Business & Finance · Oct 15, 2026
Official data released on October 15, 2026 shows UK GDP rose 0.1 percent in August, defying forecasts for a contraction. The surprise growth, led by manufacturing and computer programming, shifts market and policy expectations ahead of the autumn Budget and a likely Bank of England rate review.
Business & Finance · Oct 14, 2026
The International Monetary Fund raised its forecast for UK growth in 2026 to 1.3 percent on October 14, 2026, citing stronger-than-expected activity this year, but cautioned that higher energy costs and rising interest rates could slow expansion next year, a development that complicates Chancellor John Healey’s plans ahead of the October 28 budget.
Lifestyle & Society · Oct 13, 2026
New Worldpanel by Numerator figures show supermarket prices rose 2.5% in the four weeks to October 4, prompting shoppers to rely more on special offers and boosting discounter sales while raising fresh concerns about energy driven cost pressures.
Business & Finance · Oct 12, 2026
Chancellor John Healey has not ruled out higher levies on UK banks as he prepares his first major fiscal statement on October 28, prompting warnings from City executives that a targeted tax could deter investment and complicate recovery plans for lenders.
Business & Finance · Oct 9, 2026
British government bond yields climbed to levels not seen since 2007 on October 9, 2026, as a global bond sell off and a rebound in oil prices pushed investors to demand higher compensation for sovereign debt. The move is pressuring bank stocks, lifting mortgage and corporate financing costs, and complicating Treasury plans ahead of the October 28 Budget.
Business & Finance · Oct 8, 2026
Britain's largest supermarket group raised the lower end of its full year profit forecast and increased its buyback after first-half adjusted operating profit beat expectations, signalling resilient consumer spending and bolstering confidence in the UK grocery sector.
Business & Finance · Oct 6, 2026
Ofgem raised the energy price cap for October to December 2026, while the government rebate of VAT on domestic electricity, introduced earlier in October, leaves a gap between headline help and bills many households will still face. The combined measures are reshaping household budgets and corporate cost forecasts ahead of the Autumn Budget.
Lifestyle & Society · Oct 4, 2026
A major local authority in England has unveiled a new winter outreach and social connection programme aimed at older people living alone, responding to fresh data showing a notable rise in solitary households and worsening mental health over the past year.
Business & Finance · Oct 3, 2026
A global rout in government bonds has pushed long UK gilt yields to multi decade highs, forcing lenders to pull cheaper mortgage deals and leaving hundreds of thousands of households facing sharp payment shocks before Chancellor John Healey’s October 28 budget.
Business & Finance · Sep 28, 2026
The UK Treasury on September 28, 2026 published a revised gilt issuance plan to cover higher borrowing needs, prompting a sharp reassessment across gilt and swap markets and renewed scrutiny of the public finances.

Business & Finance · Sep 17, 2026
British retailer Next has raised its annual profit forecast after a strong first half, but the company expects slower UK sales growth as inflation, mortgage costs and pressure on household finances weigh on consumers.