Nationwide in the news after FCA says its AML controls were inadequate amid fraud cases; Britain’s biggest mutual lender, member-owned and non-profit.
As of early April 2026, US 30-year fixed mortgage rates have climbed to 6.37%, up from under 6% six weeks ago, driven by the Iran war's impact on energy prices and inflation fears. This rise is slowing US home sales and mortgage applications during the spring buying season. In the UK, house prices fell 0.5% in March, slipping below £300,000, with mortgage rates rising above 5%, signaling a cooling housing market.
The UK mortgage market has seen a significant decline in available deals and rising rates due to geopolitical tensions and increased swap rates. Over 200 deals have disappeared since March 6, with rates now exceeding 5.5%, impacting first-time buyers and homeowners. Experts warn rates will likely stay high as global instability persists.
Mortgage rates in the UK have declined following recent market reactions to global conflicts and economic uncertainty. Lenders are passing on savings from falling swap rates, but geopolitical tensions continue to cause market volatility, impacting borrowing costs and demand for home loans. The Bank of England's upcoming rate decision remains a key factor.
Samsung Electronics has reached a provisional 10-year agreement with its largest labor union to allocate 10.5% of the division’s operating profit to employee bonuses, with caps removed. The deal follows threats of a wide-scale strike and is seen as a major test of how AI-driven profits should be shared among workers in South Korea.
The Bank of England has reported that 65,945 mortgage approvals were granted in April, up from March’s 63,979, with remortgaging activity stable. Consumer credit rose modestly while net lending to households increased, amid expectations of further rate rises as inflation remains a concern.