Economics

Talks have taken place between HMRC and financial services firms regarding draft ISA legislation. Discussions indicate potential changes to proposed interest charges and the definition of “cash-like” assets. Industry representatives report increased optimism following negotiations with HMRC. Final decisions are pending further technical consultation and legislative revisions. The Chancellor’s Budget introduced a £12,000 annual cap on cash ISA contributions for savers under 65

The FTSE 100  rose 1.1% to 10,670 during morning trading on 18 February 2026. The index surpassed 10,650 for the first time in its history. UK consumer price inflation measured 3.0% annually in January 2026. December 2025 inflation was 3.4%. The Office for National Statistics attributed lower inflation to reduced bread and petrol prices. The Bank of England is expected by many economists to cut interest rates in March 2026. Economists anticipate rates could fall to 3.5% in Ma

Enfield recorded the highest benefits spending per working-age person in 2024/25 (£3,868). Enfield was the smallest borough where total benefits spending exceeded £1 billion. Other high-ranking areas by per-head spending: Blackpool (£3,678) Hackney (£3,669) Blaenau Gwent (£3,462) Haringey (£3,419) Birmingham had the highest total benefits bill but ranked 14th per head. The analysis was conducted by Neil O'Brien. The study examined: Universal Credit Disability Living Allowance

Ofgem is expected to lower the energy price cap in April. Cornwall Insight forecasts a 7% reduction in the price cap from 1 April. The projected reduction is £117 per year for a typical dual fuel household. Annual bills are forecast to fall to £1,641 from April 1. An earlier forecast predicted an 8% (£138) reduction. Ofgem will confirm the official cap level by February 25 for the April–June quarter. The reduction is linked to the Government’s decision to abolish the Energy C

UK unemployment rate rose to 5.2%  in the three months to December, up from 5.1%  in November — the highest level in the post-Covid period. Number of UK payrolled employees fell by 121,000 (0.4%)  over the past year. Provisional January data shows a further 11,000  fall in payrolled employees. Payroll employment is 134,000 lower  than a year earlier. Regular pay growth slowed to 4.2%  in the three months to December. Real pay growth (after CPI inflation) was 0.8% . Private se

London markets were mixed on Monday ask Keirs anouncements bolstered it but US markets were closed for a bank holiday. Canadian markets were closed for Family Day. FTSE 100: Rose 27.34 points. Up 0.3%. Closed at 10,473.69. FTSE 250: Fell 51.80 points. Down 0.2%. Closed at 23,375.47. AIM All-Share: Fell 0.44 points. Down 0.1%. Closed at 811.41. CAC 40 rose 0.2%. DAX 40 fell 0.5%. NatWest: Top FTSE 100 performer. Up 4.8%. Launched £750m share buyback. Programme to complete by J

Keir Starmer has suggested reassessing the UK’s relationship with the EU. Rachel Reeves called stronger EU ties the UK’s “biggest prize.” The Prosperity Institute estimates: 0.5% GDP reduction in the first year of rejoining. 1.35% GDP reduction within five years. Equivalent to £30–£40 billion annual lost output.