive behaviour in three separate decisions, with all companies acknowledging their involvement in the cartels and agreeing to settle the cases.
Pacific nations push ahead with TPP, final version of trade deal released
A deal to cut trade barriers in some of Asia-Pacific’s most advanced economies took a big step forward on Wednesday with the release of its final version.
Stirring wage growth and rising unemployment reduce odds of rate hike
UK unemployment increased unexpectedly at the end of last year but wage data was mixed, which may stoke some further speculation about the Bank of England's likely path for interest rate hikes.
Eurozone business growth slows more than expected in February
Business growth in the eurozone slowed more than expected this month, according to data released on Wednesday, although it remains firm overall.