2011 Archive

Bargain hunters hit the stores in thousands on Boxing Day

Shoppers packed the streets on Boxing Day

Shoppers were out in force across the UK on Boxing Day as retailers reported brisk trading as consumers hunted down the best bargains.

Hidden debit and credit card charges to be banned in 2012

By the end of next year, companies will no longer be allowed to add excessive booking fees to credit and debit card transactions.

European banks rush to snap up cheap ECB 3-year loans

Banks have been taking advantage of three-year loans, with more snapped up than anticipated.

Government borrowing £15.7 bln in November says ONS

The government borrowed £15.7 billion in November, according to the ONS

The public sector net borrowing requirement (PSNBR) was £18.1 billion in November, down from £20.4 billion last November and means the total is now £977.1 bln or 62.8% of GDP.

Nationwide: Consumer confidence increased slightly in November

Nationwide's new figures showed a slight improvement in consumer confidence in November, but it warns there are still tough times ahead.

Fitch says solution to euro debt crisis is 'beyond reach'

France has had its credit outlook cut from stable to negative by Fitch

Fitch has cut France's outlook to "negative" and placed six other countries on "credit watch negative", saying a full solution to the debt crisis is "beyond reach".

UK trade deficit falls in October due to record export levels

The ONS reports that UK exports reached a record level in October

The UK trade deficit narrowed in October to just £1.6 billion, the lowest amount since April 2011 as Uk exports reached a record high of £26.5 billion.

Euro debt crisis - A summary of recent events

The EU summit in Brussels takes place on Thursday and Friday 8/9th December 2011

What's the latest in the Euro debt crisis? If you're looking for a quick summary of recent developments, click here.

Young people turn to payday loans for Christmas

Young people trying to scrape together enough money for Christmas are increasingly turning to payday loans.

Starbucks to create 5,000 UK jobs over next five years

More Starbucks stores and drive-throughs are to open, something that could cut youth unemployment.

Central banks co-ordinated action will help households borrow money

The US Federal Reserve is one of the cental banks involved in co-ordinated action

Six of the largest central banks in the world, including the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of England are to join together to help support the global financial system.

Bank of England lending data confirms UK households coy on debt

Britons appear reluctant to borrow and eager to reduce their debt in new data provided by the Bank of England.

OECD warns UK is entering recession

The OECD says that the UK and eurozone are entering a new recession

The OECD has issued its latest global forecast for the economic prospects of developed economies and warns that both the UK and eurozone are slipping into recession.

Chancellor George Osborne's autumn statement preview

The Chancellor will present his autumn statement on Tuesday and businesses will be monitoring it carefully

George Osborne will present his autumn statement to parliament on Tuesday and it is expected to contain a three-part credit easing plan to help businesses invest.

Credit easing plan at centre of Osborne's autumn statement

A three part credit easing plan is likely to be announced on Tuesday by the chancellor, George Osborne

George Osborne will present a three-part credit easing plan designed to allow easier access to loans for small and medium-sized businesses in his autumn statement on Tuesday.

The best business loans and how to get them

Project Merlin was supposed to force banks to lend to businesses but despite targets apparently being met many employers say they cannot get a loan at any cost.

Tesco cuts prices on 1,000 items as Christmas price war hots up

Tesco has begun what could be a significant supermarket cost war this Christmas by cutting 1,000 of its prices.

Halifax launch new All In One Credit Card

The Halifax has launched a new All In One Credit Card

The Halifax has launched a new credit card offering 15 months interest-free on new purchases and balance transfers.

Lloyds promises £12 billion in loans to SMEs

Small to medium-sized enterprises are to benefit from more funding in loans from Lloyds Banking Group next year.

ONS says government deficit lower than expected for October

The UK's public sector deficit grew less than expected, says the ONS

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) published figures that suggest the government borrowed £6.5 billion last month and that the UK now owes 62.3% of GSP, £966.6 bln.

Cameron admits deficit reduction strategy is off target

David Cameron has told the CBI that it is proving tough to cut the deficit

David Cameron has told the CBI that the target of 2014-15 to cut the UK's deficit is likely to be missed and says cutting the debt is proving harder than expected.

Nationwide confidence index gloomy for October

Consumer confidence fell in October, according to new figures from Nationwide Building Society.

Youth unemployment set to breach one million

Youth unemployment is likely to have reached one million 16-24 year olds

Unemployment amongst 16-24 year-olds is likely to rise to above one million when the Office for National Statisticsannounces October's unemployment figures tomorrow.