In a week that saw the Bank of England decide to increase UK interest rates to 0.5 per cent – and in doing so surprise nobody – our economist Chris Dillow reckons that the rise will probably have only a slight impact on economic activity. Because, in truth, the BoE wouldn't have raised rates if doing so had a big impact, right? Click here to read Chris's latest on the news.
While increases of this size are limited, gradual and in turn reasonably good news for borrowers, long-suffering savers will continue to experience low returns. Fortunately, Suzanne Briggs and Rebecca Goldring from Blick Rothenberg are here to explain how to make the most of tax-efficient savings allowances. Click here to read how to keep your savings tax-free.
On this week's personal finance podcast, the team is joined by Rachel Winter, senior investment manager at Killik & Co, to discuss the implications of the first UK interest rate rise in 10 years. The team also highlights a high growth area that has been described as the "most exciting opportunity in the world". Click here to listen. If you prefer your podcasts on iTunes click here, and while you're at it why not rate and review the show?
Also this week, news editor Emma Powell reported on the state of the UK's major banks, which saw improvements on litigation costs and bad loans in Q3 but patchy income generation. Click here to find out if we're sticking with the top dividend payers in the sector. Talking of dividends, GlaxoSmithKline shareholders have cause for concern as the pharma giant confirmed it may consider using funds to bulk up its consumer healthcare division. Click here to read Megan Boxall's report on who has turned GSK's head and what it could mean for its investors.
As always here is a list of all of this week's stories from the latest copy of the IC.
