Growth

Excessive furlough extension could ‘choke off’ growth, IFS says

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Tax rises look ‘more likely than ever’ in future years as the Government’s spending splurge amid the pandemic rolls on, the Institute for Fiscal Studies has warned. The IFS said Chancellor Rishi Sunak is likely to need to raise an additional £60billion via taxes over the coming years.  But, with Britain’s economy facing an ‘extraordinarily’ … Read more

Investing in Aim shares: High octane small caps can deliver sparkling growth

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Investing should be based on rational decisions, balancing risk against reward. But some people also want excitement – and why not?  This is why they are drawn to the Alternative Investment Market, better known by its snappy abbreviation Aim.  The junior market, set up in 1995, has a diverse set of young and long-standing companies … Read more

Bank of England cuts 2021 UK growth forecasts amid lockdowns

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The Bank of England slashed its growth forecast for this year today but voiced hope that the rapid vaccine rollout will spark a strong recovery after June. In its latest Monetary Policy Committee report, the Bank reduced its estimate for economic growth for 2021 from 7.25 per cent to 5 per cent. It said an expected … Read more

Countryside and oceans should be considered along with economic growth, major new report says 

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Countryside and oceans should be considered along with economic growth in bid to protect nature, major new report says A 600-page review will be launched online  by Prince Charles and Sir David Author Professor Dasgupta argues that nature is a ‘blind spot’ in economics Review calls for humanity to change food production and consumption By … Read more

New listings fall amid lockdown but price growth hits four year high

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‘There is fierce competition for family-sized homes in our area’: Demand from keen home-seekers boosts house prices as few properties come to market Average house prices rose 4.3% to £223,700 in year to December, Zoopla said Prices expected to keep growing as demand rebounds but supply falls  London is the only region to have seen … Read more

IMF downgrades UK growth forecast for this year to 4.5 per cent

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IMF downgrades UK growth forecast for this year to 4.5 per cent as renewed Covid lockdowns smother recovery The IMF has downgraded its forecast for the UK’s growth amid fresh lockdowns  Body now expects 4.5 per cent expansion this year as rest of Europe suffers Wider outlook for the world has improved and hope for … Read more

Early antibiotic exposure linked with reduced growth in boys

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Giving newborn baby boys antibiotics could stunt their growth in the early years of life, a new study suggests.   Antibiotic treatment within 14 days of birth is linked with reduced weight and height in boys – but not girls – up to the age of six, experts found.  The researchers think the differences may result … Read more

MARKET REPORT: Remote learning helps Pearson chalk up growth 

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Shares in Pearson leapt almost 9 per cent as the education publisher returned to growth even as it battled exam cancellations and school closures. It said total sales had increased by 4 per cent in the final three months of 2020, its first positive figure of the year after three quarters of decline.  The rise included … Read more

Audioboom enjoys bumper revenue growth during lockdown

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Audioboom enjoys bumper revenue growth as the number of locked-down podcaster listeners swells Revenue rose to £19.7m in the past year, which is up around a fifth from 2019 Advertiser numbers up and group managed to narrow its losses  By Jane Denton For Thisismoney Published: 17:01 GMT, 20 January 2021 | Updated: 17:01 GMT, 20 … Read more