City AM

UK inflation out this week is tipped to fall below the Bank of England’s two per cent target for the first time in more than three years, according to economists. Official data from the Office for National Statistics, due to be released on Wednesday, is expected to show annual consumer price inflation fell to 1.9 per cent in September from 2.2 per cent in August. That would be the first time inflation has fallen below target since April 2021, and will likely add to calls for UK rate-setters to lower borrowing costs at their next meeting in November. Both the European Central Bank and the US Federal Reserve have loosened monetary policy more aggressively than the BoE after positive news on inflation, with the ECB expected to make its third rate cut in four months on Thursday. ✍️ Lars Mucklejohn Continue reading the story here 👇 https://lnkd.in/eTXjXTZj

I first encountered Dungeons and Dragons – like many others – as part of the plot of Netflix drama Stranger Things, writes Elliot Gulliver-Needham ✍️ There, it is very much portrayed as a game for pre-teen nerds, a relic of the 1980s of interest only to true obsessives. Find out how our news reporter fell into this world of Dungeons & Dragons 👇 https://bit.ly/3zSx8Vu

Predicting the prevailing winds in the super-prime property market can be a thankless task, given how it is at the behest of factors both national and international. Here are our predictions about the emerging and developing trends, from the continued rise in at home wellness to an ever-increasing focus on green and sustainable living 👇 https://bit.ly/3ZZmhnb

OPINION || Labour must implement a strategy for digital inclusion enabling more of us to use technology like AI, writes Saqib Bhatti. Much like the Industrial Revolution had an unprecedented social and economic impact on Victorian Britain, the digital revolution is set to have a profound impact on the way we live in the 21st century. It is vital that we embrace exciting new technologies. But unless there is a clear strategy to help improve digital awareness amongst all groups in society, we risk leaving some people behind in what is known as ‘digital exclusion’. Getting digital inclusion right is not only an economic opportunity but a societal necessity. Factors including education, age, region and social class have a very real impact on someone’s ability to navigate the internet safely and harness its full potential. Continue reading 👇 https://bit.ly/3A2ZP1S

Local brewers are shutting up shop. What will come of that local pint of craft ale? What is Britain but a nation of beer drinkers? And sure – we like a Stella or a San Miguel as much as any old European nation, but there will always be a special place in our hearts for that pint of local ale down the boozer. Or… will there? A “perfect storm” of high taxes, narrow routes to market and bulky energy bills has led to a crisis in British brewing. The proportion of UK breweries which entered insolvency in 2023 grew by a staggering 82 per cent in 2023, rising from 38 in 2022 to 69 by the end of December. Continue reading 👇 https://bit.ly/4eUQFDE

The number of business owners who fast-tracked selling their companies over the past year has increased due to fears around a possible tax raid in the Budget. According to professional services firm Evelyn Partners, 29 per cent of business owners accelerated their plans in the past year, up from the 23 per cent who did so 18 months ago. The survey showed that 23 per cent of business owners who had fast-tracked their exits did so because they were worried about a capital gains hike. Continue reading 👇 https://bit.ly/3BGLnNB

🚨 Nominations close at 10pm tonight for the City AM Dragon Awards 2024 Don’t miss this opportunity to be recognised for your contributions! The awards celebrate businesses making a significant impact and commitment to doing the right thing. Here are just a few categories for you to consider: 🌟 Dragon Investor of the Year 🌟 For any investment firm, VC, PE house, private bank, family office, pension fund – even private investor – committed to helping firms to thrive while making a demonstrable positive impact on society or the environment. 🌟 Dragon Advisor of the Year 🌟 For any advisory, consulting, communication or legal firms that have been helping clients to design and implement impactful initiatives. More than simply helping firms meet their ESG governance criteria, this is focused on championing advisors who are helping clients really do good by doing business. 🌟 Dragon Bank/Financial Institution of the Year 🌟 For banks or financial institutions growing their own impact, while supporting their customers’ efforts to do the right thing. Nominate here 👇 https://bit.ly/3zTdFUw CANARYWHARF GROUP BuyAssociation EC BID City of London Corporation #CityAMDragonAwards #SocialImpact #BusinessExcellence

Over 100 major London-listed companies, including Fevertree Drinks and YouGov, have written to the Chancellor warning that the uncertainty surrounding the future of a key tax relief tied to London’s junior stock market is battering investor confidence. The letter, reported by Sky News, said that reports suggesting the government could end the inheritance tax relief on AIM stocks “has significantly impacted the ability of AIM businesses to raise capital”. “A lack of clarity on the future of this relief has damaged investor confidence, showing clearly the close link between the relief and the future success of the market,” the letter added. Continue reading 👇 https://bit.ly/4eDR1yu

The economy returned to growth in August after two consecutive months of stagnation, official figures show, in a boost for Chancellor Rachel Reeves prior to the Autumn Budget. Figures published this morning by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) showed that GDP rose 0.2 per cent in August, in line with economists expectations. All main sectors of the UK economy grew over the last month. The services sector rose 0.1 per cent, while production and construction grew 0.5 and 0.4 per cent, respectively. Continue reading 👇 https://bit.ly/4eE4J4E

A member of the private investment team at London & Capital says the school one of his UHNW clients’ kids attends in leafy North London saw 12 pupils leave over the summer out of a class of 60 “and it’s not because the families can’t afford the hike in fees!” Catch up on the latest City gossip in this week’s edition of The Capitalist 🤫 👇 https://bit.ly/4eXwoNB