Author: Scott Dylan

Kantar’s latest report reveals a nuanced economic landscape in which Britons are reducing their supermarket and summer expenditures, even as grocery inflation declines.Supermarket prices were 2.1% higher than a year ago, marking the 16th consecutive month of slowing price rises.Despite a reduction in inflation, significant financial pressures persist, affecting consumer spending behaviours.Unseasonably wet weather has dampened sales of summer-related products, highlighting the impact of external factors on consumer behaviour.Promotional activities around Euro 2024 present potential opportunities for supermarkets and pubs to boost sales.In the four weeks to 9 June, supermarket prices saw a 2.1% increase from the previous year, a…

The usage of rail season tickets in Great Britain has reached a historic low, as new figures reveal a significant decline. Driven by the rise of hybrid working models, the traditional season ticket appears to be losing its relevance in today’s flexible working environment.In the year to 31 March, season ticket journeys dropped to an unprecedented 13%, a stark contrast to the 34% recorded before the pandemic. This shift reflects fundamental changes in commuting patterns, as employees increasingly divide their time between home and the office.Decline in Season Ticket UsageAccording to the Office for Rail and Road (ORR), the regulator…

The total value of companies listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) has achieved a significant milestone, reaching $3.18 trillion on Monday, and thereby surpassing the $3.13 trillion valuation of its Parisian counterparts, according to Bloomberg data.This shift is viewed as a substantial milestone, occurring against a backdrop of the French market’s downturn due to election-related uncertainties, while the UK market exhibits signs of recovery following years of underperformance. The LSE had consistently held the lead for numerous years until November 2022, when it was briefly overtaken by Paris. Analysts at the time attributed the LSE’s decline to multiple factors,…

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has raised concerns about the UK’s economic growth hindered by persistently low investment levels. Highlighting critical data and expert opinions, this report outlines the key factors limiting investment and explores proposed strategies for improvement.The UK lags behind G7 nations in total investment, with a notably lower investment rate than the US.Both major political parties are planning to reduce government investment despite its importance for economic growth.The IPPR recommends a stable industrial strategy and policy consistency to boost private investments.Political parties have varied approaches to boosting investment, ranging from infrastructure funds to tax breaks…

Nvidia has achieved an unparalleled milestone by overtaking tech giants Microsoft and Apple in market valuation.This accomplishment underscores Nvidia’s increasingly crucial role in the burgeoning AI industry, driven by exceptional stock performance and strategic initiatives.Closing at $135.58 per share, Nvidia’s market valuation surged to approximately $3.35 trillion, propelled by a 3.5 per cent rise in stock prices. This remarkable rally has seen Nvidia dethrone Microsoft as investors place their bets on the chip-maker’s pivotal role in the AI market.Over the past few weeks, Nvidia has been competing with Microsoft and Apple for the highest valuation amid a tech stock boom.…

Axel Arigato announces a significant leadership change with Jens Werner promoted to creative director, succeeding co-founder Max Svärdh.This transition marks a new era for the Swedish brand, as it undergoes radical growth and transformation.Jens Werner previously served as creative director at J. Lindeberg and design director at Tory Burch.Max Svärdh continues as a board member, contributing to brand strategy and oversight.Axel Arigato plans to expand with a new store opening in London’s Covent Garden next month.The Swedish footwear and fashion brand Axel Arigato has recently promoted its head of ready-to-wear, Jens Werner, to the esteemed position of creative director. This…

Clarks faces significant financial challenges, leading to job cuts across global offices.The company reported an operating loss of £20.3m for the year ending 31 December 2023, impacting employment.More than 150 roles are at risk as Clarks responds to weak demand and economic pressures.Redundancies follow previous cuts made in 2023, intended to sustain the group’s trading performance.Clarks’ leadership changes add to the uncertainty, with interim management now in place.In the face of mounting financial challenges, Clarks is poised to make job cuts across its global offices, potentially affecting over 150 roles. These cuts come as part of a strategic response to…

Apple has announced a strategic pivot, discontinuing its in-house Pay Later loan scheme in favour of partnerships with third-party lenders.The tech giant will now offer customers payment plans through third-party credit and debit card lenders. Existing borrowers can still manage their payments using Apple’s Wallet app. The decision marks a significant shift for Apple, retreating from its earlier ambitions to provide traditional financial services. Apple Pay Later allowed US users to split the cost of purchases up to $1,000 (£788) into four instalments over six weeks without interest or fees.This move had positioned Apple as a direct lender through its…

An analysis by Kantar highlights the impact of a wet spring on consumer spending patterns, with specific changes in grocery sales.Wet weather has led to the slowest monthly growth in grocery sales in two years.Nearly a quarter of surveyed households continue to struggle financially amid the cost of living crisis.However, the number of financially ‘comfortable’ households has increased due to declining grocery price inflation.Grocery categories such as sun care items have seen a drop in sales, while soup sales have risen.Research firm Kantar reported that wet weather conditions resulted in the slowest monthly growth in grocery sales observed over the…

China’s property market records the steepest decline in a decade, heralding significant economic concerns.New home prices in China decreased by 0.7% month-on-month in May, the most substantial drop since October 2014.This decline marks the 11th consecutive month of falling property prices, totalling a 6.4% drop since their peak three years ago.Second-hand home prices also saw a 1% month-on-month decrease, the largest drop since 2011.Despite government interventions, experts warn that the property sector remains a considerable challenge to China’s economic growth.According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), new home prices in China decreased by 0.7% in May, marking the largest…