Economics
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Debt crisis: as it happened December 20
Moody's warns that UK could face a downgrade as "formidable and rising challenges" such as the deficit increase since 2008 have eroded ability to absorb further fiscal shocks.
20 Dec 2011
| CommentsBritain's credit rating could be cut, Moody's warns
Britain's credit rating could be cut if the euro crisis worsens, a major financial agency has warned
20 Dec 2011
Markets jump as euphoria sweeps across Europe on ECB bank rescue
Southern Europe's battered debt markets are basking in a glorious pre-Christmas rally as hedge funds and investors celebrate a blast of cheap liquidity from the European Central Bank.
20 Dec 2011
| CommentsMoody's: UK credit rating at risk if growth stalls
A collapse in economic growth, an escalation in the eurozone debt crisis, or a wobble by George Osborne over his austerity plans would cost the UK its prized AAA credit rating, a leading rating agency has warned.
20 Dec 2011
| CommentsAmericans ditch home ownership
The switch by Americans from buying to renting homes since the financial crisis has been underlined by a surge in the construction of flats.
20 Dec 2011
| CommentsRetailers more upbeat about Christmas
Christmas shoppers have been out in force this month, giving the high street a surprise boost for the festive season and its first increase in year-on-year sales since May.
20 Dec 2011
| CommentsLittle high street cheer
Top stories: Euro, Consumer confidence, NatExpress and Astra
20 Dec 2011
| CommentsUK consumer confidence edges up but little 'festive cheer'
Rising unemployment and the high cost of living left consumer confidence close to an all-time low in November, according to research released on Tuesday.
20 Dec 2011
| CommentsDebt crisis: as it happened December 19
George Osborne stands by his refusal to contribute to an IMF fund designated specifically for a eurozone bailout, as EU finance ministers agree €150bn of loans.
19 Dec 2011
| CommentsECB accuses eurozone leaders of creating a 'cycle of risk'
Protracted indecision among political leaders has created a "cycle of risk" with "systemic crisis proportions not witnessed since the collapse of Lehman Brothers", the European Central Bank (ECB) has warned.
19 Dec 2011
| CommentsSpain grits teeth yet again as austerity deepens
Spain's new premier Mariano Rajoy has launched a fresh blast of fiscal austerity at his inauguration, describing the national outlook as "desolate" and his task like that of a father feeding four hungry mouths with bread for two.
19 Dec 2011
| CommentsNorth Korea security worries weigh on markets
Top stories: markets, eurozone chief speaks out, HMV and banks.
19 Dec 2011
| CommentsCity Desk Morning Briefing - Monday
All the latest and must-have information around the key business and economic issues of the day.
19 Dec 2011
George Osborne urged to rethink reforms
George Osborne’s efforts to overhaul Britain’s financial regulation have been dealt a severe blow after a joint committee of MPs and Lords warned his draft proposal “needs significant amendments” to be fit for purpose.
19 Dec 2011
| CommentsWhy the euro turkey is well and truly stuffed
The coming break-up of the single currency makes Britain’s veto seem a mere sideshow, writes Jeff Randall.
19 Dec 2011
| CommentsThe Frogs do love us – they’re just hopping mad with Germany
Our entente with the French is still cordiale, but they badly need someone to shout at, writes Boris Johnson.
18 Dec 2011
| CommentsWarnings over flawed legislation being ignored in Whitehall
Whitehall is ignoring the Coalition’s deregulation plans, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned. The trade body discovered that four departments had ignored official warnings that new legislation, including this year’s rise in the national minimum wage, was flawed.
18 Dec 2011
| Comments‘Staycations’ and weak pound boost British trade
The weak pound has boosted Britain’s trade position, helped by Britons taking fewer holidays abroad, according to the Bank of England.
18 Dec 2011
| CommentsBritish household incomes hit by austerity measures
British households were poorer in 2011 than they were in 2010 and it is going get worse.
18 Dec 2011
| CommentsThe month ahead in business and economics: December 19 to January 31
January will be bleak for Britain’s retailers. The question is how bleak? A clutch of profit warnings will be issued, and some may even presage worse news – emergency fundraisings or even collapse.
18 Dec 2011
| CommentsDivisions in eurozone over ECB bond-buying
The eurozone faces fresh splits after one of the ECB’s most senior figures said the bank should not be used to fund national debts and that if it was forced to, it would mean the end of the single currency.
17 Dec 2011
| CommentsSecond-time home buyers priced out of market
It is now harder for second-time buyers to move up the housing ladder than for first-time buyers to get on it.
17 Dec 2011
| CommentsFitch warns Spain and Italy as Moody's downgrades Belgium
Spain and Italy were both told to brace for a debt downgrade after a leading rating agency concluded that a "comprehensive solution to the eurozone crisis is technically and politically beyond reach".
16 Dec 2011
| CommentsDebt crisis: as it happened December 16
Deputy Prime Minister tells French PM Francois Fillon 'remarks about British economy simply unacceptable', as Fitch places six countries on watch for possible downgrade and Moody's downgrades Belgium.
16 Dec 2011
| CommentsEuro at risk if countries fail to play game of carrot and stick
More bad news for Christian Noyer, the governor of the French central bank who's been fuming over Britain's AAA credit status.
16 Dec 2011
| CommentsRelated Sections
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