Economy
IMF upgrades UK economic growth as elections drive global uncertainty
It came as the financial agency held its forecasts for the global economy steady for 2024, with a slight downgrade for next year.
Time for attention to turn to our night-time economy
New Commission seeks to advocate for businesses, promote importance of evening economy, and influence critical policy changes
Collaboration between business and government ‘is key for growth success’
CBI’s NI annual business breakfast hears of 'significant new opportunities' for economic prosperity
Wes Streeting says weight-loss jabs for jobless obese people is not ‘dystopian’
The Health Secretary said the Mounjaro anti-obesity injections could help ease pressure on the NHS.
Iraq’s Kurdish region goes to polls amid concerns over economy and infighting
The primary competitors are the two dominant Kurdish parties: the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).
Income inequality in Ireland and Northern Ireland ‘very similar’ – study
The ESRI study said this was due to opposing effects in the tax and benefits system, education levels and unequal wages.
Retail sales edge higher as new iPhone launch boosts tech stores
Total retail sales volumes, which measure the quantity bought, rose by 0.3% in September, the Office for National Statistics said.
‘£63 billion doesn’t lie’ – minister denies business confidence dip under Labour
Shadow ministers raised research from the Institute of Directors’ Economic Confidence Index, which measures business leader optimism.
Interest rate cut ‘nailed on’ after UK inflation falls to three-year low
Inflation dropped below the Bank of England target rate last month for the first time since April 2021, the Office for National Statistics said.
Why has inflation slowed and what does it mean for households?
Inflation eased back to its lowest level for three-and-a-half years in September, according to official data.