Personal Finance
S&P reaffirms AA rating on UK, outlook clouded by Brexit
Standard&Poor's reaffirmed its rating on the United Kingdom's long-term sovereign debt but warned of the potential impact on the economy from the uncertainty around the Brexit negotiations and their eventual outcome.
FX round-up: Sterling nonchalant after UK Q1 growth disappoints
Sterling made steady gains on most key cross on Friday, appearing nonchalant in its reaction to disappointing UK economic growth data out mid-morning.
London close: FTSE lower as UK, US growth in Q1 disappoints, sterling up
Stocks in London drifted to a lower close on Friday as a rise in sterling weighed on blue chips and both UK and US preliminary economic growth data disappointed investors on both sides of the Atlantic.
Commodities: Crude rises on reports of Russia compliance with Opec output limits
Crude-oil futures are higher on Friday as traders liked reports Russia has complied with Opec output limits, and also on hopes the cartel will extend its production cut pledge.
Bank of America- Merrill Lynch sees FTSE 100 at 7,750 in 12 months
Bank of America-Merrill Lynch thinks demand for commodities and the global cycle will push the FTSE 100 to 7,750 points in 12 months' time.
UK mortgages and consumer credit card borrowing both decline - BBA
Mortgage approvals and consumer credit card lending both fell in March according to fresh data from the banking industry, providing the reason for the fall in house prices announced elsewhere on Friday.
UK Q1 GDP - Analysts react
"Within the details of the latest GDP release, sectors with exposure to household spending had the biggest negative impact on growth. For example, the distribution, hotels and restaurants sector saw a contraction of 0. 5% of GDP, which was the first fall for the sector since the end of 2012. The transport, communication and storage sector also saw its first contraction since 2013. Looking ahead, unless households manage to achieve higher pay growth, we are likely to see the cost of living squeeze continue into the second quarter.
EU leaders prepare Brexit clause for reunified Ireland membership
Northern Ireland could be allowed fast-track access to EU membership in the event of its reunification with the rest of the island, as European leaders prepare to thrash out their negotiating stance for upcoming Brexit talks with the UK government.
UK GDP growth slows to 0.3% in first quarter
The UK economy slowed significantly in the first quarter of 2017 as consumers tightened their belts amid rising inflation, according to preliminary figures from the Office for National Statistics.
UK consumer confidence worsens again in April - GfK
UK consumer confidence worsened slightly in April due to worries about rising inflation and flat wages.
UK house prices fall again in April, says Nationwide
UK house prices have fallen for the second month in a row, with annual growth slowing to a near four-year low.