The rise in CPI to recent highs of 2.5% in June left many observers warning of persistent inflationary pressure. Nevertheless, the Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, cautioned against overreacting to a ‘temporary’ jump in inflation. CPI figures from July seem to have justified his advice, with the headline year on year inflation rate falling to the government’s target of 2%. Despite this, the data strongly suggests that it is too early to claim victory.
Chart of the Week
Assessing business births and deaths provides another angle to test perceptions of the UK economy, placing greater emphasis on the plight of smaller businesses that account for 60% of private sector employment in the UK.
Chart of the Week
The experience of working from home is now starting to alter expectations of hybrid working. This certainly provides economic challenges, though it can also bring about opportunities.
Chart of the Week
The pandemic, as well as the government’s response to it, has accelerated the growth in house prices relative to rental prices, and weakened the London housing market relative to the rest of England.
Chart of the Week
Investors have flocked to those sectors which they believe will benefit from lasting post-pandemic trends, and avoided those that have proven less resilient – with Information Technology up 29% at one extreme, and Energy down 41% at the other.
Chart of the Week
We invite you to explore the data, by clicking on each nation outlined in bold. You will then see companies headquartered in the country displayed on a graph showing the gains in their market capitalisation since the pandemic.