Multinational professional services network; one of the Big Four accounting firms.
Wetherspoons has seen a recovery in share value after a March profit warning, with like-for-like sales rising in Q2 but growth slowing in Q3. A fourth-quarter update on July 22 is anticipated, amid pressure from wage costs, National Insurance, and a packaging levy, as the sector awaits clarity on costs and VAT relief.
The job market has shown renewed strength in May with robust hiring across multiple sectors, led by healthcare and leisure and hospitality. Unemployment remains near historic lows, even as inflation pressures persist and energy costs rise amid the Iran conflict. Analysts caution that hiring momentum varies by sector and region.
The Fed has maintained rates and launched a set of internal task forces under Warsh to overhaul communications, data usage, and inflation strategy, signaling a shift toward a Greenspan-era style of policy and increasing market volatility expectations.
Europe endures a record heat wave tied to climate change as France faces rising deaths. Only ~20% of European homes have air conditioning, compared with ~90% in the U.S., highlighting a widening cooling gap and policy tensions across the continent.
Nationwide reports that annual house price growth has picked up to 2.2% in June, while month-on-month prices are flat. Mortgage rates remain elevated but could ease if energy prices stay soft. Buyers are cautious; sellers are pricing carefully amid a slower summer and uncertain outlook.
Mortgage rates have edged higher in recent weeks as oil prices ease and inflation concerns linger. Lenders report steadier but uncertain demand for both home purchases and refinancing, with expectations for rate movements remaining volatile amid geopolitical tensions.
The US and Iran have exchanged fresh strikes this weekend and on Monday, reversing a recent interim ceasefire and re‑opening doubt over control of the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump has declared the ceasefire "over," ordered further strikes and revoked a temporary oil waiver. Oil has jumped into the high $70s–$80s and global markets have fallen.