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US inflation accelerates to 3.7% in September ahead of midterm elections

US inflation reached 3.7% in September, the highest rate since May, exceeding expectations ahead of midterm elections. Rising energy costs and geopolitical tensions drove the acceleration, with gasoline up 34% year over year.

6 min read

Wayfair and two other firms fined £6m for misleading customers

Wayfair, Appliances Direct and Gold's Gym have been fined a combined £6 million by the CMA for misleading customers with false offers and incomplete pricing. Two firms must refund customers £440,000.

2 min read

IMF warns of mounting debt crisis as governments face soaring borrowing costs

The IMF warns that soaring government borrowing costs and persistent high debt levels are creating an urgent fiscal crisis, as policymakers gather in Bangkok. The Fund calls for immediate action to prevent painful future adjustments, while cyber-security risks and defence spending pressures compo...

12 min read

Bellway expects 10% output boost from Your First Home scheme

Bellway expects the government's Your First Home scheme to boost its annual output by around 10%, potentially returning the builder to 10,000 homes per year. The scheme offers first-time buyers a 20% equity loan and 2.5% minimum deposit for new-build properties.

4 min read

IMF Upgrades UK Growth but Warns of 2027 Slowdown from Energy and Rates

The IMF upgraded the UK's 2026 growth forecast to 1.3% but warned of a slowdown to 1.2% in 2027 as energy prices and interest rates bite. The UK stands out among major economies for fiscal discipline, though households face continued inflationary pressure.

4 min read

Poundland seeks rescue buyer as management buyout talks advance

Poundland confirms rescue talks with potential buyers as management attempts buyout backed by Irish property firm Martin Property Group. Union warns administration could occur within days if deal fails.

3 min read

IMF raises UK growth forecast to 1.3% for 2026 but warns of slowdown ahead

The IMF has upgraded its UK growth forecast to 1.3% for 2026 but warned of a slowdown to 1.2% in 2027 as energy costs and interest rates bite. The upgrade reflects stronger-than-expected economic performance, though households face continued inflation pressures above the Bank of England's 2% target.

5 min read

Bumble shares surge 50% on $1bn takeover talks with Ithaca Holdings

Bumble's stock price surged nearly 50% following reports of advanced acquisition talks with Ithaca Holdings at approximately $1bn, though the valuation remains far below the company's 2021 peak.

3 min read

Labor pledges $630m for charities as Greens split on Ukraine weapons and tech regulation

Labor announces a $630 million funding boost for charities following Fair Work Commission wage determinations, while the Greens negotiate tech regulation legislation and face internal disagreement over military support for Ukraine.

5 min read

From MS diagnosis to £20m empire: How Antonia built a celebrity wig brand

Antonia Okonma Shittu transformed a multiple sclerosis diagnosis into a £20 million wig business serving celebrities including Serena Williams and Naomi Campbell, proving that serious health conditions need not derail entrepreneurial success.

5 min read

Burnham to seek new EU deals on trade, energy and mobility at November summit

Prime Minister Andy Burnham will push for new post-Brexit agreements on trade, energy and youth mobility at an EU summit on 20 November, claiming the deals could add £10 billion annually to the UK economy by 2040 while addressing severe trade damage affecting Scottish salmon and other British exp...

6 min read

GE Aerospace to invest £57m in Prestwick aircraft repair expansion

GE Aerospace is investing £57m to expand its aircraft maintenance facility at Prestwick, creating around 150 jobs. The project includes a new 55,000 sq ft building and is supported by £27m from the Ayrshire Growth Deal and £6m from Scottish Enterprise, with completion targeted for early 2028.

4 min read