Good morning and welcome to Money Minute, where we preview the day's biggest financial stories.
On the corporate front in the UK this morning, we get a trading update from parcel delivery group Royal Mail. Performance over Christmas will be a key focus for investors, given the company’s need to grab a bigger share of the market for online shopping deliveries.
There are also trading updates from catering giant Compass, ingredients group Tate & Lyle, and fashion retailer Superdry. Half-year trading updates are due from asset manager Ashmore, and from specialist engineering group Filtronic.
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Over in the US, we get the weekly initial jobless claims data. In effect, this shows how many people joined the dole queue in the US for the first time last week. The claims data is the most timely US labour market release. It’s closely watched as a result. If the US economy is slowing down, it’ll show up here first. However, this week its importance will be overshadowed by the monthly nonfarm payrolls report, due out tomorrow.
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Reeves urged to axe stamp duty from UK shares held in an ISAChancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly considering axing stamp duty from UK shares held in stocks and shares ISAs. What could it mean for your portfolio?
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Family investment companies explained: how the ultra wealthy shield their money from the taxmanWealthy families are increasingly turning to family investment companies to keep more of their money away from HMRC – but what are these arrangements and how do they work?
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UK wages grow at a record paceThe 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 governmentIt’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 debtThe 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 growthGross 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 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?
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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?
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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.
