Business news 18 February 2026 UK inflation has eased to 3%, strengthening expectations of a spring interest rate cut. However, the labour market is deteriorating, with unemployment rising to 5.2% — the highest level in five years. Financial markets are

Business news 17 February 2026 UK households are growing more cautious, unemployment has climbed to its highest level since the pandemic, and markets are increasingly betting on Bank of England rate cuts. While the FTSE 100 reached a record close

Business news 10 February 2026 UK businesses are operating in a more fragile environment despite pockets of resilience. Retail spending rebounded in January, markets remain broadly supportive, and global investment continues at scale. However, political instability, rising borrowing costs, regulatory

Business news 6 February 2026 UK businesses are digesting a finely balanced shift in economic conditions. Interest rates remain on hold, but the Bank of England is clearly edging closer to cuts as inflation cools and unemployment rises. Markets have

Business news 5 February 2026 The UK economy has started 2026 on a more positive footing, with fresh survey data pointing to improving activity in the services sector and rising private-sector confidence. However, beneath the headline growth figures, businesses continue