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.
Europe
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
FX headwinds grew in Q1, reports Kyriba – Industry roundup: 25 July
by Graham Buck
JCI-Hitachi in US$8.1bn JV sale to Bosch; BofE changes tack on liquidity management; Hungary cuts key interest rates; Revolut wins UK banking licence
China surprises with interest rate cut – Industry roundup 23 July
by Graham Buck
China to raise retirement age; ANZ launches real-time payments; Singapore commits US$74m for AI in finance; Bank of Canada expected to cut rates
France’s audit office sounds warning – Industry roundup: 16 July
by Graham Buck
Pakistan wins U5$7 billion IMF loan; KPMG launches Clear on Climate Reporting; World Bank helps Pacific islands; La Niña threat to EM bonds
Japan‘s chipmakers plan US$30 billion investment in semiconductors – Industry roundup: 11 July
by Graham Buck
UK launches £7.3bn Wealth Fund; Aramco resumes USD-denominated bonds; Banks enjoyed record profits in 2023; HSBC to reshape investment banking
More companies use AI for supply chain management – Industry roundup: 9 July
by Graham Buck
French election “ends pro-business agendaʺ; South Africa to change ETF payments; RBI joins Project Nexus; Ireland's tax windfall continues
Hong Kong and France join forces on CBDCs – Industry roundup: 4 July
by Graham Buck
EIB funds North Sea wind farm; MSCI and Moody’s form ESG partnership; New facility to boost Africa trade; SMBC Aviation Capital raises US$1.5 billion
KPMG predicts upturn for UK economy – Industry roundup: 2 July
by Graham Buck
IFRS and IFC partner on sustainability; China’s PBOC plans to borrow bonds; BlackRock pays US$3.22bn for Preqin; Greece introduces six-day workweek
VW shares electric dreams with Rivian – Industry roundup: 27 June
by Graham Buck
US big banks pass Fed's stress test; ECB turns down new euro members; 'Great Resignation' continues, says PwC; Australia's inflation higher
Southeast Asia is favourite base for diversified supply chains – Industry roundup: 25 June
by Graham Buck
UK Labour government ʺcould borrow more”; BBVA plans German digital bank; Crime spike in cashless Sweden; China presses for lower card fees
EU delays Basel bank trading reforms to January 2026 – Industry roundup: 20 June
by Graham Buck
UK inflation hits 2% target; Fitch predicts 7.2% growth for India; IMF assesses Middle East CBDCs; Sustainable food supply chains project
UK business investment trails other G7 members – Industry roundup: 18 June
by Graham Buck
BNY Mellon rebrands; Canada, ADB launch C$360m climate fund; Yale team focuses on improving supply chains; Moody's warns on Pakistan's debt
France‘s snap election rattles investors – Industry roundup: 11 June
by Graham Buck
Saudi Arabia joins Project mBridge; Help planned for US small businesses; Apple joins forces with OpenAI; Shangri-La Asia issues first panda bond
ECB set to follow Bank of Canada with rate cut – Industry roundup: 6 June
by Graham Buck
Australia's Q1 economic growth at 0.1%; China plans carbon measurement standards; Bloomberg offers T+1 FX fixings; IFC, HSBC aid Mexico supply chain
Modi set for third election victory as India’s economic boom continues – Industry roundup: 4 June
by Graham Buck
Challenges for Mexico's new leader; Turkey's economic growth strong; US$4bn platform for emerging markets; Malaysia invests US$100bn in semiconductors
South Africa to hold rates ahead of election result – Industry roundup: 30 May
by Graham Buck
ABN Amro acquires German bank; Global debt “has risen to US$315 trillion”; N26 blames regulator for lost growth; IFS-PwC UK sustainability venture
UK heads for 4 July general election
by Graham Buck
Voters will head to polls amid sluggish growth, high interest rates and cost-of-living headwinds.
Next industrial revolution underway, says Nvidia – Industry roundup: 23 May
by Graham Buck
BNP Paribas steps up decarbonisation drive; Yellen urges tougher Russia sanctions; World Bank first with CHF digital bond; Qatar US$2.5bn green bond
US restaurant chain Red Lobster joins retail casualties – Industry roundup: 21 May
by Graham Buck
China tariffs threat to EU wine exports; Microsoft tells suppliers to go green; Japan investors await rate hikes; SocGen invests in energy transition