Money Minute Wednesday 25 September: UK mortgage approvals

This morning, in the UK, we get official data on mortgage approvals from the Bank of England.

The approvals data gives an idea of activity in the housing market. In July, just over 67,000 mortgages were approved - a two-year high.Approvals don't necessarily feed directly through to house prices. But generally if activity is picking up, it would tend to point to prices at least being reasonably stable.

Cruise operator Carnival reports its third-quarter results later in the day.The company has had to contend with rising fuel costs, and also an active hurricane season in the US.Investors will have a close eye on the outlook, particularly in light of the recent spike in oil prices.

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up

Other companies in the news today include online retailer Boohoo, which reports its half-year results.Expectations are high - in a trading update earlier this month, the group told investors that sales were beating forecasts.

International consumer goods group PZ Cussons also issues a trading update today.