UK economy: encouraging forecast by IMF
The IMF has forecast that the UK will be the second-fastest-growing economy among the G7 nations this year - behind only the USA - despite ongoing global trade tensions. The IMF projects UK…
France: new PM to be named within 48 hours?
Emmanuel Macron is expected to appoint a new prime minister within 48 hours, following the abrupt resignation of Sébastien Lecornu’s government just 14 hours after being named. Lecornu, asked to outline a path…
Reeves set to lift two-child benefit cap in budget?
Rachel Reeves is expected to announce changes to the two-child benefit cap in November’s Budget, amid growing pressure to scrap the policy introduced by George Osborne under Conservative austerity measures. The cap currently…
Trump meets Starmer as £150bn US investment is announced
Donald Trump has met Keir Starmer at Chequers during his second state visit to the UK, following the announcement of £150 billion in American investment. The funds, pledged by major firms including Blackstone,…
USA: Federal Reserve governor threatens to sue Trump for unfair dismissal
The conflict between Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook and Donald Trump represents a profound clash over institutional independence and executive authority. Trump says he has dismissed Cook, alleging mortgage fraud, but her attorney…
Rachel Reeves' 'mansion tax' plan
Reports suggest Chancellor Rachel Reeves may extend capital gains tax (CGT) to primary residences above a set threshold, sparking debate over a potential 'mansion tax’. Currently, homeowners pay no CGT when selling their…
Reeves must raise tax to cover £41bn gap, says thinktank
The Government faces a £41.2 billion shortfall that could force Rachel Reeves to raise taxes this autumn to meet her own borrowing rules, according to the National Institute of Economic and Social Research…
Surprise inflation jump complicates interest rate decision
The UK’s economic outlook has been shaken by a surprise rise in inflation, complicating plans for an anticipated interest rate cut in August. Despite a strong start to the year, recent data shows…
France: prime minister proposes axing two public holidays
There has been widespread criticism after prime minister François Bayrou proposed eliminating two public holidays - Easter Monday and 8 May (Victory in Europe day) - to help reduce the national budget deficit.…
Suriname: first woman president faces challenges
Jennifer Geerlings-Simons has made history as Suriname’s first female president, elected amid political and economic turmoil. The 71-year-old physician and lawmaker was backed by a two-thirds parliamentary vote after inconclusive May elections and…
