Economic News
FX round-up: Sterling holds up well as attentions turn from Macron to ECB, US tax reforms
Sterling held up relatively well on Tuesday -- up on the dollar but down on the euro -- as the market looks to the European Central Bank's rate decision later in the week, US tax reforms tomorrow and a stack of other economic data due on both sides of the Atlantic.
London close: FTSE consolidates Macron gains as gaze turns to US tax reforms
Stocks in London spent Tuesday consolidating their gains after Monday's sprint higher on the outcome of the first round of voting in France's presidential election, with traders now turning their attentions to potential US tax reforms.
US consumer confidence slips in April
US consumer confidence slipped in April as the outlook for business conditions and employment deteriorated, according to one of the most widely-followed gauges of sentiment.
Commodities: Crude futures tend lower ahead of much-watched API data
Crude-oil futures were tending lower ahead of industry stores data from American Petroleum Institute later on Tuesday.
Government makes finance bill U-turn on dividend allowance, corporate loss relief
The government has dropped several measures proposed by Chancellor Philip Hammond in his spring budget, including the tax-free dividend allowance and the Making Tax Digital plan.
US new home sales rise at fastest pace since 2007 in March
US home sales increased last month at their fastest clip since 2007.
Treasury committee chairman Andrew Tyrie steps down
Influential Conservative MP Andrew Tyrie announced on Tuesday that he will not to stand at June's general election.
Comment: Canadian dollar not yet over its troubles
The Canadian dollar depreciated to the lowest levels since December against the US dollar on Tuesday, with a possible trade war likely to do major damage, writes Ipek Ozkardeskaya of London Capital Group.
UK public sector borrowing rises but deficit hits Hammond's target
The UK budget deficit met the Chancellor's much reduced target but public sector borrowing rose more than expected in March and is forecast to rise in the coming year.
EU to demand customs fraud solution in Brexit negotiations
The UK government must agree to a deal to prevent large-scale customs fraud being routed from China via Britain as part of any Brexit trade deal, according to newspaper reports.
Trump administration considers laptop ban for European flights
European passengers travelling to the US may face a ban on bringing their laptops on board as Donald Trump weighs up plans to restrict the use of computers on flights from Europe.
French business sentiment steady in April
Business confidence in France was steady in April amid improved conditions in the factory sector, offset by a slip in service sector confidence.