Monday, October 31, 2022

Banker Oleg Tinkov renounces Russian citizenship over Ukraine

Billionaire oligarch Oleg Tinkov condemns "Putin fascism", furious at Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Blackouts would be last resort, says National Grid

The firm says its "base case" assumption is the UK will have sufficient energy, but power cuts are a possibility.

UK battery firm Britishvolt averts collapse as funding secured

There were fears Britishvolt could run out of money after the government refused to advance funding.

LEVC: Coventry taxi-maker announces 140 job cuts

LEVC, which makes an electric version of the iconic London cab, blames the effects of the pandemic.

Mother wins £60,000 over Morrisons discrimination

Donna Patterson said the supermarket had mistreated her after she returned to work from maternity leave.

UK battery firm Britishvolt near collapse as seeks funding

Britishvolt is understood to be facing administration after failure to get funding for a gigafactory.

Sunday, October 30, 2022

Michael Gove commits to 300,000 homes target

Former PM Liz Truss had cast doubt on the aim, saying she would scrap "Stalinist" housing targets.

Apple: Chinese workers flee Covid lockdown at iPhone factory

Video shared online shows people jumping a fence to escape the plant, owned by Foxconn, in Zhengzhou.

Ukraine war: Russia halts grain deal after 'massive' Black Sea Fleet attack

The UN says it is vital not to imperil the deal, as Ukraine accuses Russia of "using a false pretext".

Philip Hammond: Raise taxes for all to improve services

The former chancellor says all earners will need to see higher taxes if public services are to improve.

New ground as tech aims to help boost soil health

As much of the world's earth has been degraded, efforts are being made to improve matters.

Octopus Energy to take over collapsed supplier Bulb

Bulb's 1.5 million customers will not experience any change to energy supplies, the UK government says.

Friday, October 28, 2022

'You think twice about driving': Fuel prices rise again

The rise in diesel and petrol prices is having a particularly tough impact in rural areas.

What next for Twitter under Elon Musk?

The BBC's technology editor looks at the path ahead for the tech company and the billionaire.

National Highways apologises over smart motorway sign failure

Drivers reported "mile upon mile" of lane closure warnings and "unreadable" overhead signs.

Giant UK gas storage site reopened ahead of winter

Centrica is reopening its Rough gas storage facility to increase the UK's capacity by 50%.

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Investors dump Amazon as economy concerns grow

The tech giant warned of slower growth as shoppers return to bricks and mortar stores.

Why are so many workers going on strike?

Hundreds of thousands of workers have walked out, or threatened to, causing widespread disruption.

Cost of living: NUS says university unions ramping up food help

The NUS says more and more students are struggling to pay for food as rent and bills go up.

'Uninvited' Kanye West escorted out of Skechers

The controversial rapper tried to film at the shoe brand's LA headquarters but was asked to leave.

Shell beats forecasts as profits more than double

The energy giant reported $9.5bn in profits though growth is slower than record figures this year.

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

World 'faces first truly global energy crisis', report says

Russia's invasion of Ukraine will have long-lasting effects on energy supply and markets, a new report says.

Cost of living: Young professionals targeted by investment scams

Young professionals hit by the cost of living are being targeted by scams suggesting money-making schemes.

UK tax and spending plan pushed back by two weeks, says Hunt

The much-anticipated statement will now take place on 17 November, the chancellor says.

Pound holds gains after delay to economic plan

The currency has rallied against the dollar in recent days, and rose further on Wednesday.

Moving electric Mini production to China unfortunate, minister says

The first electric Mini was built in Oxford in 2020 but BMW is shifting production out of the UK.

Heathrow warns normal passenger levels years away

The airport says it is unlikely to see passenger numbers return to pre-pandemic levels for years.

China Covid: Universal Resort shuts due to Beijing coronavirus cases

The park did not say when it would reopen, but pledged to refund or reschedule tickets.

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Energy bill help for all is too expensive, warns the World Bank

Some Covid help was not targeted enough and the same is happening with energy bills, its president says.

Google and Microsoft hit by slowing economy

The tech giants say customers are cutting back amid growing signs of an economic downturn.

Rishi Sunak: What will the new PM mean for my money?

The new prime minister says there are "difficult decisions to come" and that could affect our finances.

Adidas cuts ties with rapper Kanye West

The fashion giant said it does "not tolerate antisemitism" after the rapper's recent remarks.

WhatsApp down for users across the UK and world

Users are complaining that they are unable to send messages from the Meta-owned platform.

Can Sunak steer economy through 'profound crisis'?

The new prime minister must restore market credibility, tackle inflation and drive growth.

Monday, October 24, 2022

Energy crisis pushing people onto prepayment meters, says Uswitch

Uswitch says prepayment meter users are more likely to be vulnerable and at risk of disconnection.

US charges alleged Chinese spies in telecoms probe case

US officials believe China tried to obstruct an investigation, steal technology and intimidate dissidents.

Rishi Sunak: The most urgent problems facing the new prime minister

Rishi Sunak, the fifth Conservative prime minister in seven years, inherits many pressing challenges.

First-time buyers hit by drop in mortgage deals

Those with smaller deposits are likely to have less choice from lenders, figures show.

UK doomed without Brexit rethink, warns Tory backer

Financier Guy Hands claims the UK is facing an IMF bailout because of the way its EU exit was negotiated.

Sports Direct-owner Frasers lifts Asos and Hugo Boss stakes

Frasers Group is now the fourth-largest shareholder in Asos, which owns the Topshop brand.

Sunday, October 23, 2022

Pound steady as Rishi Sunak seen on track to become PM

Sterling initially rose against the dollar after Boris Johnson dropped out of the leadership contest.

What we just learned about China's economy

On Monday, the country announced economic growth figures, after they were postponed last week.

Royal Mail: 100 days left to use stamps without a barcode

Royal Mail says everyday stamps that do not have a barcode will no be longer valid after 31 January.

UK faces tougher austerity era, ex-Bank chief warns

Former Bank of England governor Lord King says people could face "significantly higher taxes".

Cost of living: Why more Australians are giving up their pets

The cost of pet food has soared in Australia due to the pandemic and the Ukraine war.

Saturday, October 22, 2022

Dietrich Mateschitz: Red Bull co-owner & energy drink giant dies aged 78

Red Bull co-owner Dietrich Mateschitz, a major global business figure as a result of his energy drinks empire, dies aged 78.

Avanti West Coast rail services axed amid strike action

Only one Avanti service per hour will run from London to Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow.

Friday, October 21, 2022

Moody's: UK's economic outlook now 'negative', ratings agency says

Political instability and high inflation in the country means it is less likely to pay back debts, the ratings agency says.

Spain lifts final Covid rules for UK travellers

British holidaymakers will no longer have to provide Covid or vaccination status to get into Spain.

Tesco raises meal deal price as food costs soar

It is the first time in 10 years the popular lunch choice has gone up for all customers.

Falling pound: What does it mean for me and my finances?

The pound has fallen against the dollar as the UK's financial and political turmoil continues.

UK economy hit as people shop less than pre-Covid

It comes as government borrowing rose in September, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Thursday, October 20, 2022

‘I worry about affording rent’

Average monthly rents reach £1,162 outside London, leaving renters like Ben McNeil counting the cost

Amazon could pay UK shoppers £900m compensation

A group-action claim alleges Amazon breached competition law and caused customers to pay higher prices.

Amazon workers fail to reach strike threshold in historic UK ballot

GMB says it was three votes short of reaching the 50% threshold needed for industrial action.

Mortgage rates hit fresh 14-year highs

Average two- and five-year fixed rates have jumped to 6.65% and 6.51% respectively.

Investors remain calm despite political chaos

One analyst says investors are "watching in a kind of stunned, open-mouthed horror" at political events.

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Hong Kong shares hit lowest level since 2009

Shares slumped after a major speech by the city's leader and as investors fret about a global slowdown.

Amazon's Jeff Bezos in economy warning: 'Batten down hatches'

With economic gloom on the US's horizon, the tech giant's boss points out warning signals.

Joe Biden's unusual fight to bring down gas prices

The US president has gone to unusual lengths to try to rein in the price of fuel.

Inflation: Food bills see price rises return to 40-year high

Inflation - a measure of price rises - inched up again in September, matching the 40-year high seen in July.

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Kakao outage: Co-chief executive quits South Korea internet giant

A fire shut down Kakao's messaging, banking and gaming services for more than eight hours on Saturday.

Netflix: How did the streaming service turn its fortunes around?

The streamer has grown its subscriber base after two consecutive quarters of losses.

HSBC climate change adverts banned by UK watchdog

The regulator said the bank "omitted significant information" about its contribution to harmful emissions.

UK's mini-budget U-turn welcomed by IMF

The reversal of the government's tax cuts will help the UK fight soaring inflation, the IMF says.

Mini-budget scrapped: A simple guide to why plan was dropped

Eight steps to understand why the financial turmoil matters to mortgage payers and everyone else.

Nord Stream blast 'blew away 50 metres of pipe'

Danish police say explosions damaged two pipelines built to bring Russian gas to Germany.

Warning energy bills may rise above £4,000 in April

The prediction from analysts comes as the government scales back its two-year promise to cap bills.

UK workers face a two decade-long wage squeeze, says TUC

The outgoing head of the TUC warns people have been pushed to "breaking point" with no real pay rises.

Monday, October 17, 2022

China congress: Beijing delays key economic figures as leaders meet

Closely-watched growth data for the world's second largest economy was due to be released on Tuesday.

Plan to lift banker bonus cap to go ahead

Jeremy Hunt dismantled much of the mini-budget, but has kept scrapping the cap on banker's bonuses.

Two thirds of tax cuts from mini-budget reversed

New chancellor Jeremy Hunt said "almost all" of the cuts announced by his predecessor in September would go.

What Jeremy Hunt's statement means for you

The new chancellor has outlined a host of policy changes. This is how is affects your finances.

Sunday, October 16, 2022

Chancellor to fast track tax and spending measures

The move is designed to help reassure jittery markets before they open in London this morning.

Star casino: Record fine for Australian operator over money laundering

An inquiry earlier this year found "breathtaking" misconduct by The Star Entertainment Group.

Pound moves higher in Asia trade after U-turns

The British currency gained 0.5% against the US dollar in early Asia trading on Monday.

Tesco warns public faces hardship in wake of interest rates rise

John Allan told the BBC he feels a "moral responsibility" to help those affected by rates going up.

Jeremy Hunt to join Liz Truss at Chequers for talks on economic plans

The new chancellor warns of "very difficult decisions" as he heads to Chequers to hold talks with the PM.

Saturday, October 15, 2022

Bank of England chief warns of fresh interest rate hike

Andrew Bailey also describes his conversations with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt as a "meeting of minds".

Electric Mini production to move to China

The first electric Mini was built in Oxford in 2020, but most will now be made in China.

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Kanye West: JP Morgan Chase cuts ties with rapper

The US bank's decision to end its relationship with the rapper precedes recent controversies.

Japanese yen touches 32-year low against US dollar

US currency jumped in value against major world currencies after higher-than-expected inflation data.

Mini-budget U-turn on the table as pressure mounts

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng is returning early from the US for crunch talks about the mini-budget.

France sends Germany gas for first time amid Russia energy crisis

The new flow was sent in "European solidarity" after Russia cut energy supplies to Europe.

Electricity prices vary by nearly 4p per unit

People in North Wales and Mersey pay the highest rate for their electricity, new figures reveal.

Fujitsu: How a Japanese firm became part of the Post Office scandal

The story of how a software firm based thousands of miles away became embroiled in the UK scandal.

Kwasi Kwarteng: I'm not going anywhere, says chancellor

Asked whether he could U-turn on parts of his mini-budget, Kwasi Kwarteng says "our position hasn't changed".

Housing slowdown warning after mortgage rates rise

The warning comes as the Bank of England says the number struggling to pay mortgages could hit a 15-year high.

Great British Railways: Fears planned rail body could be axed

The Rail Forum says it fears government plans to overhaul the system might not go ahead.

Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Cough syrup scandal: India production halted after Gambia child deaths

Maiden Pharmaceuticals broke rules "across its manufacturing and testing activities," regulators found.

Royal Mail workers walk out in first of 19 days of strikes

No letters will be sent during the strike, but medical deliveries will be prioritised.

‘My bus ticket was more than I got paid an hour’

The minimum wage has gone up by less for those under 20 than for older workers since 2016.

Savings rates hot up after years of low returns

Providers are leapfrogging each other on top savings rates as they try to raise money to lend.

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Uber and Lyft shares slump on US 'gig' economy plan

Tens of millions of people work in the global gig economy across services like food delivery and transport.

Government plans cap on renewable energy revenues

Ministers say the move would ensure consumers and businesses pay a fair price for energy.

Netflix signs up to ratings body Barb

It means the streaming giant's viewing figures will be measured by an external body for the first time.

TikTok profits from livestreams of refugees begging

Children are among those pleading for hours for digital gifts, as the company takes a cut of up to 70%.

UK businessman charged with 'helping Russian oligarch evade sanctions'

Graham Bonham-Carter is accused of helping oligarch Oleg Deripaska to evade US-imposed sanctions.

Mark Zuckerberg reveals new Quest Pro VR headset

Facebook-owner Meta has revealed a new VR headset as part of its continued metaverse push.

Unemployment at lowest rate in nearly 50 years

The jobless rate fell to 3.5%, figures show, but pay is failing to keep up with rising living costs.

Bank of England steps in again to calm markets

The Bank will buy a wider range of bonds to calm markets after government borrowing costs soared.

Monday, October 10, 2022

Australians arrested over alleged Sri Lanka bribes for lucrative contracts

It follows a decade-long investigation with several countries into lucrative business contracts.

Asia chipmaker shares slide after US curbs on China

On Friday, Washington announced new rules to restrict sales of semiconductor technology to China.

Air France Crash: Aviation bosses heckled as trial begins

Relatives of those who died in the Air France crash yelled "shame" as the trial started in Paris.

People stock up on blankets and air fryers ahead of winter

But despite this, an industry body says overall retail sales volumes continued to fall in September.

Post Office and Fujitsu to face inquiry over Horizon scandal

The public inquiry is taking further evidence as it investigates the wrongful convictions of postmasters.

Ben Bernanke, former US Federal Reserve chief, wins Nobel Prize

Ben Bernanke, who led the Fed through the financial crisis, scooped the award as part of a trio.

Sunday, October 9, 2022

Widespread disruption as ScotRail strike goes ahead

Passengers face 24 hours of limited services after ScotRail RMT members rejected the latest pay offer.

Ticketmaster demand-based pricing system criticised

New dynamic pricing model is designed to stop touts from profiting on the secondary market.

Musk on China-Taiwan: Beijing praise and Taipei criticism over comments

Tesla chief executive Elon Musk said Taiwan should become a special administrative zone of China.

Post Office handles more cash as banks close and prices rise

Bank closures and rising prices mean more people are turning to the Post Office for cash.

Greg Hands named trade minister after Conor Burns sacking

The MP had backed Liz Truss's rival for PM but his appointment comes amid calls for party to unite.

Scottish airline Loganair goes on the market

The UK's largest regional airline is being sold with the hope of new owners taking over by mid-2023.

Energy use advice campaign pulled due to cost, Zahawi says

The cabinet minister tells the BBC the public information campaign would have cost up to £15m.

Saturday, October 8, 2022

How to cut your energy bills

Energy bills have gone up, but there are some easy ways households can reduce costs.

Cost of living: Off-grid businesses are being forgotten

The owner of Caws Teifi Cheese wants more help for companies who use oil or liquefied petroleum gas.

Renewable energy: Government plans for price cap is risky, firms warn

A government limit on electricity generated in older renewable and nuclear facilities is expected this week.

Friday, October 7, 2022

Rail strikes: Only one-in-five trains to run in latest action

Rail passengers across Britain are urged to avoid travel on Saturday unless absolutely necessary.

Avanti West Coast gets short-term contract renewal

The Department for Transport says the train operator has to "drastically improve services".

Thursday, October 6, 2022

UK defies climate warnings with new oil and gas licences

More than 100 licences are expected to be granted for new fossil fuel exploration in the North Sea.

Adidas puts Kayne West Yeezy deal under review

Earlier this week, the rapper and fashion designer wore a t-shirt that read "White Lives Matter".

Samsung warns of 32% hit to profits on chip slump

Meanwhile, US chip maker AMD said its third quarter revenue would be $1bn less than forecasts.

Homeowners 'tearing their hair out' over rising rates and rents

Whether letting or living in their homes, mortgages are pushing up the cost for many people.

The farmers caught up in Taiwan's tensions with China

Taiwanese fruit growers are unable to sell their crop after Beijing banned their importation.

Electricity: NI could face blackouts by 2024, officials say

The grid operator has warned that action needs to be taken over issues with Kilroot power station.

Kwasi Kwarteng to meet bank chiefs as mortgage rates soar

Major lenders are to meet the chancellor as mortgage rates soar and choice is limited.

Avanti West Coast: Mayor urges pressure to be put on train firm

Andy Burnham calls on the transport secretary to insist upon two London-Manchester trains per hour.

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Maiden Pharmaceuticals: WHO links Gambia deaths to India-made cough syrups

The WHO said the medicinal syrups may be connected with the deaths of 66 children in Gambia.

Covid: Hong Kong to lure tourists with 500,000 free air tickets

UK-based Virgin Atlantic said on Wednesday it will stop its Heathrow-Hong Kong services after 30 years.

Apple iPhone: Can India be China’s ‘plus one’ to the world?

Can India become the new manufacturing hub as global firms try to reduce their dependence on China?

CEO Secrets: What's a modern boss to wear?

Business leaders consider how the move towards more informal clothing attire at work affects them.

Faisal Islam: Truss plan must tackle more than taxes

The prime minister wants to be judged on boosting economic growth, but how easy will that be to deliver?

Oil price rises after Opec oil producers cut output

The move, which reflects a slowing global economy, is expected to raise oil prices around the world.

Elon Musk, Twitter and the mysterious X app

The story of Musk buying Twitter, and how it began with "X, the everything app".

Average two-year mortgage rate highest for 14 years

A typical two-year fixed rate deal has breached the 6% mark for the first time since November 2008.

Tesco: People watching every penny to make ends meet

The UK's largest supermarket chain has announced a further boost to pay for its UK workers.

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Elizabeth Holmes: Theranos founder gets hearing on new trial

Elizabeth Holmes requested a new trial after claiming federal prosecutors presented misleading evidence.

Five reasons why China's economy is in trouble

President Xi Jinping faces his greatest challenge yet ahead of a historic Communist Party meeting.

More rail disruption expected as 9,000 train drivers strike

Aslef union members at 13 rail companies will walk out on Wednesday in a row over pay and conditions.

Pound hits two-week high after debt plan U-turn

Kwasi Kwarteng is bringing forward details of how he will cut debt to try and reassure investors.

Monday, October 3, 2022

Philippines lottery: Questions raised as hundreds win jackpot

This is the most number of winners the Philippines has seen in its history, according to local media.

Zelensky and Musk in row over Ukraine 'peace plan poll'

The Tesla boss asked followers to vote on his ideas to end Russia's invasion, prompting criticism.

Can electrical stimulation improve your gym workout?

Whole-body EMS suits are the new big thing in fitness, but do they work?

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng to set out debt plan earlier than planned

The chancellor will publish plans "shortly" after pressure to calm markets over his mini-budget.

Sunday, October 2, 2022

Can electrical stimulation improve your gym workout?

Whole-body EMS suits are the new big thing in fitness, but do they work?

Drax: UK power station owner cuts down primary forests in Canada

The owner of the UK's biggest power station, Drax, is cutting down key forests in Canada.

Finland wants to transform how we make clothes

Firms behind innovative fibres says they can make fashion a more sustainable business.

Tory conference: We must stay the course, insists Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng

Kwasi Kwarteng will defend his tax cuts during his Conservative Party conference speech.

Liz Truss: The prime minister's claims about the economy fact-checked

Prime Minister Liz Truss made claims on growth, borrowing costs and mortgage rises.

Ground should have been laid for tax cuts, admits Liz Truss

But the prime minister says she sticks by her mini budget, despite a bad reaction from the markets.