UK consumer sentiment slides ahead of budget, retailers say

The Channel Tunnel has announced that it will halt projects in the UK, citing 'unsustainable' levels of taxation as the reason for making future investments 'non-viable'.

JD Sports has reported that youth unemployment in the UK is negatively impacting sales growth and profits, with the company expecting annual profits to be at the lower end of expectations. The UK market has been identified as the worst-performing for JD Group, which also owns other brands like Blacks and Go Outdoors.

According to the Office for National Statistics, nearly one million young people in the UK remain out of work or education, representing one in eight youth. Although this figure has seen a slight decrease, it highlights ongoing challenges within the job market for young individuals.

US non-farm payrolls increased by 119,000 in September, exceeding forecasts after a surprising job loss in August. The unemployment rate remained steady at 4.4%. This growth indicates a rebound in the job market despite previous setbacks.

Uber has partnered with Starship Technologies to introduce robot deliveries in the UK. This collaboration aims to enhance delivery efficiency and expand Uber's service offerings in the region. The initiative reflects a growing trend towards automation in the delivery sector.

The UK oil sector is playing a crucial role in Europe's integrated energy system, providing essential supplies amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and energy market fluctuations. This reliance on UK oil highlights the interconnectedness of European energy security and the need for stable supply sources.

Invesco's Ciaran Mallon expresses optimism about the UK stock market, particularly in banking and oil sectors, despite a general trend of global fund managers reducing their UK equity exposure. This positive sentiment highlights a belief in the potential recovery and growth of these sectors.

Members of Parliament (MPs) in the UK will share 'dad jokes' in the House of Commons to draw attention to the inadequate paternity leave policies, highlighting the issue as a class concern. The initiative aims to emphasize the disparity in paternity rights and the need for reform in the UK system.