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: Retail sales in July experienced a significant decline of 1.2%, worse than the anticipated 0.5% contraction. The Office for National Statistics attributes the decline to the exceptionally wet weather, marking July 2023 as the wettest July since 2009. Department stores, clothing shops, and supermarkets were among the hardest-hit sectors, with supermarkets showing the most pronounced decline in sales. Online shopping defied the trend, posting a 4.4% year-on-year increase and accounting for 27.4% of total retail sales, the highest proportion in months. ...

Summary: Boots reports a 33% increase in Covid test sales since July. Just under 790,000 people in the UK estimated to have Covid symptoms . Highest Covid rates in the south-west, lowest in Yorkshire . Recent rise in cases compared to previous Omicron peaks. 46% increase in hospital patients testing positive for Covid. Waning immunity contributing to the surge in cases. Booster uptake relatively low in certain age groups. The High Street Pharmacy Boots says sales of ...

Summary: Meta shares surge 8% on IG platform following better-than-expected earnings and revenue . Revenue increased by 11% to $32 billion, exceeding analysts' expectations. Ad revenue rose 12% in Q2, outperforming competitors like Google. Shares have risen by a staggering 266% overall and 160% since the beginning of the year. Meta 's stock closes at $319.09, poised for another positive trading day. Meta shares surged more than 8% in extended trade on the IG ...

Summary: Chinese Yuan falls as economic indicators reveal further slowdown. Industrial output growth slower than June and below expectations. Mobile sales also underperform expectations. Unemployment rate rises to 5.3%, posing challenges for Chinese economy. People's Bank of China cuts one year loan rate and considers stamp duty reduction. US dollar strengthens against offshore Chinese yuan. Technical analysis suggests potential trends in the foreign exchange market . ...

Taylor Swift? BTS? Whose book is it?! For the moment, it's called 4C Untitled Flatiron Nonfiction Summer 2023, not the most engaging title to encourage book sales. And yet, this mystery memoir has reached the US top ten pre-order charts of both Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Fans of the singer Taylor Swift have speculated it could be her, despite no cast-iron proof of her involvement or any comments from the star herself. Something booksellers are only too keen to capitalize on. This teasing Instagram post from Skylark Bookshop says details of the memoir will be released on the 13th of June, and asks, which celebrity has an affinity for that number? Swifties will know that 13 is her lucky number. It is 544 pages long, 5 plus 4 plus 4 equals 13. It is not a political memoir, however Flatiron Books does a lot of political memoirs, including Joe Biden, Oprah Winfrey, so seems like th...

FTSE 100 Gains Led by Mining Giants - Market Report Summary: FTSE 100 continues upward trajectory, mining companies leading the charge. EasyJet shares down due to challenging external environment. Royal Mail owner International Distribution Services' shares rise after appointing new CEO. Dunnellm reports robust final quarter, raises yearly guidance. Tesla and Netflix face challenges in the American market. Arakor Therapeutics shows promise in the small-cap sector. The FTS...

Summary: The unexpected coupling of Barbie and Oppenheimer has led to a successful weekend for the UK cinema industry. Fans have embraced the two films as one, creating the phenomenon known as 'Barbenheimer.' Barbie's clever marketing campaign and organic content creation by fans contributed to the films' success even before their release. The cinematic power couple shows that diverse storytelling can thrive side by side, shattering the notion of a box office battle. ...

Russia Continues Fourth Day of Attacks on Ukrainian Food Export Facilities amid Escalating Tensions Summary: Russia launches consecutive attacks on Ukrainian food export facilities for four days. Tensions escalate with Ukraine's defiance of Russia's naval blockade on grain export ports. Western leaders view the attacks as an attempt by Russia to evade sanctions and cause a global food crisis. Russia claims the attacks are in retaliation for a Ukrainian strike on a Russian-built bridge to Crimea. Concerns rise over the safety of civilian shipping in the Black Sea region. Escalations continue as Poland reinforces its border amid Russia...

Summary: Marks & Spencer's stock reaches 18-month highs due to strong performance in physical stores and across various brands. The company raises financial guidance and predicts higher profits for the fiscal year. Marks & Spencer expands its market share in clothing, home, and food business es over a 19-week period. Share price experiences a significant increase of 128.75% from the previous year's low. Despite economic challenges, Marks & Spencer's resilience and trusted brand image contribute to its success. ...

Summary: FTSE 100 index hits four-week lows around 7,500 points, attributed to underperforming mining companies . Fintech Group plus 500 introduces $60 million share buyback program despite declining revenue and profit . Ugov considers potential listing in the US, leading to a rise in the company's opening performance. Real estate investor Sharps Recapital secures £200 million loan for bond repayment, resulting in early value slide. UK government extends rules allowing takeaway pint sales without a license until March next year. Small caps RC 365 gains exclusive rights to use US-based Unique AI 's AI-driven plat...

Summary: The Russian Black Sea Fleet fires warning shots at a civilian vessel in the Black Sea, escalating the conflict. Reasons behind Russia's move to target grain include weakening Ukraine's revenue generation and potentially increasing global grain prices . The impact of reduced grain supplies could be severe in starving areas of the world. President Putin 's motives are unclear, but the move might be aimed at altering the course of the war in Russia's favor. ...

Summary: Lionel Messi 's exceptional performance in the MLS , with nine goals in six matches, is elevating the sport's profile. Inter Miami becomes favorites to win Leagues Cup and US Open Cup this year, while future MLS titles are also within their sights. Argentine players in the league warmly welcome Messi, contributing to the unique atmosphere. Global interest in the MLS rises as Messi's presence attracts viewers and young talents from around the world. Messi's busy calendar ahead includes the MLS season, Concacaf Champions League , and Copa America , showcasing his commitment to the sport. Messi's ...