UK Economic Confidence Plummets to All-Time Low

UK Economic Confidence Plummets to All-Time Low

The Institute of Directors (IoD) Directors' Economic Confidence Index recorded a significant drop to -72 in July 2025, down from -53 in June.
This surpasses the previous record low seen during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020.
Business leaders are expressing deep pessimism about the UK's economic prospects, citing ongoing cost increases, particularly from national minimum wage and National Insurance changes, and a perceived lack of government action to improve the business environment.
This widespread lack of confidence is impacting investment and hiring decisions across UK firms.

Bullion Bonanza: Gold Price Hits Record Highs Amid Global Instability

Gold is on track for its strongest annual performance since 1979, with bullion hitting a series of record highs driven by high interest rates, inflation, and increasing geopolitical crises.

Confidence in UK Services Sector Falls Amid Rising Costs

A new survey by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) revealed that confidence in the UK's services sector has dropped due to persistent cost pressures and weak demand.

UK Retailers' Shares Fall on Consumer Spending Squeeze Fears

UK retail stocks, including major names like Associated British Foods (Primark) and Kingfisher, experienced a sell-off following a bearish note from Deutsche Bank about a slowdown in discretionary spending.

UK Inflation Rises by More Than Expected to 3.8%

UK inflation has unexpectedly accelerated to 3.8% in July, primarily driven by rising food, fuel, and airfare costs.

UK Inflation Rises More Than Expected, Hitting 3.8%

UK inflation has unexpectedly accelerated to 3.8% in July, primarily driven by rising food, fuel, and airfare costs.

UK savers face real returns turning negative as banks cut rates

Rate cuts by more than 20 banks following the BoE move risk pushing savings returns below inflation.

Parliament library: UK GDP brief summarises Q2 slowdown

A Commons Library briefing summarised Q2 GDP and sector drivers, aiding policy debate and investor understanding.

Analysts: UK growth beat may temper BoE easing pace

Economists said the Q2 GDP surprise reduces pressure for rapid follow-up cuts after August’s split decision.

Sterling climbs to multi-week highs on rate outlook

The pound strengthened this week as traders priced Fed easing and reassessed BoE cuts after resilient UK growth.

FTSE 100 Surges To Record High Before Decline

UK stocks hit new highs as investors shake off trade worries; inflation and unemployment rise.

Almost 4,000 Company Directors Leave UK Amid 'Wealth Exodus' Fears

New data shows that nearly 4,000 company directors have left the UK in recent months, raising concerns about a potential 'wealth exodus' ahead of possible tax increases.

BoE cuts Bank Rate to 4.0% after split vote

The Bank of England reduced rates by 25bp to 4.0%, with a closely divided MPC underscoring policy uncertainty.

Bank of England Cuts Interest Rates to 4% Amid Inflation Fluctuations

BoE reduces rates as UK inflation spikes to 3.5%, signaling confidence in falling prices ahead.

UK Economic Confidence Plummets to All-Time Low, Reports IoD

A survey by the Institute of Directors (IoD) reveals that business leader confidence in the UK economy has fallen to its lowest level since the index began in 2016.

UK House Prices Rebound in July After June Dip

Average UK house prices rose by 0.6% in July, recovering from a previous dip, according to Nationwide.

Renewables Generated Half of UK's Electricity in 2024, New Record High

Official figures reveal that renewable sources provided over half of the UK's electricity for the first time in 2024.

Pound on Track for Worst Month in Almost Two Years

The British Pound is experiencing its weakest month against major currencies in nearly two years.

Retailers Warn Against Reeves' Tax Hikes, Threatening Price Rises and Job Cuts

UK retailers have cautioned that potential tax increases proposed by Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves could lead to higher prices for consumers and job losses.

UK Government Confirms Ransomware Payments Ban Plans

The UK government is set to introduce a ban on ransomware payments and new reporting requirements for businesses.

Decline of cash raises risk of exclusion

Study highlights that cashless shift may disadvantage deprived UK communities.

Warm Home Discount Expansion to Benefit 6 Million Households

The Department for Work and Pensions confirms the £150 Warm Home Discount scheme will expand to include Universal Credit claimants from this winter.

Close Brothers Faces New Blow Over Car Loans as Fresh Compensation Set Aside

Lender Close Brothers has set aside an additional £33 million to compensate customers for overcharged car loans, marking a fresh blow amid the ongoing investigation into historical mis-selling in the UK car finance market.

Pension Age to Rise Again, Leaving 1.5 Million Britons Facing Benefit Limbo

The state pension age is expected to rise again, leaving 1.5 million Britons in 'benefit limbo' who are too young to retire but have lost access to key benefits and tax credits.

UK's Largest Crypto Fraud: Money Launderer Convicted After Seven-Year Met Police Investigation

Chinese money launderer Zhimin Qian has been convicted in one of the UK’s largest-ever money laundering cases, bringing an end to a seven-year Met Police investigation into a global scheme to clean illicit cryptoassets by purchasing property.

UK Pension Age Must Rise to 68 Sooner Than Planned, Report Finds

A new report has urged the government to accelerate the rise of the state pension age to 68, arguing that the welfare bill is becoming unsustainable and that past governments have 'treated the issue like a hot potato.'

Global Markets Brace for US Government Shutdown as Asian Shares Trade Narrowly

Asian shares traded in a narrow range as traders prepared for a potential US government shutdown, while Wall Street finished higher, boosted by technology stocks and US interest rate cut expectations.

Ditch Bathtubs for Groutless Showers

Replace bathtubs with groutless showers for easier cleaning, water savings, and timeless design.

Teesside Social Mobility Fund Provides Over £23,000 in Grants to Local Projects

The Jersey Communication Foundation has distributed grants exceeding £23,000 to six local projects, aiming to create a 'level playing field' and tackle social mobility issues in the Teesside community.

Gold Hits Best Annual Performance Since 1979 as Geopolitical Crises Fuel Bullion Bonanza

Bullion has hit a series of record highs, putting 2025 on track for gold’s strongest annual performance since 1979, driven by high inflation, interest rate volatility, and escalating geopolitical crises.

QR Code Parking Scams Warning

Drivers advised to verify QR codes in car parks to avoid fraudulent payment sites.

showbiz sport money travel garden news tech health science business politics culture environment