Traders in the UK are now favoring three interest-rate cuts from the Bank of England this year after weaker-than-expected retail sales data bolstered the case for more aggressive easing to help boost failing economic growth.

British retail sales fell unexpectedly in December, according to data on Friday that raised the risk of an economic contraction in the fourth quarter, adding to the challenges facing finance minister Rachel Reeves.

The quantity bought fell by 0.3% in December, following a 0.1% increase in November, according to the Office for National Statistics

Tax rises were inevitable. Such a shaky start was not

AI is disturbing the push to electrify vehicles, heating and other sectors running on fossil fuels.

From Apple iPhones to Adidas shoes and Uber Eats takeaways, Britons are using buy-now, pay-later like never before to fund their lifestyles.

Bargain-loving Brits will be in for a surprise as Poundland announces over a dozen site closures across the UK.

A development north of Bristol will comprise 6,500 properties, three new schools and a 19,500-capacity arena

An open letter signed by more than 80 retailers warned the new measures could result in increased expenses and possible job losses

The Government has told tech firms the UK is open for business, but campaigners are worried it will be at the expense of safety

UK retail sales slumped in December, despite expectations of a Christmas bounce, thanks to rapidly falling food sales.

‘US markets faltered after a blowout session the previous day, while the surprising upstart came in the form of the FTSE 100, which has set the early pace and blew past its previous record high in opening trade’

More and more small businesses are becoming reliant on credit cards, and it’s the whole economy that will suffer, writes Rob Burlison.

More than 3,000 jobs have been saved after Directional Capital confirmed a Sky News report that it was buying Pizza Hut’s British dine-in chain out of administration.

Weak consumer confidence appears to have hit spending in key month for the high street

MILLIONS of customers at some of Britain’s biggest energy firms are receiving treatment that falls below expectations, according to research. Thousands of households were asked how satisfied …

It comes after customers complained of not being able to plan for price rises.

Government borrowing costs dip, stocks extend rally; with inflation easing and sluggish economic growth, a February interest rate cut looks increasingly likely, analysts say

Official figures show the economy grew by 0.1% in November, although that was lower than had been expected.

The Office for National Statistics estimated the UK economy grew in November by 0.1% after falling by 0.1% in both September and October.

The pound fell on Thursday after data showed the British economy grew more slowly than expected in November, which could give the Bank of England more room to cut interest rates this year.

Dunelm Group’s shares fell sharply on Thursday after the British homewares retailer reported a lower sales increase in the second quarter compared with the first, highlighting the impact of rising costs and sluggish consumer spending on the retail sector.

Stagnation fears rise after weaker growth than forecast but an interest rate cut is now even more likely

Japanese automaker Nissan’s factory in Sunderland, UK is set to receive a supply of up to 340,000 electric vehicle (EV) powertrains annually from JATCO Ltd’s new factory nearby, the latter said on Thursday.

The U.K. economy grew at a lackluster pace of 0.1% in November, data from the Office of National Statistics showed Thursday.

British property surveyors reported the fastest rise in house prices since September 2022 in December and a continued increase in sales and new buyer enquiries, in contrast to the more mixed picture from some other housing market surveys.

Hundreds of roles will be removed, while new ones will be created as part of the overhaul.

Installation rates are still well below the target of 600,000 heat pumps a year

In his first major speech of the year, the Liberal Democrat leader will urge the Labour Government to negotiate a new agreement with Brussels.

The growth will do little to ease fears of a possible technical recession for the UK economy over the winter

Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey pressed the PM not to exclude those who want ‘bring their money and skills’ to the UK in a bid to reduce immigration.

Cooling UK inflation paves way for February interest rate cut, economists say; US inflation rises but key ‘core’ measure eases

ANOTHER US fast food chain branded “better than McDonald’s and Burger King” is set to make its UK debut in months. Californian burger joint Carl’s Jr. will pull up the shutt…

The boss of the delivery firm said it had been able to ‘bring even more of the neighbourhood to consumers’ doors’.

‘With mortgage rates still elevated, all eyes will be on the Bank of England, with many hoping for a rate cut at the next meeting in February’

The number of vacancies in the UK economy has fallen back in line with pre-pandemic levels, according to new figures from the REC.

Premier Inn owner Whitbread reported on Thursday a modest increase in total accommodation sales in the UK for a six-week period, and reaffirmed its full-year 2025 forecast, supported by strong sales in Germany.

The cost of Government borrowing eased on Wednesday morning in a tentative sign of relief among traders after more heightened economic concerns.

The yield on 10-year U.K. government bonds was 16 basis points lower at 4.727% at 4 p.m. in London.

The UK economy grew at a slower pace than expected in the month after the Budget, new figures show, as pressure grows on Rachel Reeves.

The Federation of Small Businesses warned of ‘significant disruption’ under the current deadlines for Edinburgh City Council’s planned new charge.

People should not be punished for honest mistakes, says watchdog, amid concern at fare evasion measures

Investors are now betting on an interest rate cut next month from the Bank of England.

Whitbread, the owner of Premier Inn, has warned that it will record a substantial increase in costs following the Autumn Budget.

The ONS said the economy was “broadly flat” but that pubs, restaurants and IT companies are doing well.

THOUSANDS of households are set to receive £25 in free cash after new Cold Weather Payments were triggered. More than 560 postcodes are in line for payments following the recent cold snap. The paym…

Claimants of Universal Credit could face cuts worth between 5% and 20% in very specific circumstances, advice from the DWP states

The Tory leader flagged recent market turbulence and asked whether tax rises are planned in March.

For the second January in a row, the sportswear retailer has disappointed shareholders by trimming its forecasts