Money Minute Tuesday 22 October: UK public finances and company updates
In today’s Money Minute, we look ahead to the latest news on the state of the UK’s public finances, and it’s a busy day for big company updates.
This morning in the UK, we get the latest news on the state of the public finances.
Borrowing is expected to have risen in September compared to August, partly due to changes in the way that student loans are treated in the data.With both the government and the opposition promising to keep increasing spending, the public finances have already overshot forecasts and are likely to deteriorate further, regardless of who ends up in power.
For now though, markets couldn't care less and are happy to continue lending to the UK at extremely low interest rates.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely 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
It's also a busy day for big companies reporting or updating on their third quarters. Consumer goods giant Reckitt Benckiser, packaging group Bunzl, and builders' merchant Travis Perkins all issue trading updates, while Whitbread owner of the Premier Inn brand reports its half-year results.
Over in the US, meanwhile, companies reporting on their third quarter earnings include fast food giant McDonald's, consumer goods group Procter & Gamble, and motorbike manufacturer Harley Davidson.
-
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to shut another 45 branches
Lloyds Banking Group, which includes Halifax and Bank of Scotland, is set to close a further 45 branches in 2024 - find out if a branch near you is closing.
By Vaishali Varu Published
-
US stock trading app Robinhood launches in the UK
The low-cost trading platform has opened another waiting list for British investors - following two failed attempts to launch in this country - and is hoping to be fully operational next year.
By Ruth Emery Published