Good morning and welcome to Money Minute, where we preview the day's biggest financial stories.
In the UK this morning, we get the first Nationwide house prices reading of the year. There have been tentative signs of the housing market rallying, even prior to the election in December. So the latest reading will be watched closely for signs that house prices might start to perk up again.
Meanwhile, in the US today, the Federal Reserve announces its latest decision on interest rates. Recent economic data in the US has been solid, so rate cuts aren't likely. However, the US central bank has also made it clear that it has no intention of raising rates again until inflation is a genuine threat. So it is not expected to change rates from the current range of 1.5% to 1.75%.
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However, investors may be keen to hear more about current problems with the repo market, which have forced the Fed to pump more money into markets by buying short-term US government debt.
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Equity release rates drop – is it worth unlocking cash from your home?News Lifetime mortgage rates are falling from their record highs - is equity release worth another look?
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Hargreaves Lansdown launches fixed-term cash ISA product
savings/hargreaves-lansdown-fixed-cash-isa-launch Investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown is to offer fixed term cash ISAs via its Active Savings platform paying 4.8%, tax free - but is it any good?
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UK wages grow at a record pace
The latest UK wages data will add pressure on the BoE to push interest rates even higher.
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Trapped in a time of zombie government
It’s not just companies that are eking out an existence, says Max King. The state is in the twilight zone too.
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America is in deep denial over debt
The downgrade in America’s credit rating was much criticised by the US government, says Alex Rankine. But was it a long time coming?
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UK economy avoids stagnation with surprise growth
Gross domestic product increased by 0.2% in the second quarter and by 0.5% in June
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Bank of England raises interest rates to 5.25%
The Bank has hiked rates from 5% to 5.25%, marking the 14th increase in a row. We explain what it means for savers and homeowners - and whether more rate rises are on the horizon
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UK wage growth hits a record high
Stubborn inflation fuels wage growth, hitting a 20-year record high. But unemployment jumps
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UK inflation remains at 8.7% ‒ what it means for your money
Inflation was unmoved at 8.7% in the 12 months to May. What does this ‘sticky’ rate of inflation mean for your money?
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VICE bankruptcy: how did it happen?
Was the VICE bankruptcy inevitable? We look into how the once multibillion-dollar came crashing down.
