Newsletter Jan 20, 2023

UK consumer mood slides back to near 50-year low - GfK

British consumer sentiment fell for the first time in three months in January, returning near to historic lows as concerns about the economy and the soaring cost of living tightened the squeeze on household finances, research showed on Friday.

Davos 2023-'Open for business' Labour slams PM Sunak no-show

British Labour Party leader Keir Starmer set out his green growth plan in Davos on Thursday and criticised British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for not showing up at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.

Davos 2023: Ex-UK PM Johnson urges allies to double down on Ukraine support

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday urged allies to double down on sending military equipment to support Ukraine and speed up an end to the war with Russia.

Brexit lifts number of million-euro-a-year bankers in EU, watchdog says

More Brexit-related relocations from London and rise in trading increased the number of bankers earning more than a million euros a year in the European Union by more than 40% in 2021, the bloc's banking watchdog said on Thursday.

UK govt faces questions in Russia meddling probe

The European Court of Human Rights said on Thursday it had asked the UK government to answer questions about alleged Russian interference in elections after a legal challenge.

New election possible in N.Ireland if stalemate continues: UK

Fresh elections could be held in Northern Ireland if a deadline passes without the resumption of power-sharing government in Belfast, a senior British minister indicated on Thursday.

Oil prices climb on hopes for Fed slowing interest rate hikes

Oil prices rose on Friday on optimism that the U.S. Federal Reserve will ends its tightening cycle, buoying the economy and boosting fuel demand.

EU parliament chief publishes list of gifts late

The head of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, has disclosed the many gifts she has received in the past year, albeit late, as the scandal-hit institution seeks to rebuild credibility.

Stocks slide on returning recession fears

Stock markets mostly slid and other major assets including the dollar and oil weakened Thursday after disappointing US data renewed worries about possible global recession this year.

Tens of millions head home for China holidays as Xi flags Covid worry

Officials have said that as of Wednesday, 480 million people have travelled across the country since January 7.

Nordstrom cuts annual profit outlook as off-price rack sales fall

Nordstrom Inc slashed its annual profit forecast after heavy discounting failed to sway people shopping at its off-price Rack stores, leading to weak holiday sales and pushing its shares down 6% in after-hours trading on Thursday.

The candidates to replace New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern

New Zealand's ruling Labour Party is looking for a new leader after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's shock resignation on Thursday.

Bird statue fetches $100,000 as Musk auctions Twitter HQ items

A Twitter bird statue fetched $100,000 on Wednesday as Elon Musk auctioned off furniture, decorations, kitchen equipment and more from the tech firm's downtown San Francisco headquarters.

Retired London policemen charged with child sex crimes

The Conservative government has ordered all of Britain's police forces to redouble their efforts to root out any officers accused of corruption, sex crimes or other offences.

Murray's epic late finish defended by Australian Open boss

While Murray praised the fans who remained till the bitter end, he raised concerns about the ball kids.