Treasury transformation gains pace but certain gaps persist
by Ben Poole
Treasury functions worldwide are accelerating efforts to modernise, but transformation remains uneven.
Europe
EY upgrades UK growth forecast to 1.5% for 2025
by Ben Poole
EY has upgraded its forecast for UK GDP growth in 2025 from 1% to 1.5% after economy showed greater momentum than expected.
IPO momentum returns as global markets regain confidence
by Ben Poole
Global IPO markets staged a sharp recovery in Q3, signalling renewed investor confidence after nearly two years of subdued activity.
Cost pressures mount as UK CFOs retreat from investment
by Ben Poole
UK finance leaders are entering Q4 in a cautious mood, with cost expectations rising sharply and profit forecasts falling to multi-year lows.
China powers manufacturing rebound while the West cools
by Ben Poole
China’s factory resurgence drives Asia’s busiest production stretch since mid-2022 while North American and European manufacturers continue to slow.
Growth holds but confidence slips in September’s flash PMI data
by Ben Poole
Across the Eurozone, UK, and US, services have largely propped up activity, while manufacturing shows renewed fragility.
Trump in UK as Fed trims rates and BoE stays put
by Ben Poole
The Fed delivered its first interest rate cut of 2025, while the BoE opted to hold rates steady at 4%.
Global economic growth at 14-month high in August
by Ben Poole
The rate of global economic expansion accelerated for the fourth month in a row in August, with output rising at the quickest pace since June 2024.
US growth heats up while Europe and UK tread carefully
by Ben Poole
Private sector growth in August 2025 picked up across major developed economies.
BoE cuts rates to 4% as growth falters and inflation picture shifts
by Ben Poole
In a closely split decision, the BoE made its third rate cut in the past 12 months.
Global growth divides as Eurozone steadies, UK cools and US powers ahead
by Ben Poole
The latest Flash Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) surveys show how trade policy shifts and cost pressures are influencing business conditions.
Flickers of resilience emerge in global PMI data despite patchy progress
by Ben Poole
Global business activity showed faint signs of recovery in June, with the eurozone, UK and US all reporting growth.
Asian manufacturing activity falls to 17-month low as tariffs hit China-based suppliers
by Ben Poole
Supply chain activity in Asia deteriorated further in May, with GEP’s regional sub-index falling to -0.40.
European treasurers demonstrate clear focus amid shifting risks
by Ben Poole
Cash flow forecasting and long-term funding remain top priorities for European treasurers.
Global trade disruption forces UK CEOs to re-evaluate investment strategies
by Ben Poole
UK CEOs are adjusting their strategic investment plans as geopolitical, macroeconomic and trade uncertainties continue to disrupt global markets.
Growth slows and inflation builds as global PMIs diverge
by Ben Poole
Business activity across the UK, Eurozone and US showed diverging trajectories in May.
Tariffs trigger sharpest drop in global manufacturing demand
by Ben Poole
Global manufacturers cut purchases at the fastest pace this year in April.
Trade under fire: firms scramble to counter tariff risks
by Ben Poole
While more than 80% of firms are actively managing tariff risk, the majority believe trade barriers are here to stay.
UK CFOs turn defensive as geopolitical risks and cost pressures mount
by Ben Poole
Finance leaders at the UK’s largest businesses have entered 2025 with a markedly defensive outlook.
March PMI data sees resilient demand meet rising caution
by Ben Poole
While private sector output improved in the US, Eurozone and UK, confidence in the economic outlook continued to falter.
92% of CFOs to boost green investments but ROI uncertainty remains
by Ben Poole
Even so, 61% of CFOs still label sustainability primarily as a cost rather than a value driver.
One in five UK-listed companies issued a profit warning in 2024
by Ben Poole
This represents the third highest annual proportion of profit warnings in 25 years.
Economic contrasts sharpen: US shines amid European contraction
by Ben Poole
December's PMI data paints a stark picture of divergence among major economies as the new year begins.
Ninety countries join e-commerce initiative – Industry roundup: 30 July
by Graham Buck
Three rate decisions awaited; Russia hikes rates to 18%; Supply chain shortage dents Porsche; Slovenia first EU nation to issue sovereign digital bond