Economic data show world economy clearly growing solidly
The first economic data for May show the world economy is maintaining solid levels of growth in the US, Asia and Africa, reports World Economics.
European private equity fundraising hits eight-year high
European private equity fundraising hits eight-year high, a 37% year-on-year increase
Venture capital industry passes half a trillion dollars
The global venture capital industry is expanding at an accelerating pace. Total assets under management reached US$524bn as of June 2016, the latest data available.
Bank of England lifts inflation forecasts but cautious on growth
The Bank of England lifts its forecasts for consumer prices, but higher inflation is expected to come at the expense of lower growth as UK households feel the pinch
Bank of England keeps interest rate at 0.25%
The Bank of England kept the UK's base rate of interest at 0.25% today, focusing less on rising inflation and rather reflecting its commitment to help sustain growth
Standard Life and Aberdeen unveil plans to cut 800 jobs
Standard Life and Aberdeen are limbering up to cut approximately 800 roles from the total global headcount of the combined group as at 31 December 2016.
UK to feel the pinch of higher inflation
Workers in the UK will see their earnings squeezed this year as inflation rises to 3.4% while wage growth stalls, according to the latest forecasts from the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR)
German growth continues as factory orders rise
Growth in Europe's largest economy appears to be picking up speed after German factory orders expanded for a second month
Macron victory signals stability – for now
Success for Emmanuel Macron over Marine Le Pen in the second round of France's presidential election signals stability, for now, according to Kenneth Orchard, global fixed income portfolio manager at T Rowe Price, a US global asset management firm.
International bond market association selects new chairman
The International Capital Market Association (ICMA) has a new chairman and new board members. They were voted in by members of the global trade association for cross-border bond markets at its annual general meeting in Luxembourg this week.
US jobs growth beats forecasts in April
An unexpectedly large rebound in US jobs growth in April did little to lift markets as uncertainty over interest rates dominated investor behaviour. Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that 211,000 jobs were created in April, up from March's disappointing 79,000 and beating analysts' expectations of around 190,000.
Biggest French banks report positive first quarter figures
France's two biggest banks have this week unveiled figures that suggest their underlying business is fundamentally sound, even as concerns grow about the potential impact the result of the French election could have on the sector in the country.
UK service sector growth completes trio of strong PMIs
Sterling climbed and the FTSE 100 rallied after the UK's dominant services sector outperformed expectations in April. The purchasing managers' index for the service sector – which represents nearly 80% of the UK's business output – rose to 55.8 in April, up from 55 in March and beating expectations of a dip back to 54.5. An index reading above 50 indicates expanding business activity.
Eurozone economy expands 0.5% in the first quarter
Economic growth in the countries that share the euro rose by 0.5% in the first quarter of 2017, according to gross domestic product data from eurostat. This robust start to the year matched the rate of growth seen in the final quarter of 2016, and beat the 0.4% growth seen across the wider European Union.
Euro and sterling gain as havens weaken
Japan's yen fell to a month low against the US dollar while the euro gained against both the dollar and the yen as haven currencies were hit by a fresh wave of risk appetite. The yen fell to the Y112 against the dollar and hit its weakest level of Y122.63 against the euro since mid March.