Economic News
Dash: The latest cryptocurrency gaining traction
Blockchain is the base of the cryptocurrency boom. Although Bitcoin is the most famous of these currencies, it is not the only one. Dash is one of the many alternatives, but it has one key difference from the rest of the new currencies springing up.
FCA fines tally falls to 15-year low
The number of fines imposed by the Financial Conduct Authority in 2017 has fallen to the lowest since 2002 when modern regulation of the City was in its infancy.
Friday preview: EU council summit conclusion, SThree and Trinity Mirror updates
The conclusion of the EU Council summit will be the main focus for markets on Friday, with no FTSE 350 companies expected to report results.
Scotland introduces income tax raise for top earners
The Scottish government has announced it will increase the tax paid by the country’s highest earners, as it bids to raise extra money to fund wage increases in the public sector.
Heathrow to consult public over third runway - but not about noise
The public will be able to comment on Heathrow’s third runway as part of a consultation carried out by the airport from January, though the plans are being criticised for not including information on new flight paths.
US retail sales rise 0.8% in November, comfortably beating forecasts
The US Commerce Department reported retail sales to be 0. 8% higher in November, easily surpassing forecasts of 0. 3%.
BoE expects gradual and limited policy tightening over medium-term
The Bank of England kept policy on hold by a unanimous vote as had been widely-anticipated given previous guidance for a very gradual pace of tightening over the medium-term.
ECB keeps all rates unchanged, confirms guidance on asset purchases
The European Central Bank has opted to keep all its main policy rates unchanged, with policy-makers reiterating that they expect to keep all their key rates as they are until well past the end of the ECB's net asset purchase programme.
China tweaks lending rates after Fed decision
China's central bank tweaked two of its policy rates in what some analysts said was a bid to relieve pressure on the country's currency.
Google trends reveal the most searched terms of 2017
Bitcoin, the increasingly popular cryptocurrency has dominated Google’s top searches this year.
Worldwide inequality grows as richest 0.1% grab more wealth
The 2018 World Inequality Report shows the dramatic rise in inequality in recent decades caused by unequal ownership of capital, privatisation of public assets and limp tax policies.
Ifo bumps up German growth forecasts
The Ifo Institute bumped up its German growth forecasts for next year as it highlighted strength in the construction and manufacturing sectors.
Eurozone manufacturing PMI hits highest level on record in December - IHS Markit
Business activity in the eurozone accelerated in December, with manufacturing activity at a record high, according to figures released on Thursday.
UK retail sales flatter to deceive thanks to Black Friday effect
UK retail sales increased much more than expected last month due to a statistical anomaly caused by Black Friday.