News
News Archive
July 2008
In our news section, you can find online news articles relating to UK & world finance and economy. This is a free to use resource and if you can't find the information you're looking for, why not try the search option at the bottom of the page.1 in 4 students staying at home to save cash - 31/07/08
A quarter of students starting university in September will stay at home to save cash
A quarter of students starting university in September will stay at home to save cash
Nationwide: House price falls reach new low - 31/07/08
Property prices are now falling at the fastest rate since Nationwide began recording data in 1991, according to the building society's latest house price index
Property prices are now falling at the fastest rate since Nationwide began recording data in 1991, according to the building society's latest house price index
Unilever share price drops on flat sales - 31/07/08
Unilever saw its share price fall over seven per cent this morning after results showed flat sales
Unilever saw its share price fall over seven per cent this morning after results showed flat sales
FTSE 100 holds gains - 31/07/08
The FTSE 100 held on to yesterday's gains this morning on a busy day for the markets with a raft of company announcements
The FTSE 100 held on to yesterday's gains this morning on a busy day for the markets with a raft of company announcements
Centrica profits fall 20% - 31/07/08
Centrica – the owner of British Gas – announced its profits dropped 20 per cent to £992 million for the first half of the year
Centrica – the owner of British Gas – announced its profits dropped 20 per cent to £992 million for the first half of the year
Tips to be taken out of minimum wage - 31/07/08
Minimum wage payments will no longer include tips under new government plans
Minimum wage payments will no longer include tips under new government plans
Consumer confidence lowest on record - 31/07/08
Consumer confidence fell to the lowest level on record, according to the GfK NOP Consumer Confidence Barometer
Consumer confidence fell to the lowest level on record, according to the GfK NOP Consumer Confidence Barometer
British Gas hikes gas prices 35% - 30/07/08
British Gas owner Centrica is hiking gas prices by 35 per cent and electricity prices by nine per cent
British Gas owner Centrica is hiking gas prices by 35 per cent and electricity prices by nine per cent
Lenders hike rates on overdraft debt - 30/07/08
Banks are stinging Britons with higher repayment rates on their overdraft debt, it has been revealed
Banks are stinging Britons with higher repayment rates on their overdraft debt, it has been revealed
Aviva profits up 12% - 30/07/08
Insurer Aviva today reported a 12 per cent rise in operating profit to £1
Insurer Aviva today reported a 12 per cent rise in operating profit to £1
Eight arrested in insider trading ring probe - 30/07/08
Eight people in London and the south-east were arrested yesterday as a part of a major insider trading investigation, the regulator the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has revealed
Eight people in London and the south-east were arrested yesterday as a part of a major insider trading investigation, the regulator the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has revealed
Baby boomers keep Britain going - 30/07/08
Baby boomers are keeping Britain on its feet, according to the latest Mintel research
Baby boomers are keeping Britain on its feet, according to the latest Mintel research
Cash-strapped Brits skipping meals - 29/07/08
Debt-hit Britons are struggling to pay higher food bills with many reduced to cutting out meals, it has been revealed
Debt-hit Britons are struggling to pay higher food bills with many reduced to cutting out meals, it has been revealed
Mortgage revival plans see crunch lasting to 2010 - 29/07/08
Plans to 'tackle market imperfections' and ease the credit crunch and revive UK mortgage market were put forward today in a Treasury-backed report
Plans to 'tackle market imperfections' and ease the credit crunch and revive UK mortgage market were put forward today in a Treasury-backed report
Merrill Lynch: $5.7bn loss, $8.5bn raised - 29/07/08
US investment bank Merrill Lynch is to write down $5
US investment bank Merrill Lynch is to write down $5
FTSE 100 holds firm - 28/07/08
The FTSE 100 stood firm over Monday, before falling at the end of the day
The FTSE 100 stood firm over Monday, before falling at the end of the day
RBS to sell Tesco Personal Finance - 28/07/08
Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) is selling its 50 per cent stake in Tesco Personal Finance (TPF) to the supermarket
Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) is selling its 50 per cent stake in Tesco Personal Finance (TPF) to the supermarket
EDF hikes energy tariffs - 28/07/08
EDF Energy has become the first of the UK's large energy suppliers to hike prices for consumers who are already likely to be wrestling with higher debt repayments and the soaring cost of living
EDF Energy has become the first of the UK's large energy suppliers to hike prices for consumers who are already likely to be wrestling with higher debt repayments and the soaring cost of living
Debt advice firms lobby for crackdown on payday loans sector - 28/07/08
Debt advice groups have called for an immediate crackdown on payday loans companies which hit borrowers with crippling interest rates
Debt advice groups have called for an immediate crackdown on payday loans companies which hit borrowers with crippling interest rates
Hometrack: House prices lowest for decade - 28/07/08
The latest research from property information service Hometrack find the rate of decline in UK property prices has continued to accelerate
The latest research from property information service Hometrack find the rate of decline in UK property prices has continued to accelerate
UK land prices hit record high - 28/07/08
While prices for arable land in the UK have hit record highs in the UK, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics), commercial property may be on the verge of a slump
While prices for arable land in the UK have hit record highs in the UK, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics), commercial property may be on the verge of a slump
Cost of living and debt 'sending people overseas' - 25/07/08
The high cost of living in UK is a "massive contributory factor" to the growing number of people moving abroad, according to expatriate observers
The high cost of living in UK is a "massive contributory factor" to the growing number of people moving abroad, according to expatriate observers
EDF Energy ups prices for 5m - 25/07/08
EDF Energy is increasing its electricity prices by 17 per cent and its gas prices by 22 per cent from today
EDF Energy is increasing its electricity prices by 17 per cent and its gas prices by 22 per cent from today
HBOS targeted for takeover - 25/07/08
US investment bank JP Morgan is in talks over plans to break up Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS)
US investment bank JP Morgan is in talks over plans to break up Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS)
Young Brits risk debt problems to go on holiday - 24/07/08
Millions of cash-strapped young Britons are set to take a holiday this year, despite admitting they fear this will push them further into debt
Millions of cash-strapped young Britons are set to take a holiday this year, despite admitting they fear this will push them further into debt
Government pushed to promote saving - 24/07/08
More needs to done to encourage Brits to save more in the economic downturn, insurers demanded today
More needs to done to encourage Brits to save more in the economic downturn, insurers demanded today
easyJet cuts flights as oil prices rise - 24/07/08
EasyJet is to cut flights in response to high oil prices, following a similar from budget rival Ryanair last week
EasyJet is to cut flights in response to high oil prices, following a similar from budget rival Ryanair last week
Bank split on 'difficult' interest rate decision - 23/07/08
The Bank of England was split three ways on the future cost of borrowing this month as it faced a "difficult" decision
The Bank of England was split three ways on the future cost of borrowing this month as it faced a "difficult" decision
British finances squeezed - 23/07/08
Britain is feeling the squeeze of the credit crunch, rising prices and economic downturn, but they are refusing to get their knickers in a twist, new research reveals
Britain is feeling the squeeze of the credit crunch, rising prices and economic downturn, but they are refusing to get their knickers in a twist, new research reveals
Vodafone: £1bn share buy back - 23/07/08
Vodafone is launching a £1 billion share buyback scheme, in a surprise decision
Vodafone is launching a £1 billion share buyback scheme, in a surprise decision
Slowing economy adds to pressure on debt-hit Britons - 22/07/08
Gloomy projections for growth in the economy have heightened fears that the UK could be plunged into a problem debt epidemic this year
Gloomy projections for growth in the economy have heightened fears that the UK could be plunged into a problem debt epidemic this year
Supermarkets cut petrol prices - 22/07/08
Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury are to cut their petrol prices as oil prices fall
Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury are to cut their petrol prices as oil prices fall
UK will 'struggle to avoid recession' - 21/07/08
The UK economy will struggle to avoid recession in 2009
The UK economy will struggle to avoid recession in 2009
Parents and students underestimate graduation debt - 18/07/08
Failure to take into account top up fees means that thousands of students and parents are underestimating the levels of student debt they will have amassed by the time they graduate, it has been revealed
Failure to take into account top up fees means that thousands of students and parents are underestimating the levels of student debt they will have amassed by the time they graduate, it has been revealed
Treasury could rewrite rulebook as borrowing hits record high - 18/07/08
The Treasury could re-write its own borrowing rules, as public sector borrowing rose to £7
The Treasury could re-write its own borrowing rules, as public sector borrowing rose to £7
FTSE 100 dips on opening - 18/07/08
The FTSE 100 fell on opening this morning, but has managed to hold on to yesterday's gains
The FTSE 100 fell on opening this morning, but has managed to hold on to yesterday's gains
Gas bills to rise over £1,000 - 18/07/08
Domestic gas prices could increase to over £1,000 a year in the coming years
Domestic gas prices could increase to over £1,000 a year in the coming years
Ryanair grounds planes as oil prices rise - 17/07/08
Ryanair is closing seven European bases and ground eight planes at Stansted this winter
Ryanair is closing seven European bases and ground eight planes at Stansted this winter
Weakening job market adds to worries for debt-hit consumers - 17/07/08
Conditions in the UK job market worsened during the second quarter in the latest blow to debt-hit Britons
Conditions in the UK job market worsened during the second quarter in the latest blow to debt-hit Britons
Debt fears lead Brits to postpone retirement - 17/07/08
Outstanding debt and the higher cost of living is forcing more and more Britons to delay their retirement, it has been discovered
Outstanding debt and the higher cost of living is forcing more and more Britons to delay their retirement, it has been discovered
JPMorgan earnings fall - 17/07/08
JPMorgan Chase has posted an earnings fall of 53 per cent, as the credit crunch continues to bite Wall Street
JPMorgan Chase has posted an earnings fall of 53 per cent, as the credit crunch continues to bite Wall Street
Equitable Life compensation demanded - 17/07/08
Victims of the Equitable Life near collapse should receive compensation, the Parliamentary Ombudsman ruled today
Victims of the Equitable Life near collapse should receive compensation, the Parliamentary Ombudsman ruled today
Debt-hit homeowners urged to extend mortgage - 16/07/08
Extending the life of a home loan is advisable for Britons who are struggling with mortgage debt, according to one of the UK's largest mortgage brokers
Extending the life of a home loan is advisable for Britons who are struggling with mortgage debt, according to one of the UK's largest mortgage brokers
Unemployment rise largest since 1992 - 16/07/08
The number of people claiming unemployment benefits increased at the fastest rate since 1992, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today
The number of people claiming unemployment benefits increased at the fastest rate since 1992, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today
FTSE 100 continues falls - 16/07/08
The FTSE 100 this morning continued yesterday's fall as the market slipped after a brief opening fillip
The FTSE 100 this morning continued yesterday's fall as the market slipped after a brief opening fillip
Current accounts 'failing customers' - 16/07/08
The UK current account market is not working for consumers, a report by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) finds today
The UK current account market is not working for consumers, a report by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) finds today
UK and Ireland bottom of Euro quality of life league - 16/07/08
Quality of life in the UK and Ireland is lowest among ten European countries
Quality of life in the UK and Ireland is lowest among ten European countries
FTSE 100 drops over 2% as banks battered - 15/07/08
The FTSE 100 was down over two per cent today, as more economic bad news hit the markets
The FTSE 100 was down over two per cent today, as more economic bad news hit the markets
Rics: Housing transactions hit all time low - 15/07/08
Housing transaction levels hit an all time low during June, according to the latest figures from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics)
Housing transaction levels hit an all time low during June, according to the latest figures from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics)
Cameron: Labour economic joyride needs repair - 15/07/08
David Cameron today blasted the government for taking the economy for a joyride, leaving it in need of repair
David Cameron today blasted the government for taking the economy for a joyride, leaving it in need of repair
High street sales drop - 15/07/08
UK high street sales dropped in June after a brief May shopping rise
UK high street sales dropped in June after a brief May shopping rise
Slowing economy fuelling Brits' debt fears - 14/07/08
Britons are becoming increasingly fearful of the direction that the economy is taking and the threat of problem debt that could result
Britons are becoming increasingly fearful of the direction that the economy is taking and the threat of problem debt that could result
Brits dip into savings to cover higher mortgage debt - 14/07/08
Higher repayments on mortgage debt and more expensive rents are forcing millions of Britons to dip into their savings, it has been revealed
Higher repayments on mortgage debt and more expensive rents are forcing millions of Britons to dip into their savings, it has been revealed
Tax breaks 'could help long-term sick' - 14/07/08
The government should use tax incentives to push companies towards more rehabilitation for the long-term sick, a report says
The government should use tax incentives to push companies towards more rehabilitation for the long-term sick, a report says
Alliance & Leicester confirms takeover talks - 14/07/08
Alliance & Leicester (A&L) has confirmed it is in an "advanced stage" of takeover talks with a Spanish bank
Alliance & Leicester (A&L) has confirmed it is in an "advanced stage" of takeover talks with a Spanish bank
Profit warnings hit seven-year high - 14/07/08
UK profit warnings rose 11 per cent compared with last year in the second quarter of 2008
UK profit warnings rose 11 per cent compared with last year in the second quarter of 2008
FTSE 100 up on opening - 14/07/08
The FTSE 100 jumped on opening on news of US mortgage bail outs and a bid for Alliance & Leicester
The FTSE 100 jumped on opening on news of US mortgage bail outs and a bid for Alliance & Leicester
New Darling group to ensure London keeps its edge - 14/07/08
A new government industry group chaired by Alistair Darling is being set up to make sure London's crown as a world-leading financial centre does not slip
A new government industry group chaired by Alistair Darling is being set up to make sure London's crown as a world-leading financial centre does not slip
New town failures not examined - 11/07/08
Plans to create ten new eco-towns have ignored lessons from the last wave of new towns after the second world war
Plans to create ten new eco-towns have ignored lessons from the last wave of new towns after the second world war
Shopper numbers fall - 11/07/08
Shopper numbers in June fell back, after a May rises bucked the downwards trend
Shopper numbers in June fell back, after a May rises bucked the downwards trend
Third straight rate hold from Bank - 10/07/08
The Bank of England today maintained interest rates at five per cent for the third month running
The Bank of England today maintained interest rates at five per cent for the third month running
FTSE 100 falls 1.75% - 10/07/08
Volatility continued to reign in London this morning with the FTSE 100 falling 1
Volatility continued to reign in London this morning with the FTSE 100 falling 1
Loose lending criteria 'contributing to UK's credit card debt' - 09/07/08
UK credit card companies should adopt a more European approach to approving customers to help limit the nation's debt problems, it has been claimed
UK credit card companies should adopt a more European approach to approving customers to help limit the nation's debt problems, it has been claimed
Economy set to escape recession - 09/07/08
Economic growth will fall to levels last seen in 1992, but we should avoid a recession
Economic growth will fall to levels last seen in 1992, but we should avoid a recession
UK consumer confidence falls further - 09/07/08
Most Brits now fear the economy will worsen as consumer confidence falls further
Most Brits now fear the economy will worsen as consumer confidence falls further
Higher fixed rates offer Brits no relief from mortgage debt - 08/07/08
Britons opting for fixed rate mortgages to gain control of their debt repayments are being hit by higher repayments, it has been claimed
Britons opting for fixed rate mortgages to gain control of their debt repayments are being hit by higher repayments, it has been claimed
Job vacancies fall for first time since 2003 - 08/07/08
Demand for permanent staff fell for the first time in five years – as the UK economy weakens
Demand for permanent staff fell for the first time in five years – as the UK economy weakens
Mega rich keep spending - 08/07/08
The arts and antique market is thriving, as the world's super rich carry on spending despite economic woe
The arts and antique market is thriving, as the world's super rich carry on spending despite economic woe
FTSE 100 up 1.5% - 07/07/08
The FTSE 100 headed over the 5500 mark today – before dipping to close at 5494
The FTSE 100 headed over the 5500 mark today – before dipping to close at 5494
Struggling Brits turning to debt - 07/07/08
Consumers piled up new loan and credit card debt during the first three months of the year, as higher energy costs and soaring food bills impacted on household budgets
Consumers piled up new loan and credit card debt during the first three months of the year, as higher energy costs and soaring food bills impacted on household budgets
Higher living costs mean 'bleak times ahead' for debt-hit Britons - 07/07/08
Debt-hit Britons have been warned to expect "bleaker times" in the months ahead, as a result of higher day to day living costs
Debt-hit Britons have been warned to expect "bleaker times" in the months ahead, as a result of higher day to day living costs
Persimmon expected to axe 1,000 staff - 07/07/08
Housebuilder Persimmon is set to cut 1,000 jobs, according to a report in the Telegraph
Housebuilder Persimmon is set to cut 1,000 jobs, according to a report in the Telegraph
Origin dismisses BG £6.7bn offer - 04/07/08
Australian energy group Origin Energy has told shareholders to reject a £6
Australian energy group Origin Energy has told shareholders to reject a £6
Brits 15% worse off than 5 years ago - 04/07/08
UK households are now 15 per cent worse off than five years ago, according to a now report
UK households are now 15 per cent worse off than five years ago, according to a now report
Brits urged to act to avoid falling into problem debt - 03/07/08
Britons who are concerned about falling into problem debt due to higher housing costs have been urged to take immediate action to address the problem
Britons who are concerned about falling into problem debt due to higher housing costs have been urged to take immediate action to address the problem
US employment falls in June - 03/07/08
Non-agricultural employment in the US fell for the sixth month in a row in June, with 62,000 jobs lost over the month
Non-agricultural employment in the US fell for the sixth month in a row in June, with 62,000 jobs lost over the month
Euro interest rates hiked - 03/07/08
The European Central Bank (ECB) today increased eurozone interest rates by a quarter of a per cent as inflation hits record levels
The European Central Bank (ECB) today increased eurozone interest rates by a quarter of a per cent as inflation hits record levels
Oil hits $146 in London - 03/07/08
Brent crude oil topped $146 in London this morning, following New York crude oil highs of $144 yesterday
Brent crude oil topped $146 in London this morning, following New York crude oil highs of $144 yesterday
US treasury head warns of high oil prices - 03/07/08
US treasury secretary Henry Paulson today warned high oil prices increase risks to the US economy
US treasury secretary Henry Paulson today warned high oil prices increase risks to the US economy
Illegal music file sharers sent warning letters - 03/07/08
Virgin Media is to write to hundreds of customers warning them about illegal music file sharing
Virgin Media is to write to hundreds of customers warning them about illegal music file sharing
FTSE 100 drops 1% - 02/07/08
The FTSE 100 saw minor gains drift away at the end of the day to end a shade off one per cent down
The FTSE 100 saw minor gains drift away at the end of the day to end a shade off one per cent down
More credit card debt secured against homes - 02/07/08
Consumers struggling with credit card debt are likely to find themselves under increased pressure from lenders this year with more companies currently looking to secure loans against properties, according to a leading debt consultancy
Consumers struggling with credit card debt are likely to find themselves under increased pressure from lenders this year with more companies currently looking to secure loans against properties, according to a leading debt consultancy
Take action early to avoid mortgage debt pitfalls, warns finance site - 01/07/08
Homeowners coming to the end of fixed rate mortgages should scout around for a new deal as soon as possible to avoid falling into unmanageable mortgage debt, a price comparison site has advised
Homeowners coming to the end of fixed rate mortgages should scout around for a new deal as soon as possible to avoid falling into unmanageable mortgage debt, a price comparison site has advised
FTSE 100 falls 1% on opening - 01/07/08
The FTSE 100 fell over one per cent on opening this morning to 5567
The FTSE 100 fell over one per cent on opening this morning to 5567
Carpetright profits fall 11% - 01/07/08
Retailer Carpetright has become the next victim of the property and credit crunches, posting an 11 per cent fall in profits
Retailer Carpetright has become the next victim of the property and credit crunches, posting an 11 per cent fall in profits
Darling to boost saver protection - 01/07/08
Chancellor Alistair Darling today unveiled plans for new protection for savers, to stop a repeat of the Northern Rock debacle
Chancellor Alistair Darling today unveiled plans for new protection for savers, to stop a repeat of the Northern Rock debacle
