UK economy shrinks ahead of Rachel Reeves's budget
Official figures show the UK economy contracted in October, with public borrowing higher than forecast in November. Get the latest on GDP and the fiscal outlook.
Official figures show the UK economy contracted in October, with public borrowing higher than forecast in November. Get the latest on GDP and the fiscal outlook.
UK public sector borrowing reached £11.7bn in November, surpassing City forecasts. Year-on-year borrowing fell due to higher tax receipts from NI changes. Read the full analysis.
Hotels in London's Square Mile face an average 135% rise in business rates from April 2026, sparking a major feud between the hospitality sector and the Treasury. Discover which venues are hardest hit.
Top executives at the European Investment Bank signal a continued hiring freeze for 2025, even as a major dealmaking surge is predicted for 2026. Explore the strategic reasons behind the caution.
The UK services sector saw further job losses in December, despite a rebound in business activity and rising client confidence. Analysts warn of intense cost pressures and a sluggish economic outlook. Read the full analysis.
Official data reveals a widening gap: public sector employment and wages surge while private sector faces decline. Explore the political fallout and reform pledges.
UK publicans voice fury at Chancellor's business rates changes, with bills set to skyrocket by up to 126%. Landlords warn of closures, job cuts, and price hikes as the hospitality sector reels.
Financial analysts and tech insiders debate whether the massive investment in artificial intelligence is a sustainable boom or a bubble poised to burst. Listen to the full podcast analysis.
UK regulators have torn up the rulebook for building societies, removing key lending limits to drive growth. Discover how this deregulation will impact mutuals and the housing market.
UK construction activity contracted at its fastest pace since May 2020 in November, with the PMI hitting 39.4. Experts suggest budget uncertainty skewed the data. Read the full analysis.
GB News's Tom Harwood argues the Office for Budget Responsibility's power stems from government borrowing. The solution? Run a surplus and render the fiscal watchdog irrelevant.
London has climbed to second place in a global ranking of top tech centres, narrowly missing the top spot to Zurich. Discover the key drivers behind the capital's rise and which cities made the top ten.
The Victorian government announces a major public sector overhaul, aiming to cut 4,000 jobs and save $2.3bn. Find out which departments are affected and the impact on services.
London's iconic Carnaby Street could be transformed by a major public realm revamp. Shaftesbury Capital's plans include new signage, lighting, and a return to its historic roots. Have your say in the consultation.
The Labour government faces criticism after failing to adopt key recommendations from its own review into public sector appointments. Read the full analysis of the political fallout.
The Treasury is accused of undermining the OBR's forecasts, creating a 'theatre of errors' that risks UK economic stability. Read our analysis of the fiscal rules clash.
A damning review finds appointments to government boards routinely abused, looking like 'nepotism'. The Albanese government unveils new rules but rejects key recommendations.
Metro readers share mixed reactions to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Budget, debating tax burdens, NHS spending, and the nation's economic future. Join the conversation.
Senior figures at the newly merged law giant A&O Shearman shared a £43.3m payout in the year following its creation. Discover the financial details and strategic implications.
Young farmers in New Zealand face impossible barriers to land ownership despite feeding the nation. Discover the human stories behind the statistics and what's being done.
Labour-run Hackney Council petitions government for rent cap powers as borough sees 49% rent rise since 2010. Could this be the solution to London's housing crisis?
UK hospitality faces a devastating stealth tax as a promised 5p business rates cut hides massive bill increases. Pubs and restaurants warn of closures and price hikes.
A record 3.7 million applicants in China are competing for just 38,100 civil service roles, highlighting a major shift towards job security amid economic uncertainty. Discover the driving forces behind this trend.
Tate gallery staff begin week-long strike over pay dispute as workers reveal reliance on food banks. Union demands fair wages for cultural sector employees.
Traders predict a 93% likelihood of a Bank of England rate cut in December to 3.75%, making borrowing and mortgages cheaper. Discover what this means for you.
JP Morgan unveils a new £3bn Canary Wharf headquarters as Goldman Sachs expands in Birmingham, signalling a major vote of confidence in the UK economy. Discover the details.
Abu Dhabi Finance Week positions UAE as global financial hub with dual focus on FinTech innovation and sustainable finance. Discover how digital assets and green capital shape economic future.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces permanently lower business rates for retail and hospitality, funded by higher levies on online giants' warehouses. Will it save the high street?
Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirms departments must identify savings from low-priority spending, denying major job cuts while facing Coalition criticism over election promises.
American financial giant StoneX launches ambitious London expansion targeting mid-sized hedge funds with prime brokerage services. Discover how this move shakes up the City.