HEALEY
Shriti Vadera appointed adviser to Britain's finance minister
Shriti Vadera has been appointed as an adviser to Britain's finance minister John Healey. She will focus on the government's role in the G20 international forum next year. Vadera will provide guidance on development finance and policy implementation from now until July 2027. Her previous experience includes serving as an international development minister and advising Britain's Treasury. Vadera also holds leadership positions with the Royal Shakespeare Company and Prudential.
Bank of England hikes rates to 4%, first raise since 2023, says more may come amid high UK inflation
In a decisive move, the Bank of England has escalated interest rates to 4% amidst spiraling inflation, projected to hit 4.8% in Q2 next year. Governor Andrew Bailey cautioned that further hikes may be necessary, especially with ongoing global conflicts. Market reactions were notably favorable, with the British pound gaining strength against the US dollar. Enhancements in economic data have prompted economists to revise growth forecasts upwards.
Bank of England raises rates for first time since 2023, says more may come
British inflation is likely to reach around 5% in the middle of next year, the BoE said, more than double the central bank's target and a blow for new Prime Minister Andy Burnham who has sought to ease of cost of living pressures.
Bank of England set to raise interest rates for first time in three years as Iran war fuels inflation
The Bank of England is widely expected to raise interest rates for the first time in three years as the US-Iran conflict fuels energy prices and inflation. Policymakers remain divided over the need for further tightening and the risks to economic growth.
Democrats poised to take Senate, House as voters deliver rebuke to Trump in historic midterms route
Democrats achieved significant victories in the latest midterm elections, gaining control of the Senate and making House gains. A series of unexpected wins in traditionally Republican states highlighted voter frustration over high prices and political direction. Several incumbent Republicans were defeated, including those backed by President Donald Trump. Economic concerns dominated voters' minds, creating dissatisfaction with both parties. These results may influence future political dynamics and presidential candidate considerations.
US election results 2026 winners full list: Who is winning the midterm elections? Here's who is leading in House, Senate and Governor races
2026 us election results: Midterm elections were held recently, influencing the control of Congress for President Donald Trump's remaining term. Republicans faced notable declines among Black men, Latinos, and young voters, according to early exit poll data. The House currently has a slight Republican majority, while the Senate is 53-47 in favor of Republicans. Democrats needed a net gain of four seats to gain Senate control.

US Midterm Early Election Results 2026: Senate battle gets intense, Democrats flip key North Carolina seat, retain Georgia
Democrats achieved a significant victory by flipping a Senate seat in North Carolina during the midterm elections. The results indicate a potential shift in power in Congress as Democrats target more Republican-held seats. Voter dissatisfaction with the economy and government issues is evident, impacting turnout rates for both parties. Significant elections in various states signify the urgency of control over Congress.

UK PM Burnham's trip to India could take place soon: British envoy
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is keen to visit India soon, Acting British High Commissioner Ben Mellor said on Thursday, highlighting strengthening ties between the two countries. Mellor also expressed confidence that India and the UK would surpass their target of doubling bilateral trade to around $120 billion by 2030, citing new deals worth £12 billion since the free trade agreement was signed.

British homebuilder shares slump on lack of clarity over first-time buyer plan in budget
Shares of British homebuilders plummeted following finance minister John Healey's budget speech about housing initiatives. The delays surrounding the launch and funding of the awaited 'Your First Home' scheme have analysts worried that it won’t receive long-term financial support. Prominent companies like Barratt Redrow, Taylor Wimpey, and Persimmon experienced sharp declines, which could further hinder the timeline for new site developments that builders are eager to pursue.

Council Tax Bands explained: How to check your band, current rates and can you pay less?
UK Chancellor John Healey has announced an innovative cost-of-energy payment aimed at aiding households in council tax bands A to D in England. Scheduled for January 2027, this initiative is expected to support roughly 20 million homes, funded by elevated taxes imposed on banks. The announcement details the council tax bands in England, encouraging residents to assess their eligibility for reductions or discounts on their council tax.

UK new minimum wage 2027: What will the new rates be, how much more will workers earn, and when does the new minimum wage start?
UK minimum wage 2027: The UK minimum wage will rise by 3.9% in April 2027, taking the hourly rate to £13.21 for workers aged 21 and over and £11.27 for those aged 18 to 20. Here's what to know about the new minimum wage 2027, how much more workers will earn and when the new rates take effect.

UK Budget 2026 Highlights: Treasury chief John Healey presents his first budget, check latest updates
Chancellor John Healey on Wednesday presented his first Budget focused on the rising cost-of-living crisis and energy prices. There were expectations for measures that provide temporary assistance to struggling households and businesses. Here are the highlights of UK Budget 2026.

UK Budget: What is the ‘Your First Home’ scheme announced by Chancellor John Healey? Check eligibility, property price limits, and other details
UK Chancellor John Healey announced a new scheme named Your First Home to support first-time homebuyers. This initiative allows eligible buyers to purchase homes with a minimum deposit of 2.5% and provides a 20% government-backed equity loan. Income limits apply, with caps based on local property prices to ensure assistance reaches those in need. Developers will contribute towards the scheme, which will have a capped annual funding.

What time is UK budget today and where to watch it? Will income tax rise, fuel prices increase and pensioners get relief in John Healey’s big announcement?
When will UK budget be announced? UK Chancellor John Healey will deliver his first Budget today, with the key announcements expected on income tax, fuel duty, pension payments and household energy bills. John Healey is set to deliver his first Budget this afternoon, with the chancellor expected to outline the proposals at approximately 12.30pm.

Britain issues costliest 5-year debt since 2008 before budget
Britain conducted a sale of £4.5 billion worth of 5-year debt at a yield of 5.036%. This yield reflects the highest rate seen since the year 2008, indicating market pressures on the government. Investors showed robust interest, bidding 3.51 times the amount available during the gilt auction. Experts anticipate only a modest rise in debt issuance as projected figures indicate increased financing requirements.

US political candidates tailor messages for AI models used by voters
US political candidates have been engineering their campaign messages to appeal to the AI chatbots that more voters have been using to answer questions about issues, and documents seen by Reuters have revealed some of their strategies.

Massachusetts and Idaho put guns on the ballot. One seeks to restrict them, the other to honor them
In a fascinating juxtaposition, Idaho voters are deciding on a state gun, while Massachusetts grapples with stringent new firearm regulations. These divergent ballot measures underscore the ongoing dialogue surrounding gun rights and restrictions. Massachusetts has initiated a law mandating serialization and registration of firearms, leading to a public referendum. Conversely, Idaho is presenting a nonbinding question to promote voter engagement.

Charting the global economy: Euro area business activity cools
The euro area’s private sector slowed more than expected in October, weighed down by France as the region’s No. 2 economy grapples with fiscal and political tensions.

5 world market themes for the week ahead
An important week is upcoming with central banks like the Federal Reserve and European Central Bank making policy decisions. Major companies, including Alphabet, Amazon, and Microsoft, are set to report their earnings. Political events are also significant, with elections in Israel and Brazil influencing markets. China's leadership will hold discussions focused on party governance amidst external pressures.
Load More
