UK watchdogs need to step in on rip-off bills, which are bad for consumers and the economy | Heather Stewart

Gilt yields have decreased, reversing the previous rise that was attributed to concerns regarding the U.K. government's upcoming budget announcement. This shift indicates a return to stability in the gilt market ahead of the anticipated inflation data release.

Sarah Pritchard, the first deputy CEO of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), has emphasized the need for the UK to enhance its oversight of foreign tech firms that provide essential services to banks. This call comes amid increasing concerns regarding outages and cyber-attacks affecting the banking sector. Pritchard highlighted the importance of operational resilience and robust cyber controls, noting that there have been frequent reminders of these critical needs in the financial landscape.

Asking prices for homes in the UK have decreased as the country approaches its budget announcement, according to Rightmove. This decline reflects ongoing challenges in the housing market, which may influence buyer sentiment and market dynamics leading up to the budget release.

In November 2023, the UK experienced its largest drop in asking prices for homes in over a decade, according to Rightmove. This decline comes amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the national budget. Additionally, reductions in asking prices for homes already on the market have reached their highest level since February 2024, indicating a significant shift in the housing market dynamics.

As the 2026 midterm elections approach, analysts predict that more groceries may benefit from tariff exemptions. This development comes at a time when food prices are significantly impacting consumers' inflation psychology and sentiment, suggesting that the political landscape could influence grocery pricing strategies in the near future.

Apollo is transforming the management of insurance and pension funds on Wall Street, leading to the offshoring of hundreds of billions of dollars to Bermuda. This shift results in the loss of U.S. protections for these funds, as they are now subject to less regulatory oversight. The implications of this move raise concerns about the transparency and complexity of the financial strategies being employed.

Book publishing websites in Australia, the UK, and New Zealand are reportedly using fake testimonials and AI-generated staff profiles to deceive aspiring authors into paying for services. An Australian writer discovered this scam after meeting a supposed scammer in person. The National Anti-Scam Centre in Australia is currently investigating these websites, which are part of a broader trend of fraudulent activities targeting individuals seeking to enter the self-publishing market. The Guardian has identified similar suspicious operations in other countries.

The UK government plans to limit the automatic right to accommodation for asylum seekers. The Home Secretary has stated that the country's 'generosity' is attracting illegal migrants, prompting this policy change. The announcement reflects ongoing debates about immigration and asylum policies in the UK.