Market News

Puffin and bumblebee among 18 creatures shortlisted to feature on banknotes

The Bank of England is asking the public which animals should appear on future banknotes.

Puffins, dolphins and bumblebees in running to feature on new UK banknotes

Bank of England says updated imagery will celebrate native wildlife while bolstering anti-counterfeit featuresPuffins, dolphins and bumblebees are among the wildlife that could feature on new banknotes in the UK as the Bank of England announces its shortlist.There has been controversy over the decision, with figures including Nigel Farage criticising the Bank for, he claimed, wanting to replace Winston Churchill with a beaver. The Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, said it was “a silly thing

Bitcoin’s Inflation-Hedging Promise in Tatters After Plunge

Third of people say uni degree not worth it, as student loan inquiry begins

MPs will hear the concerns of graduates about the size of their student debts, and the interest rates.

UK house prices fall for first time in 2026 creating strongest buyers’ market for years

Average UK house price fell by 0.6% month-on-month in May, says Nationwide

New bill targets domestic abusers and overhauls right to buy in England

Social housing landlords to be able to evict perpetrators, while right-to-buy tenancy requirements to riseSocial housing landlords will be able to evict domestic abuse perpetrators under a new bill, which will also increase the length of tenancy required before residents qualify for the right-to-buy scheme from three to 10 years in England.The government said the bill, which will be debated in the House of Lords on Monday, would fix “the long-term decline in social housing” and offer new pro

UK house prices fall for first time this year amid rising interest rates

Nationwide finds typical price was £278,024 in May, as Savills says Iran war has ‘fundamentally changed’ outlookBusiness live – latest updatesHouse prices fell in the UK for the first time this year in May, as rising interest rates triggered by the war in Iran hurt homebuyer demand.The price of the average UK home dropped 0.6% in May compared with the month before, according to the lender Nationwide. Continue reading...

Why your grocery bill is still eye-watering — even though inflation is 'under control'?

Rise in youth unemployment driving more to homelessness, UK charities say

Centrepoint warns young people facing ‘huge scarcity of work opportunities’ after Alan Milburn’s report on crisisThe growing number of young people not in work or education is driving more into unstable housing or homelessness, charities have said.A government-commissioned review into the crisis facing young people in the UK said there could be a 25% rise in young people not in education, employment or training (Neet) to 1.25 million by the early 2030s without intervention. Continue readin

Gluten-free basics ‘now a luxury’ as price of a small branded loaf nears £4

People with coeliac disease say inflation and shrinking ranges are making food staples unaffordableGluten-free versions of everyday staples such as bread and biscuits are becoming a luxury, with shoppers complaining that a “decent” small loaf now costs nearly £4.Consumers have always paid a premium for these specialist foods, making any price increases a source of concern, particularly for people who follow a gluten-free diet for medical reasons. Continue reading...

‘It feels unfair’: the Britons struggling to get a mortgage since Iran war began

Whether first-time buyers, in between homes or refixing, people tell of impact of higher mortgage rates on housingProspects of cuts in UK interest rates in 2026, which were widely expected at the start of the year, were rapidly extinguished when the Iran war started at the end of February. The renewed threat of inflation means the Bank of England is now expected to raise rates at least once this year, with mortgage costs staying higher for longer.The boss of Britain’s largest housebuilder said

Britain’s seaside hotspots where house prices are growing fastest revealed

Young first-time buyers face toughest time since financial crisis, says UK housebuilder

Young first-time buyers face toughest time since financial crisis, says UK housebuilder

Barratt Redrow boss says rising interest rates, higher student debt and squeeze on wages hitting property dreamBusiness live – latest updatesThe boss of Britain’s largest housebuilder has warned that it is the most challenging time to be a first-time buyer since the financial crisis, as the dream of home ownership moves increasingly out of reach for many young people.A combination of rising interest rates, higher levels of student debt and the squeeze on wages is making it “challenging, ve

Grocery price inflation slows again despite warnings of Iran war cost hikes

Ferry frustrations and housing concerns in Gorey

Café owners and others in Gorey tell the BBC a new freight pricing model is driving up costs.

UK consumers likely to face higher prices ‘for many months to come’

Data shows even if Iran war ends, shop price inflation on rise, while only 16% of firms left unscathed by conflictHigher prices could persist over the summer even if ceasefire talks between the US and Iran bear fruit, consumers have been warned, with economic shock waves likely to be felt “for many months to come”.Disruption to global shipping, coupled with soaring prices for energy and raw materials, have driven up costs for UK companies, with the impact already filtering through to prices

Gold Gains as Prospects of Iran Deal Temper Inflation Concerns

ECB rate hike odds rise as Iran conflict fuels inflation - Bloomberg