Money Minute Friday 31 January: Britain leaves the EU
Today is Brexit Day, but we also look ahead to the latest consumer confidence data for the UK and GDP growth in the eurozone
Britain leaves the European Union today. It won’t have much impact on markets – we knew it was coming and this just kicks off a long negotiating process - but it’ll probably inspire quite a few headlines.
We also get the latest reading on consumer confidence, which will give an indicator of whether getting the election over with has lifted spirits more generally.
Meanwhile, on the corporate front, broker Hargreaves Lansdown releases its half-year results.Investors will be looking out for any lingering impact that the Neil Woodford debacle has had on the popular investment platform.
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
Elsewhere we get the first estimate of eurozone GDP growth for the fourth quarter of 2019. Growth is expected to come in at 0.2% for the period. Inflation data for January is also due. Markets expect an annual rate of around 1.2%, still well under the European Central Bank’s target of just below 2%.
Get the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis from our award-winning MoneyWeek team, to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.
- 
 Brits leave £31.6 billion in savings accounts paying 1% interest or less – do you need to switch? Brits leave £31.6 billion in savings accounts paying 1% interest or less – do you need to switch?Eight million Brits hold money in savings accounts that pay 1% interest or less, meaning the value of their cash is being eroded by inflation. 
- 
 MoneyWeek Wealth Summit 2025: investing for a volatile era MoneyWeek Wealth Summit 2025: investing for a volatile eraMoneyWeek's 25th birthday conference’s agenda offers investors a wide array of compelling themes 
- 
 UK wages grow at a record pace UK wages grow at a record paceThe latest UK wages data will add pressure on the BoE to push interest rates even higher. 
- 
 Trapped in a time of zombie government Trapped in a time of zombie governmentIt’s not just companies that are eking out an existence, says Max King. The state is in the twilight zone too. 
- 
 America is in deep denial over debt America is in deep denial over debtThe downgrade in America’s credit rating was much criticised by the US government, says Alex Rankine. But was it a long time coming? 
- 
 UK economy avoids stagnation with surprise growth UK economy avoids stagnation with surprise growthGross domestic product increased by 0.2% in the second quarter and by 0.5% in June 
- 
 Bank of England raises interest rates to 5.25% 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 
- 
 UK inflation remains at 8.7% ‒ what it means for your money UK inflation remains at 8.7% ‒ what it means for your moneyInflation was unmoved at 8.7% in the 12 months to May. What does this ‘sticky’ rate of inflation mean for your money? 
- 
 Would a food price cap actually work? Would a food price cap actually work?Analysis The government is discussing plans to cap the prices of essentials. But could this intervention do more harm than good? 
- 
 Is my pay keeping up with inflation? Is my pay keeping up with inflation?Analysis High inflation means take home pay is being eroded in real terms. An online calculator reveals the pay rise you need to match the rising cost of living - and how much worse off you are without it. 
 
