Money Minute Monday 17 February: good news ahead for the UK economy?
Today's Money Minute looks to a week in which we get the latest employment and inflation numbers, plus retail figures for January and a slew of eurozone date.
Good morning and welcome to Monday’s Money Minute, where we look ahead to this week’s biggest financial stories.
In the UK on Tuesday we get the latest figures on unemployment, while on Wednesday we get the latest data on consumer price inflation. In common with most of the rest of the world, unemployment in the UK is low right now. The key figure to watch is wage inflation. As long as wages are rising more quickly than prices, consumption should hold up, which is good news for the broader economy.
Speaking of consumption, on Thursday we get the latest UK retail sales figures for January. These are likely to indicate more misery for the high street.
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
Meanwhile, in the eurozone on Tuesday, we get the latest data on German business confidence. Hopes for a pick-up in German industrial activity have been dampened recently by weak data and the coronavirus outbreak, so this figure will be watched closely.
And on Friday, we get inflation data for the eurozone as a whole. This is set to remain well below the European Central Bank’s target of just under 2%.
Sign up for MoneyWeek's newsletters
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.
-
Tariff day: what to expect from Trump’s ‘Liberation Day'
Donald Trump's tariff day is fast approaching. What does it mean for global markets and your money?
By Dan McEvoy Last updated
-
Is the stock market open on Easter?
Will your stocks bloom during Easter? We look at the UK stock market opening times over the spring holiday period
By Oojal Dhanjal Published
-
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.
By Max King Published
-
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?
By Alex Rankine Published
-
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
By Ruth Emery Published
-
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?
By John Fitzsimons Published
-
VICE bankruptcy: how did it happen?
Was the VICE bankruptcy inevitable? We look into how the once multibillion-dollar came crashing down.
By Jane Lewis Published
-
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?
By Nicole García Mérida Published
-
UK inflation slides to 8.7% - what does it mean for your money?
News Inflation has dropped below 10% for the first time in months, but with food prices at a 45-year high, is this good news and what does it mean for your money?
By Tom Higgins Published
-
Why the UK equity market is shrinking
Analysis The crisis has been building for 25 years, says Max King, and it will take decades to reverse the trend.
By Max King Published