Summary: China's economy experiences deflation as consumer prices decline in July, a rare occurrence in over two years. Deflation refers to a sustained drop in prices, indicating weak demand and economic challenges. China's consumer price index showed an annual decrease of minus 0.3%, partially attributed to stabilized pork prices. China's economic authorities are under pressure to take active measures to stimulate the economy and boost domestic demand . The global impact of China's deflation includes potentially cheaper Chinese products abroad, but also limited access to the Chinese market due to weak demand . ...

Summary: China's deflation could lead to cheaper import s globally, potentially benefiting the UK's consumer market. UK inflation may receive some relief from cheaper Chinese import s, but ongoing challenges persist. Sustained deflation in China might hinder UK exporters due to delayed spending and slower market growth. Global trade, consumption, and commodity prices could be significantly affected by a slowdown in China's economic growth. ...

Summary: Food inflation has fallen for the fifth consecutive month, albeit not as rapidly as before. Staple items like milk and sunflower oil have seen price decreases, providing some relief for shoppers. Branded goods, including popular items like chocolate slices and cheddar, have witnessed significant price spikes. The Bank of England's chief economist anticipates that food prices may not return to pre-pandemic levels. ...

Martin Lewis: Energy Price Guarantee rise would be 'act of national harm' If the price rises in April, it's not firms, it's not regulators, it is the government putting people's prices up. Well, I wrote to the Chancellor three weeks ago, asking him to not increase the rise, the energy price guarantee in April by 20% as planned, for all the reasons that have just been outlined there. And most importantly, what you have to understand is if we do increase it, it would result in an act of national mental health harm. People have been battered by successive rises in energy bills, 14% rises in broadband, 7% in water, 5% in council tax. And for the sake of just three months, and you heard the explanation of why it's just three months there, to send millions of people another letter is bad for people's finances. It's bad for people's state of mental health....

Summary: FTSE 100 reaches four-week highs after consumer prices rise 7.9% in June, according to ONS data. Tata Motors announces £4 billion investment for the UK's first large-scale EV battery plant. National Grid sells 20% of the UK's gas network in a £700 million deal. Hargreaves Lansdowne reports a 6% jump in net new business during the quarter. Thacker Pass Lithium project gets approval from the US Court of Appeal, boosting Trident Royalty shares. London's FTSE...

Supermarkets Cleared of 'Profiteering', but Told to Make Their Pricing 'Clearer' Summary: Supermarkets found not guilty of 'profiteering' from rising food prices due to intense competition. Retail grocery sector saw a significant decline in profits and operating margins. Baby formula and some everyday staples experienced higher price increases. Various factors, including geopolitical events and COVID-related disruptions, contributed to price rises. Supermarkets urged to improve price label clarity to facilitate customer comparisons and ensure fair deals. ...

Summary: London pubs thrive despite the implementation of a new alcohol pricing system. Pub owners express concerns about the potential impact on both their businesses and customers. Londoners show unwavering support for their local pubs, upholding the city's pub culture. Pub owners urge the government to reconsider the new pricing system for a fairer approach. The future of London's pub industry remains uncertain as policymakers assess the situation. London's pub...

Summary: Centrica , the owner of British Gas , reports a profit of £2.1 billion, nearly double the previous year's figures. British Gas profits have seen a tenfold increase, with £969 million in the past year. The significant profits have been attributed to changes in the price cap imposed by off-gem. Consumer groups argue that the regulatory system for energy suppliers needs an overhaul to promote competition and fair pricing. The privatized utilities sector continues to face debates on what constitutes a fair price and reasonable profit. ...