Economic News
Empty homes in the UK on the rise as vacant stock hits £50bn
The number of empty homes across the country has risen for the first time in a decade reaching £50bn worthy of vacant stock, new analysis has revealed.
BoE cuts near-term forecasts, points to hike towards turn of year
Policymakers at the Bank of England opted to keep Bank Rate on hold on Thursday, sticking to their forecasts for a moderate pace of economic expansion over the medium-term, while pointing to current market pricing for another hike in Bank Rate around the turn of the year - although there were two dissenters.
Iran likely to respond to US sanctions with cyberattacks
Iran is likely to retaliate with cyber attacks on Western businesses after the US president Donald Trump announced new sanctions on the Islamic republic and withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal, according to online security experts.
Long-suffering commuters promised 'transformational' digital railway
A ‘digital transformation’ set to revolutionise the country’s railways and reduce disruption was outlined to the public on Thursday - but some City commuters would be forgiven for taking the announcement with the smallest pinch of salt.
Middle East tensions increase after Israel attacks Iranian targets in Syria
Tensions in the Middle East heightened overnight Thursday as Israel launched air strikes against Iranian targets inside Syria in retaliation for a rocket attack on the Golan Heights it pinned on Iran.
US 'core' CPI falls short of forecasts in April
Consumer prices in the States advanced by slightly less-than-expected last month despite a bounce back in energy costs.
Economists seek meaning in BoE's decision to hold rates
Economists and analysts were divided as they tried to make sense of the Bank of England’s decision to keep rates on hold while trimming its economic forecast.
US jobless claims hold steady near 48-year low
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits was unchanged last week, according to data released by the Labor Department on Thursday.
North Korean and US summit likely to be held in Singapore - report
The historic summit between the US and North Korea will be held in Singapore, CNN reported citing people familiar with the plans.
Gloomy UK manufacturing and construction figures add to economic doubts
Sluggish factory output and a continuing contraction in the construction industry added to doubts about the economy as the Bank of England prepared to release its latest decision on interest rates later on Thursday.