UK Economy

UK inflation figures for February were cooler than expected.

Falling tax receipts and public sector pay inflation drive deterioration in Britain's finances.

UK labour market data released hours ahead of the Bank of England's decision show no chance of an interest rate cut being announced.

The British Pound fell after January's GDP read at -0.1%.

"Fiscal headroom will be rebuilt on 26 March, but it will be a case of running to stand still,"

Business confidence in the UK surged in February to its highest level since August, reversing five months of decline, as economic optimism improved, according to the latest Lloyds Bank economic optimism.

UK retailers are scaling back investment plans at the fastest rate since May 2019 as sales struggles persist and business sentiment worsens, according to the latest Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Distributive Trades Survey.

The UK economy remained stagnant in February, as weak demand and rising costs led to the sharpest private sector job cuts since November 2020, a survey showed on Wednesday.

The British Pound rose against the Euro and Dollar after UK retail sales easily beat expectations and the government recorded a rare financial surplus in January.

Inflation is marching higher, say economists, citing strong wage growth and impending tax hikes for businesses.

Pound Sterling's outlook against the Euro is bolstered by the release of an above-consensus UK inflation reading that limits the scope for further Bank of England rate cuts.

A strong set of employment figures took pressure off the Bank of England to cut interest rates next month, boosting the British Pound in the process.

The British Pound moved higher against the Euro, Dollar and other major currencies after UK GDP data for the final quarter of 2024 beat expectations.

The Bank of England (BoE) has raised its inflation forecasts for the year ahead, warning that consumer prices will climb more sharply than previously expected due to rising global energy costs and regulated price increases.

Despite recent signs of moderation, experts predict UK house prices could grow faster than many anticipate in the coming months.

The British Pound extended gains against the Dollar and closed a deficit against the Euro after survey data showed the UK economy outperformed expectations in January.

Consumer confidence dropped in January amidst growing anxiety about the UK economic outlook.

Strong demand for UK sovereign debt will help the Chancellor sleep easier.

Rising unemployment and expectations for wage growth to have peaked will allow the Bank of England to cut interest rates in February and perhaps on three further occasions.

The rise in borrowing costs means Chancellor Rachel Reeves is on course to find an additional £15BN to maintain her fiscal 'headspace'.