The second China shock is coming – and the UK’s response is too timid Beijing’s push to dominate technology through state-backed industrial policy is reshaping global trade and could devastate European industry
Rachel Reeves sets early March date for spring statement as OBR prepares forecast Treasury announces 3 March date to prioritise ‘stability and certainty’ after criticism of buildup to November budget
Paramount sweetens bid for Warner Brothers with Ellison guarantee; UK economy growth downgraded – as it happened Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news, as Paramount beefs up its offer for Warner Brothers
Britain’s economy has been damaged by Brexit. But what should ministers do about it? The idea of a customs union has gained traction, but agreeing a deal would be far from straightforward
UK consumers saving less as taxes squeeze incomes, data shows ONS finds households’ savings ratio has dropped to lowest rate for more than a year across third quarter
UK economy entering 2026 amid sharp private sector downturn, says CBI Business lobby survey finds firms ‘put brakes on key spending decisions’ before autumn budget
Top economists call for halt to Sri Lanka debt repayments after Cyclone Ditwah Group of 120 experts including Joseph Stiglitz urge fresh debt restructuring plan given scale of destruction
There are reasons to be cheerful about UK plc in 2026. Here are four From better prospects for consumer spending to tentative signs of improving productivity, the doom and gloom of 2025 could be behind us
FTSE 100 closes near record high as Santa Rally builds, despite weak retail sales – as it happened Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news
UK borrowed more than expected in November amid pre-budget pressure ONS figures show public sector net borrowing was £11.7bn – £1.9bn less than in same month last year
Trump’s $1,776 ‘warrior dividend’ repurposed from military housing aid President claims bonus the result of tariff revenue but stipend had already been approved in tax-and-spend bill
More UK interest rate cuts expected in 2026 after Bank of England lowers borrowing costs to near three-year low – as it happened Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news, as Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey switches vote – allowing rate cut today
Narrow Bank of England vote puts end of interest rate-cutting cycle in sight Another reduction expected next year but monetary policy committee is deeply divided over inflation prospects
Bank of England cuts interest rates to 3.75% in pre-Christmas boost for struggling economy Rate-setters back quarter-point cut after steep fall in inflation and weak economic data but vote remained close
Reeves defends Grangemouth intervention; Warner Bros urges investors to reject $108bn Paramount bid – as it happened UK inflation falls more than expected to 3.2% cementing expectations of interest rate cut tomorrow; oil prices jump after Trump orders Venezuela blockade