May 2012 Archive

Bank of England's Quarterly Inflation Report dominates week ahead

The Bank of England releases its Quarterly Inflation Report on Wednesday 16th May

We preview the economic week ahead that sees unemployment figures, trade deficit data and the Bank of England's Quarterly Inflation Report released.

Bank of England's Quarterly Inflation Report dominates week ahead

We preview the economic week ahead that sees unemployment figures, trade deficit data and the Bank of England's Quarterly Inflation Report released.

Principality unveils two year variable rate bond

New variable rate savings bond at Principality

Principality has replaced its two year fixed rate bond with a variable rate product. The new bond is guaranteed not to drop below 3.3 per cent for two years.

Will the Bank of England decide on more QE?

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee meets tomorrow and while it is certain that interest rates will stay at 0.50% for a 39th consecutive month the decision on QE is less clear cut.

Queen's Speech: Banking Reform Bill could signal end of free banking

The Queen outlined the government's legislative programme for the next 12 months

The government outlined its plans for the next 12 months in the Queen's Speech today including a new banking reform bill that will separate retail and investment banking operations.

Leeds BS launches one year fixed rate ISA at 3.25%

Leeds Building Society has released a one year fixed rate cash ISA at 3.25 per cent. Savers can access up to a quarter of their funds without notice or penalty.

Cash machines to accept charity donations

ATM users will be able to give to charity

Brits will be able to donate cash to charity via selected ATMs from this summer. Royal Bank of Scotland and Bank Machine will be first to offer the service.

Close Brothers unveils three year fixed term deposit at 4%

Close Brothers Savings has launched Premium Gold, a ‘best buy’ deposit account paying a fixed rate of four per cent AER.

Bank of England's QE policy hinders growth, warns report

To QE or not to QE? The Old Lady of Threadneedle St will decide on Thursday

A report from Fathom Consulting warns that the Bank of England's policy of quantitative easing may be hindering economic growth because it causes a lack of competition between companies.

Sir Mervyn King admits Bank should have "shouted" about risk

Sir Mervyn King has admitted that the Bank of England was caught out by the scale of the financial crisis

In the 2012 BBC Today Programme Lecture, Sir Mervyn King, the Governor of the Bank of England admitted that the bank should have issued more strident warnings on the risk and scale in the lead up to the financial crisis.

Tesco launches fixed-rate savings bond that pays 5%

Tesco has unveiled a new fixed-rate savings bond

Tesco Bank has launched a new fixed-rate savings bond that pays five per cent and will be listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Proactive savers 'can make up to 300 times more interest'

It can pay to switch savings accounts, study shows

Savers who switch their cash pot to an account offering the highest interest rate each year could stand to earn significantly higher returns, according to Defaqto.

Leeds BS unveils Diamond Saver account paying 2.65%

Leeds Building Society has launched a savings account to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The Diamond Saver instant access account pays 2.65 per cent.