Alcohol Duty Rise Forces Pub and Shop Price Increases
UK drinkers face higher costs as a 3.66% alcohol duty increase comes into force, with industry leaders warning of inevitable price rises across pubs, bars and supermarkets.
Category : Economy
IRS Tax Refund 2026: When to Expect and Track Your Money
The IRS projects average refunds could be $1,000 higher this year. Learn when to expect your payment and how to use tracking tools like Where's My Refund?
Shell Earnings to Drop 21% After Oil Price Slump
Shell is expected to report a 21% drop in full-year underlying earnings to $18.79bn as oil prices saw their biggest fall since 2020, with analysts forecasting significant declines across key metrics.
HMRC Warns Taxpayers as Self-Assessment Deadline Looms
HM Revenue and Customs issues urgent warning to two million taxpayers facing Saturday's self-assessment deadline, with automatic £100 penalties for late filing and enhanced support services available.
Self-Assessment Deadline Looms: 10 Million File
With the January 31 self-assessment tax return deadline approaching, HMRC reports over 10 million filings. Late submissions risk automatic £100 penalties and further fines.
Eurozone Growth Steady as Dollar Weakness Threatens Exports
The European economy recorded modest 0.3% growth in Q4 2025, overcoming US tariff threats, but now faces challenges from a stronger euro against the dollar that could impact export competitiveness.
HMRC Sends 1.3m Tax Letters After Threshold Freeze
Frozen income tax thresholds have caused HMRC to issue 1.32 million simple assessment letters, doubling since 2021. Pensioners face unexpected bills as state pension rises toward the frozen £12,570 allowance.
Taiwan's Economy Grows 8.6% in 2025, Fastest in 15 Years
Taiwan's economy expanded at an 8.6% annual rate in 2025, its fastest growth in 15 years, driven by the AI boom and a surge in exports to the United States.
IRS Tax Refund Timeline 2026: Expectations & Delays
The 2026 tax filing season is underway, with the IRS expecting 164 million returns. Learn about refund timelines, potential delays due to staffing issues, and how to track your payment.
IRS Tax Refund 2026: Dates, Delays & How to Check
The 2026 tax filing season is underway, with the IRS expecting 164 million returns. Learn about refund timelines, potential delays due to staffing cuts, and how to check your status.
Altria Earnings Flat Amid Cigarette Slump, Pouch Rivalry
Tobacco giant Altria reported disappointing quarterly earnings, missing Wall Street forecasts due to falling cigarette sales and stiff competition in the flavoured nicotine pouch market.
Trump Attacks Powell, Demands Lowest Global Interest Rates
President Trump renews criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, demanding artificially low interest rates regardless of economic indicators while linking policy to tariff revenue.
Zombie Firms on Brink as Critical Distress Jumps 44%
A new report reveals tens of thousands of zombie companies could collapse in 2026, with critical financial distress surging 44% year-on-year amid tax pressures and weak demand.
Minister Proposes UBI for AI Job Loss Protection
Investment Minister Jason Stockwood says government is discussing universal basic income as research shows UK losing more jobs than creating due to AI disruption.
Chalmers Faces Inflation Blame as Economic Agenda Shifts
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers pivots from forward-looking economic reforms to defending government spending amid rising inflation fears and potential interest rate hikes.
2026 Forbes Billionaires List: American Dominance
The Forbes 2026 billionaires list reveals overwhelming American dominance among the world's wealthiest, with only one non-American making the top ten. Discover how these moguls built their fortunes.
Inflation Spike Fuels Rate Hike Expectations and Spending Debate
Fresh inflation data has economists predicting an imminent interest rate hike, sparking political debate over government spending's role in price pressures as households face mounting financial strain.
Tesla Profit Plunges to Lowest Since Pandemic
Tesla reports its lowest annual profit since the pandemic, losing its top EV maker title to a Chinese rival as boycotts and political backlash impact sales, though investor optimism persists.
Bessent: Skip Kids' Toys, Invest in Trump Accounts Instead
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggests families invest in new Trump Accounts rather than buying toys for children's birthdays, promoting long-term financial security amid criticism of tone-deafness.
Fed Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Inflation Concerns
The US Federal Reserve maintains interest rates at 3.50%-3.75%, citing persistent inflation and robust economic growth, with a 10-2 vote and no timeline for future cuts.
Wall Street Picks Winners from 2026's Giant US Tax Refunds
American taxpayers are set to receive unusually large refunds in early 2026 due to a timing quirk with Trump's tax cuts. Wall Street analysts have identified retailers, restaurants, and trading platforms likely to benefit most from the consumer spending s
Trump's 'Trump Accounts' Aim to Create Millionaires
President Donald Trump announces 'Trump accounts' offering $1,000 to newborns, with projections reaching $1.1 million by age 28, amid criticism over wealth gap concerns.
RBA Rate Decision: Why Experts Urge Caution on Inflation Data
The Reserve Bank of Australia faces market pressure to raise interest rates following December's inflation figures, but deeper analysis reveals holiday travel and electricity subsidies are distorting the data.
UK Cost of Living Crisis: Hardest-Hit Cities Mapped
New analysis reveals Blackburn, Hull, Birmingham and Bradford as the UK's most income-deprived cities, while Cambridge leads income growth. Experts warn economic growth is essential for lasting solutions.
Millionaire's Three-Step Exercise for Financial Success
Self-made millionaire Mark Tilbury shares a simple three-step goal-setting exercise he claims the wealthy keep secret to help achieve financial freedom in the coming year.
Inflation Spike Dashes Mortgage Rate Cut Hopes
December's hotter-than-expected inflation data pressures the Reserve Bank to hold interest rates longer, delivering a fresh blow to stretched mortgage holders across Australia.
£300m Pub Support Package Unveiled by Chancellor Reeves
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to reveal a £300 million financial support package for UK pubs following warnings that tax changes could trigger widespread closures and job losses.
HMRC Tax Shake-Up to Hit Thousands with Extra Charges
Thousands of self-employed workers and landlords face new digital tax reporting requirements from April 2026, with significant compliance costs and quarterly deadlines under HMRC's Making Tax Digital expansion.
Record High: Brits in 'Very Deep Poverty' Hits Peak
A new report reveals 6.8 million people in Britain are now in 'very deep poverty', the highest level on record, with child poverty rising and hunger spreading fast.
Government Announces Major Support Package for UK Pubs
Chancellor Rachel Reeves responds to pub closure crisis with business rates relief and licensing reform, as new figures show 188 pubs lost in late 2025.
Page 6 of 61