Government Finances

The UK borrowed more than economists expected in September as the government added to its growing debt pile, however borrowing for the current financial year is still far below the levels forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility.

The UK government borrowed significantly less money in July than had been expected, thanks to a combination of reduced spending and an uptick in tax receipts.

The UK's public finances recorded their largest-ever January surplus, in what amounts to a welcome boost to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond mere weeks ahead of Brexit.

The British Pound is flat ahead of the week's key event - the 2017 budget announcement. We consider the issues to watch and potential reactions by Sterling.