Egypt: tourism has rebounded since Covid, but many struggling with living costs due to war
Egypt’s tourism sector has rebounded strongly in recent years, reaffirming its importance to the national economy. In 2025 the country welcomed nearly 19 million visitors, a 21% increase from the previous year, while…
UK inflation falls to 3%, helped by lower cost of petrol and bread
The UK inflation rate has fallen to 3% in the year to January, down from 3.4% in December, according to the ONS. Economists had predicted the drop, which was driven partly by lower…
Economy grows by worse-than-expected 0.1%
The UK economy grew by just 0.1% in the final quarter of 2025, below the 0.2% forecast by many economists, according to the Office for National Statistics. The figure mirrors growth in the…
Inflation rises for first time in five months - but one-off factors blamed
UK inflation has risen for the first time in five months, increasing to 3.4% in the year to December. The rise, though higher than expected, is widely attributed to temporary factors rather than…
UK economy grew by 0.3% in November, beating forecasts
The UK economy recorded stronger-than-expected growth in November, expanding by 0.3% and exceeding forecasts of 0.1%. The rebound, after a contraction in October, was driven largely by renewed industrial output and growth in…
Budget: the main headlines
Rachel Reeves has delivered her second Budget against a backdrop of weak economic growth, high inflation and tightening household finances. Seeking to raise revenue without triggering an inflation spike, she avoided the previously…
Budget: differing views about how to rescue the economy
Kemi Badenoch has warned that the country risks bankruptcy if Labour raises taxes without reducing welfare spending. She accused Rachel Reeves of planning a ‘stealth tax bombshell’ in the upcoming Budget to fund…
USA: longest-ever government shutdown finally ends, both sides bruised
The longest US government shutdown in history has ended after 43 tense days, restoring pay for federal workers and reopening critical services. Yet its conclusion has left both political parties bruised. Senate Democrats…
Chancellor lays the ground for a 1970s-style tax increase
Rachel Reeves has indicated she is willing to break Labour’s election pledges by raising income tax for the first time in half a century, prioritising what she called 'the national interest over political…
UK economy: encouraging forecast by IMF
The IMF has forecast that the UK will be the second-fastest-growing economy among the G7 nations this year - behind only the USA - despite ongoing global trade tensions. The IMF projects UK…
