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Northern Ireland records strongest disposable income growth across UK regions

Northern Ireland achieved the strongest growth in real disposable income of any UK region in 2024, rising 4.1%, driven by inflation-linked increases in benefits, pensions and minimum wage alongside rising private sector wages.

3 min read

US National Debt Hits $40 Trillion as Borrowing Costs Surge

US national debt surpassed $40 trillion on 19 August 2026, doubling since 2016. Rising interest rates and investor concerns are raising borrowing costs, threatening higher mortgage, auto and credit card rates for households while policymakers debate fiscal reforms.

6 min read

First-time buyers still lag behind past generations, but recent signs offer hope

Millennials and Gen Z face steeper homeownership hurdles than previous generations, but recent market shifts—lower mortgage rates, flexible lending and record first-time buyer activity—suggest conditions may finally be improving, though substantial supply challenges remain.

5 min read

Bessent Demands Allies Choose: Support US Iran Sanctions or Face Economic Retaliation

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent demands allies support Washington's campaign to devastate Iran's economy, warning of severe penalties for nations that refuse. The administration plans to unveil unprecedented sanctions measures on 24 August.

6 min read

Walmart's sales growth hits six-year low as US shoppers tighten spending

Walmart's quarterly sales growth hit a six-year low as US consumers, particularly lower-income households, pull back spending amid high fuel costs. The retailer plans to use $2.9 billion in tariff refunds for aggressive price cuts to sustain sales.

5 min read

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg acquires 440-acre Strancally Castle estate in Ireland

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife have purchased Strancally Castle, a 440-acre gothic estate in County Waterford, Ireland, for an estimated €20m–€30m. The property will serve as a seasonal base during their visits to Ireland while they continue living in the United States.

4 min read

Welsh Government Appoints Glass Deposit Scheme Operator After Months of Negotiations

Wales appoints Exchange for Change to manage its deposit return scheme from October 2027, ending months of negotiations over glass inclusion. The scheme will be the only UK DRS to include glass containers, though they will carry zero deposit during a four-year transition period.

5 min read

Reform UK Unveils Plan for Taxpayer-Funded Apprentice Wage Rebates

Reform UK has proposed a 30% taxpayer-funded wage rebate for firms hiring young apprentices, part of a wider plan the party says would cost up to £2bn over five years and lift apprenticeship numbers to 600,000 a year.

6 min read

UK Regulator Clears Danone's £864m Takeover of Huel

The CMA has cleared Danone's €1bn (£864m) acquisition of Hertfordshire meal-replacement brand Huel, with the deal expected to complete in September 2026 and Huel's leadership set to stay on.

3 min read

Boohoo Fined €2.3m in France Over Fake Discounts and Mislabelled Products

France's consumer watchdog has fined Boohoo €2.3m after finding nearly half of its advertised discounts were actually price increases, and that synthetic items were mislabelled as leather and suede.

4 min read

NI Farm Profits Exceed £1bn in 2025 as Beef and Milk Prices Soar

Northern Ireland's farming sector posted profits above £1bn in 2025, up 36% in real terms, driven by record beef and dairy prices — though the Agriculture Minister warns 2026 prices have already fallen sharply.

4 min read

Harvest Software Price Hikes of Up to 1500% Spark Outrage Among UK Businesses

UK and US businesses using Harvest's invoicing and time-tracking software report price rises of up to 1500% after new owner Bending Spoons overhauled its pricing model, with analysts calling the changes opaque and unfair.

5 min read