Population growth in England and Wales slowed to 0.4% in the year to mid-2025 as net international migration fell sharply. The figures point to an ageing population, weaker workforce growth and widening regional differences with significant implications for employers, housing and public services.
The Federal Reserve has held its benchmark interest rate at 3.5% to 3.75%, although three policymakers voted for an increase. The split highlights persistent global inflation risks and the possibility of continued pressure on UK borrowing costs, sterling and corporate refinancing.
Prologis has challenged the forecasts used by SEGRO to reject its £13.5 billion takeover proposal. The US bidder must make a firm offer, withdraw or secure an extension by 5pm on Wednesday as major shareholders divide over SEGRO’s warehouse and data-centre value.
Mitie has agreed to a £3.1 billion takeover by private equity-backed rival OCS. The combination would create a UK-headquartered facilities-management group with approximately £8.5 billion of annual revenue, while raising questions about employment, competition and the continuing loss of companies from the London stock market.
Goldman Sachs has warned that Brent crude could exceed $120 a barrel if Middle Eastern supply disruption continues. Sentoria examines the severe forecast, why the Strait of Hormuz matters and what prolonged high oil prices could mean for UK inflation, interest rates and business costs.
Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey has warned that Britain’s prolonged period of low economic growth is the central structural challenge facing Andy Burnham’s incoming government. Productivity, business investment and growth in living standards have weakened substantially since the financial crisis, while renewed energy instability is adding to the pressure.
China’s economy grew by 4.3% in the second quarter of 2026, its weakest rate in more than three years. Strong exports and high-tech manufacturing were offset by weak consumer demand, falling investment and a continuing property downturn, with important implications for UK exporters, importers and manufacturers.
Andy Haldane’s proposal to make pension tax relief conditional on investing in UK businesses has reopened the debate over whether retirement savings should be used more actively to support national growth. Supporters argue that public tax relief should help fund British companies and infrastructure, while critics warn that pensions must remain focused on saver outcomes, diversification and long-term retirement security.
