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Lib Dems target the rich in pre-budget gambit
NEWCASTLE (Reuters) - The Liberal Democrats proposed targeting the rich with a “tycoon tax” only days before the coalition government presents the budget, in a high stakes gamble to revive the party’s flatlining poll ratings.

Investors urged to sell before next tax rise
Seven out of ten wealth advisers warn that capital gains tax will almost certainly be raised in a pre- or post-election Budget

Inflation expectations drop to 1-1/2 year low
LONDON (Reuters) - Britons foresee a lower rate of inflation over the coming year than three months ago with inflation expectations easing to the lowest level in 1-1/2 years, a quarterly Bank of England survey showed on Friday.

Permanent jobs grow at fastest pace since May
LONDON (Reuters) - The number of people placed in permanent jobs grew at its fastest pace in nine months in February, a survey of recruitment agencies showed on Wednesday, chiming with a raft of recent news suggesting that the economy is on the mend.

Top bankers destroy value, study claims
Bankers should count themselves lucky they are being hit by a mere 50 per cent additional tax on bonuses, a report argues, because their benefit to society is negative

Banks restrict lending to existing customers
More people are applying for loans but fewer are securing one, and those banks that are lending are only doing so to their existing customers

Inflation to fall to just above 3 percent by spring - BoE’s Dale
LONDON (Reuters) - Inflation will continue to fall throughout this year, helping to alleviate the squeeze on household incomes, Bank of England chief economist Spencer Dale was quoted as saying.

Inflation expectations drop to 1-1/2 year low
LONDON (Reuters) - Britons foresee a lower rate of inflation over the coming year than three months ago with inflation expectations easing to the lowest level in 1-1/2 years, a quarterly Bank of England survey showed on Friday.

Battle looms over BA pensions
British Airways signalled the start of a protracted battle with the Pensions Regulator over the price tag on its retirement obligations, the outcome of which will be crucial to its tie-up with Spain’s Iberia

Britons’ income squeeze to ease this year - thinktank
LONDON (Reuters) - The squeeze on most Britons’ incomes is set to ease this year as inflation falls, a fiscal policy thinktank said on Thursday, though low-income households and in particular families with children are still being hit hardest by government austerity.

It’s not just bankers seeking a way round bonus tax
Fund managers, stockbrokers, and even some financial advisers will be hit by the new 50 per cent levy on “bankers’” bonuses

Banks restrict lending to existing customers
More people are applying for loans but fewer are securing one, and those banks that are lending are only doing so to their existing customers

Lloyds most complained about UK bank
LONDON (Reuters) - Lloyds received the most complaints among UK financial companies in the second-half of last year, data from the country’s Financial Ombudsman body showed on Tuesday.

Battle looms over BA pensions
British Airways signalled the start of a protracted battle with the Pensions Regulator over the price tag on its retirement obligations, the outcome of which will be crucial to its tie-up with Spain’s Iberia

Consumer morale holds at 7-month high
LONDON (Reuters) - Consumer confidence held steady in February at the seven-month high reached last month, a survey by GfK NOP showed on Wednesday, keeping alive hopes that recent evidence of a pick-up in consumption may herald an economic recovery.

Top bankers destroy value, study claims
Bankers should count themselves lucky they are being hit by a mere 50 per cent additional tax on bonuses, a report argues, because their benefit to society is negative

It’s not just bankers seeking a way round bonus tax
Fund managers, stockbrokers, and even some financial advisers will be hit by the new 50 per cent levy on “bankers’” bonuses

How to invest in gold and key price drivers
LONDON (Reuters) - Gold prices rose above $1,790 an ounce on Wednesday for the first time since mid-November after the European Central Bank issued 530 billion euros (447 billion pounds) in cheap three-year funds. Here are key facts about the market and different ways to invest in the precious metal.

Investors urged to sell before next tax rise
Seven out of ten wealth advisers warn that capital gains tax will almost certainly be raised in a pre- or post-election Budget