March 2011 Archive

Barclays ISA investors backing UK

New research from Barclays Stockbrokers reveals that most of their ISA investor clients will be investing in UK companies in the next financial year.

Treasury Committee to scrutinise budget

The chancellor, as well as Treasury officials, is to give evidence before the Commons Treasury Committee today.

Revised UK GDP figures show smaller fall

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has issued a further revision to the final quarter of 2010's GDP figures showing that the fall in GDP was 0.5 per cent not 0.6 per cent.

A guide to ethical investing

Investing in companies that use your funds in an ethical manner can be profitable as well as good for the planet but how can you be sure that the companies you invest in are ethical? Kate Saines investigates.

MPC base rate vote remains at 6-3

The minutes from the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee's (MPC) latest meeting show that they voted 6-3 to keep base rate at 0.5 per cent but one member is concerned that the bank could be losing its credibility.

Four themes unite 'Budget for growth'

George Osborne's Budget for growth centres on four themes for boosting business.

CBI calls for 'all-action' Budget for 2011

The CBI urges George Osborne to deliver an all-action 2011 Budget speech tomorrow.

Markets rise and yen eases after G7 currency intervention

The first major intervention in the currency markets for ten years sees the yen lower in value and the markets increase globally after G7 countries sell yen.

UK public's inflation expectations increase

The Bank of England has conducted a survey on Briton's expectations of inflation that reveals we expect it to rise but are willing to keep wage increases low to combat it.

Alternative investments: What are the best options?

If stocks and shares don't look attractive to you and you are put off by the low rate of savings accounts and ISA's, there are alternatives that can give good returns on your investment.

UK economic growth 'could be stifled by 50p tax rate'

Economic growth in the UK could suffer due to the 50p tax rate, a new report has shown.

UK trade deficit falls, led by export recovery

The UK trade deficit fell in January according to the latest report by the Office for National Statistics. The narrowing of the trade gap was caused by an increase in export-led manufacturing growth and higher exports of oil.

Halifax mobile phone trading 'proving popular'

The Halifax Share Dealing mobile phone trading facility is growing in popularity, the organisation has suggested.

Precious metals a good investment option?

Precious metals are the best-performing asset class for the second year in a row and the fourth time in the past five years.

Barclays chief, Bob Diamond, receives £6.5 million bonus

The chief executive of Barclays, Bob Diamond, will receive a bonus of £6.5 million this year in an announcement that calls into question the effectiveness of the Project Merlin agreement between the government and the banks.