Michael Hunter

Markets reporter

<p>How long is too long for a 16-year peak in interest rates to hold? Wednesday’s CPI will offer clues to Andrew Bailey and the Bank of England’s policy makers</p><p>June (Yui Mok/PA)</p>
Business

'Momentous' inflation data will give big clue on interest rate cut

Inflation is set to fall to the brink of the Bank of England’s official 2% target

21 May 2024
<p>The City was basking in a rare glow of “genuinely strong” economic news today as Britain powered out of recession at a far quicker pace than expected</p>
Business

'Finally a good news story for UK': GDP growth fastest in two years

The City was basking in a rare glow of “genuinely strong” economic news today

10 May 2024
<p>Hopes are growing that a Bank of England interest rate cut will breathe new life into the house market </p><p>(Yui Mok/PA)</p>
Business

House market showing signs of life says property portal Rightmove

The website where house hunters often take their first steps expects over 1 million transactions this year with prices up almost 2%

10 May 2024
<p>A slowdown in car production is expected to weigh on the manufacturing sector as economic data looms</p><p>(Ian Forsyth/PA)</p>
Business

Recession set to end, but weak growth will add to rate cut calls

Quarterly expansion of 0.4% will make period of contraction shallow and short but strong growth remains elusive

9 May 2024
<p>Mortgage holders, house hunters and City markets are looking for pointers from BOE policymakers, including Governor Andrew Bailey, on the timing of a rate cut</p>
Business

Bank of England to offer clues on interest rate cut timing

Mortgage holders, house hunters and City traders on watch for pointer to a June rate cut

7 May 2024
<p>(Nicholas.T.Ansell/PA)</p>
Business

BP plans cost cutting alongside multi-billion payday for investors

New CEO at FTSE 100 oil multinational points to $2 billion in ‘cash cost savings’

7 May 2024
<p>Shelling out: FTSE 100 stalwart to pay out $3.5 billion more to investors</p><p>(Anna Gowthorpe/PA)</p>
Business

Shell profits come in at £46,000 a minute

Energy multi-national faces wave of anger from campaign groups but defends its low-carbon spending plans

2 May 2024