Who's regained its position as Europe's largest stock market?
In this week's In the Sheets:
London has regained its position as Europe's largest stock market, retaking the crown after losing it to Paris two years ago.
Wes Streeting, the Shadow Health Secretary, has refused to rule out the possibility of increasing council tax and stated that the Labour manifesto does not encompass all of the party's spending plans.
Big banks' lending to UK SMEs has seen its first notable rise in almost two years, with gross SME lending rising 15% in Q1 2024.
Investment ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
London reclaims title as Europe’s biggest stock market
London has regained its position as Europe's largest stock market, retaking the crown after losing it to Paris two years ago. French stocks have been hit by the shock election called by President Emmanuel Macron, while London shares are showing signs of life with increased deals and share price boosts. The FTSE 100 has risen 7% in the past year. Stability and the clear likelihood of a Labour victory in the upcoming election have given investors confidence. The French market heavily relies on global luxury brands, which have been under pressure. On the other hand, the UK is gaining favour among overseas investors due to its stable, cash generative companies.
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Employment
HSBC issues warning over Labour's living wage proposal
A Labour government risks fuelling inflation and job losses with its plan to introduce a "genuine living wage" for workers, economists at HSBC have warned. The party aims to overhaul the remit of the Low Pay Commission to ensure it considers the cost of living when making recommendations. HSBC economists caution that this could lead to increased costs, reduced efficiency, and higher unemployment. They also suggest that it may sustain lingering inflation pressures, keeping the Bank Rate higher for longer.
Brainteaser ??
If a hen and a half lay an egg and a half in a day and a half, how many eggs will half a dozen hens lay in half a dozen days?
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