Fewer Americans file for jobless benefits last week
U.S. applications for unemployment benefits fell last week to their lowest level in 16 weeks, defying the Federal Reserve’s attempts to slow the economy and bring down inflation.
Business
At Davos, Thunberg visit spotlights lack of climate action
Prominent climate activists including Greta Thunberg and Vanessa Nakate are condemning corporate VIPs and political leaders in Davos, Switzerland, for prioritizing short-term profits from fossil fuels over people affected by the climate crisis.
UK lenders fear spike in mortgage defaults as cost of living hits home
Bank of England survey shows lenders expect steep rise in borrowers failing to make monthly repaymentsBritain’s mortgage lenders fear a rise in the number of homeowners handing back their keys as the cost of living crisis forces more people to default …
EU border chief pledges transparency, no illegal pushbacks
The new executive director of European Union border agency Frontex says he will work at ensuring illegal pushbacks of migrants trying to reach Europe don’t take place under his watch.
UK energy bills to fall to about £2,200 from July as wholesale gas costs drop
Mild weather in Europe reduces gas demand but bills will remain higher than 2021 energy price capAnnual energy bills are expected to fall to about £2,200 from July in a fillip for the government and households struggling with ballooning costs.The energ…
Bankers’ Brexit exodus helps drive record number in EU paid €1m-plus
Data shows Britain losing best-paid jobs, with 70% of EU banker pay increase coming from Italy, France and SpainA record 2,000 bankers across Europe earned more than €1m (£878,000) last year, according to data that shows the scale at which some of the…
Millions of UK mobile and broadband users face 14% bill rises from April
BT, EE, TalkTalk, Three and Vodafone among suppliers allowed to increase monthly chargesAs if household budgets were not already under enough pressure, millions of broadband and mobile phone customers look set to face rises of more than 14% in their mo…
EU assembly wants special court for Russia’s war in Ukraine
The European Union’s parliament calls on the member states to back the creation of a special court to judge on any war crime of agression by Russia in Ukraine.
EU assembly wants Iran’s Revolutionary Guard on terror list
The European Parliament has called for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard to be put on the European Union’s terrorist list and insisted that sanctions targeting Tehran had to be expanded after the violent suppression of protests.
Online retailer Boohoo sales drop 11% in Christmas period
The company said it expected cost inflation to moderate in the second half of 2023