Summary: Rishi Sunak defends his strategy to tackle inflation in an exclusive interview with ITV News, stressing responsible borrowing . Sunak acknowledges the role of the government in curbing inflation and highlights the potential negative impact of excessive borrowing on long-term economic stability . Sunak discusses the effects of interest rate rises and emphasizes the importance of sustainable pay increases tied to productivity growth. Sunak confirms the government's commitment to the triple lock policy for pensions and expresses his intent to support individuals facing inflation -related pressures. Sunak addresses ca...

Summary: Chancellor Rishi Sunak admits inflation is not declining as fast as desired but asserts progress is being made. Sunak emphasizes the importance of bringing down inflation to alleviate financial pressures on citizens and lower interest rates. Practical assistance for homeowners includes the mortgage charter, enabling options like extending mortgage terms or switching to interest-only mortgages. Sunak's determination to make responsible decisions and protect citizens' equity aims to prevent people from losing their homes. ...

Summary: Japan's inflation rate defies predictions, staying at 3.3% compared to the anticipated 2.5%. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, matches expectations at 3.1%, while 'core, core inflation ' reaches a 42-year high of 4.3%. Japanese yen weakens as the dollar gains strength, prompting discussions about potential Bank of Japan policy changes. ...

Summary: The UK economy faces concerns as initial data shows an unexpected rise in June's inflation rate to 4.2%. Job numbers indicate potential hesitance by the Bank of England in raising interest rates . Unemployment reaches levels not seen since October 2021 amid recent events like Wilco's administration. Average hourly earnings grew by 8.2% in June, aligning with expectations of further interest rate increases. The uncertain monetary policy outlook hinges on upcoming consumer price inflation figures. Sterling reacts positively to data release, impacting currency performance. Future economic trajectory depends on up...

Summary: Investors await the US inflation data for July as a significant market driver. After a notable drop in June, expectations rise for an acceleration in July's inflation figures. The Fed eral Reserve's stance on interest rates is poised to be influenced by the inflation trend. Core inflation remains a key concern and could impact the Fed 's decision on rate hikes. US dollar strength and Euro 's performance hold implications for trading dynamics. Crude oil's price surge contributes to inflation, adding to the cautious market sentiment. ...

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. ...

UK Inflation Falls But Still Among Highest of Major Economies Summary: UK inflation remains high, causing financial strain for millions of households. Families face rising prices for essential items, while wages lag behind. Housing costs are adding to the burden, with mortgage rates on the rise. Supermarkets face criticism for not passing on cost cuts to consumers. Government efforts to tackle the cost of living crisis face scrutiny and demand for more action. Millions of hous...

Summary: Retail sales in the UK increased by 0.7% in June 2023 compared to the previous month, but were down by 1% compared to June 2022, indicating a gradual slowdown. Consumer confidence in July showed a decline, attributed to rising interest rates, fiscal drag, and reduced disposable income. Small businesses face challenges due to the cost of doing business, including higher interest rates, inflation, and the highest tax burden in 70 years. The UK government borrowed £18.5 billion in June 2023, with a significant portion going towards paying interest on previous debt. Debates arise about the sustainability of government borrowin...

Summary: Halifax , the UK's biggest mortgage lender, is reducing rates by up to 0.71 percentage points. HSBC and other major banks have also announced rate cuts in response to rising mortgage rates. The reduction in rates provides relief to homeowners and potential buyers, especially for fixed-rate deals. The move is influenced by expectations of Bank of England rates and inflation trends. Mortgage rates have been on the rise due to consecutive interest rate increases by the Bank of England . Recent decrease in inflation offers optimism about possible rate stabilization. Mortgage companies are aiming to attract customers by ...

Summary: The Jackson Hole symposium begins, raising expectations about its impact on markets, interest rates , and the US dollar. Central banks grapple with the challenge of balancing inflation control and fostering economic growth . Fluctuations in the US dollar are not solely tied to the symposium but have multiple influencing factors. The euro's performance is analyzed in relation to recent dollar movements and support levels. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's upcoming speech holds key insights for future market trends. ...

Ofgem energy price cap falls - but average household bills still expected to rise The energy watchdog has reduced the energy price cap to £3,280 effective from 1 April. It's currently £4,270. Despite this, bills are still expected to rise by 20% because the Government's energy price guarantee, which caps House or bills at £2,500 annually, will rise to £3,000. The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, is facing calls from opposition parties to keep the support at the current level in his spring budget next month. Let's get more on that, should we? And Goprit is here with us. So the ceiling's come down, but our bills are still going to go up. Yeah, it's a bit complicated. But when you add up all the numbers, actually the result is that households and businesses are worse off as a result of it. So this should be good news. Of jam set, something called the energy price cap. It li...

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: Chancellor Rishi Sunak pledges to progress towards net zero emissions without adding to household bills amidst high inflation rates. The government boasts a commendable track record in environmental efforts compared to other countries, reassuring citizens about their commitment to balancing sustainability and affordability. Sunak confirms the government's progress in delivering a million new homes, with a focus on ensuring homeownership opportunities for all in the right way. The practical approach includes encouraging home expansions in suitable locations, investing in brownfield sites, and supporting the planning syst...

Summary: Far-right populist Javier Milei shocks with over 30% vote in Argentina primary election . Voters express frustration with economic struggles, inflation , and poverty in the country. Milei's outsider status and different approach attract voters seeking change. Questions arise about Milei's ability to govern without strong party support. Three main candidates, including Milei, advance to the general election in October. ...

Summary: UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak accused of dishonesty for claiming the hospitality sector is thriving. Critics argue that rising inflation, energy bills, and interest rates make such claims hard to believe. Hospitality business owners counter the Prime Minister's statements, asserting that business is far from 'good.' The industry demands concrete measures to address increasing costs and decreasing profits. Debates continue on the real impact of government policies on the hospitality sector's well-being. ...

Eurovision 2023: Decision to ban Volodymyr Zelenskyy from making address 'disappointing' So, very good morning to you, and I do want to talk about Eurovision in just a moment. But before we get on to that, a couple of stories around today that I want to ask you about. Firstly, comments by the former Conservative Home Secretary, Preeti Patel today, saying that Rishi Sunak needs to offer more hope and optimism for conservatism, or she says he risks presiding over a managed decline of the party and defeat of the next election. Is she right? So, you know, I have a marginal seat. I am reliant on the grassroots of the party to help me. They are determined, as I am, and I think most people within the party, to support the Prime Minister in the endeavours that he has to try and grow the economy and tackle the issues that are the people's priorities. So, I think what they want us t...

Summary: Central banks face a significant week with crucial interest rate decisions. The Federal Reserve is expected to raise rates and provide insights through the press conference. The European Central Bank will likely indicate ongoing commitment to supporting economic growth. The Bank of Japan is anticipated to maintain its short-term interest rate target. Global markets closely monitor these decisions for potential currency shifts and investor reactions. Central banks wor...

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. ...

Interest rates: Banks not passing on £23bn to savers Work no longer pays what it used to. Inflation is eroding our earnings and banks aren't passing on higher interest rates to savers. Pensioners like Carol say their money isn't working as hard as it used to. I've been trying to create a financial buffer. And every time I get a little bit saved, something happens. So that's going to be at the moment the cost of living crisis. If I want to actually have a life, I have to work. Back in December 2021, the Bank of England's interest rate stood at just 0.1%. With the average savings rate on the high street at 0.2%. But while the Bank of England has since hiked its main interest rate to 4%, average savings rates among high street banks have only risen to 1.88%. It means that those with £30,000 of savings only stand to make £569 in interest each year. That's less ...

Tata Group to Invest £4 Billion in UK Electric Car Battery Factory, Creating Thousands of Jobs Summary: Tata Group announces £4 billion investment in a new UK electric car battery factory. The investment is expected to create thousands of jobs and make the factory one of Europe's largest battery production facilities. Chancellor Rishi Sunak praises the investment as a 'fantastic vote of confidence' in the UK economy. Factors influencing Tata's decision include the quality of skilled workers, the competitive tax regime, and supportive government policies. The location of the Gigafactory is yet to be disclosed. Prime Minister remai...