English

independent.co.uk

Today News

20

Mercedes-Benz among firms to challenge FCA car finance compensation scheme – here’s what to know

www.independent.co.uk

It comes days after several of the UK’s biggest lenders said they had decided not to pursue a challenge

19

17

Nearly two million more higher-rate taxpayers since start of decade

www.independent.co.uk

The rise has been driven by more people moving into the tax band thanks to the freeze on income thresholds.

New filing reveals only Elon Musk can fire Elon Musk from SpaceX

www.independent.co.uk

Taken together, the provisions would give Musk an effective veto ‌over any attempt to remove him

Bank of England poised to hold interest rates steady despite inflation rise

www.independent.co.uk

But experts have said a hike could remain on the horizon if the conflict continues to put pressure on UK inflation.

16

AstraZeneca to inject £300 million into UK in surprise U-turn

www.independent.co.uk

AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot has thanked the Government ‘for their efforts to improve access for patients’

Should your stocks and shares ISA favour growing share prices or dividends?

www.independent.co.uk

Dividends can be an investor’s best friend, but cash is not always king

14

Shot in the arm for GSK and AstraZeneca from cancer drug sales

www.independent.co.uk

The blue chip drug makers saw first quarter earnings beat market expectations.

Barclays is first bank to bring back sub-4% mortgage deal – but it’s not for everyone

www.independent.co.uk

Hundreds of sub-4 per cent products were removed from the market as swap rates shot up during the Iran war

12

Aston Martin secures £50m financing as it posts another loss

www.independent.co.uk

The British luxury carmaker said the automotive industry was grappling with numerous challenges including US tariff policy.

Will interest rates go down tomorrow? Bank of England’s key factors and 2026 predictions

www.independent.co.uk

The Monetary Policy Committee cut rates four times last year but 2026 is far more uncertain

10

Thousands of UK firms face collapse as financial crisis deepens amid Iran war and tax increases

www.independent.co.uk

The number of businesses in ‘critical financial distress’ surged by 36.9% in the first quarter

Jet2 sees passengers book at the last minute amid Iran war worries

www.independent.co.uk

The group said it was adding it is ‘maintaining frequent dialogue with our fuel suppliers and airport partners on fuel supply’.

09

Lloyds earnings jump by a third but UK economic outlook worsens

www.independent.co.uk

New economic forecasts published by the bank reflect the possible “stagflationary consequences” of war in the Middle East.

Heathrow issues warning over impact of Middle East war

www.independent.co.uk

The airport said its passenger numbers for the rest of the year are likely to be impacted by ‘significant uncertainty in the Middle East’.

UK firms in ‘critical distress’ jump a third as costs surge

www.independent.co.uk

Hotels and leisure firms are in particular distress after facing higher labour costs and taxes over the past year.

08

Oil prices decline after UAE says it will exit Opec amid Iran war energy crisis

www.independent.co.uk

Asian stocks are mostly higher despite a retreat on Wall Street

02

Middle East energy crisis could wipe £35bn off UK economy – even in best-case scenario, think tank warns

www.independent.co.uk

Impact of Donald Trump’s Iran war a ‘serious blow’ to Keir Starmer’s economic hopes, Niesr said

UK economy set for £35bn hit from Middle East energy crisis, think tank says

www.independent.co.uk

The National Institute of Economic and Social Research said the UK could enter a recession this year if the crisis is particularly protracted.

Tuesday, Apr 28

19

FTSE 100 edges higher but US tech stocks wobble

www.independent.co.uk

The index closed up 11.70 points at 10,332.79.

UAE to leave Opec group of oil producers after six decades amid ‘volatility’ from Middle East energy shock

www.independent.co.uk

UAE’s withdrawal will leave the oil group with 11 member countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq

17

Blow for Reeves as government borrowing costs jump to highest since global financial crisis

www.independent.co.uk

10-year gilt yields are highest since the global financial crisis

15

Spotify subscribers grow despite premium price increases

www.independent.co.uk

The music streaming giant increased premium subscriptions to £12.99 per month

BP slammed over ‘astronomical’ profits amid oil price spike caused by Iran war

www.independent.co.uk

The oil giant saw profits surge by over 130% to a better-than-expected 3.2 billion US dollars (£2.4 billion) in the first quarter.

Father and son face High Court battle over claims their Prosecco is fake

www.independent.co.uk

Prosecco International Ltd is facing accusations of trademark infringement

14

Protesters halt NatWest shareholder meeting as boss defends climate policy

www.independent.co.uk

The annual general meeting was being held on Tuesday morning but had to be stopped for about half an hour amid disruption.

13

Grocery price inflation falls to lowest level in a year

www.independent.co.uk

Grocery prices are still 3.8% higher than last April, but this is down from last month’s 4.3%, Worldpanel by Numerator said.

12

Reeves considers freezing rents in bid to ease pain of price rises sparked by Iran war

www.independent.co.uk

‘Just build more houses’ say critics of ‘mind-boggling’ plan

Taylor Wimpey says house building costs rising amid higher energy prices

www.independent.co.uk

Shares in the FTSE 250 firm slipped in early trading.

11

Supermarket price rises on the way as ‘full force’ of Iran war hits, warn retailers

www.independent.co.uk

Prime minister admits pain could be long-lasting but urges Britons not to panic