Fire alert: the fake ‘Amazon TV stick’ that opens the door to fraudsters

Consumer groups are calling for a boycott of major retailers Target, Amazon, and Home Depot during the holiday season, reflecting growing discontent among shoppers. This boycott is seen as a response to various issues, including rising prices and perceived corporate practices that do not align with consumer interests.

A recent visit to Kent highlights the increasing struggles of families facing rising food costs, with many turning to food banks that are experiencing heightened demand and dwindling donations. One mother from Herne Bay expressed her despair over her inability to meet her children's needs, illustrating the harsh realities of living on benefits in the current economic climate.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to unveil her second budget, aiming to address the cost of living crisis by freezing income tax thresholds and rail fares, while proposing a multibillion-pound tax-raising package. This comes as the UK economy faces significant challenges, with a financial gap of approximately £20 billion needing to be addressed.

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has declared himself 'the least retired person in the world,' signaling his active involvement in innovation and technology. His recent focus on artificial intelligence marks a significant return to his roots as an inventor, particularly through his investment in Project Prometheus, an AI start-up.

Analysts have downgraded Microsoft and Amazon to neutral ratings, reflecting concerns that the generative AI boom may not replicate the success seen in the cloud computing sector. This decision comes amid weak economic fundamentals and high infrastructure costs, as noted by Redburn analyst Alexander Haissl.

The UK government has announced a freeze on rail fares in England for 2026, marking the first such measure in 30 years. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to confirm this decision in her upcoming budget speech, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on commuters and support economic growth amid rising living costs.

The UK is experiencing a severe season of bird flu, significantly impacting the supply of Christmas turkeys, chickens, and ducks, with 5% of the seasonal flock already culled. Industry insiders indicate that the situation is worse than last year, leading to tighter availability of poultry products ahead of the festive season.

An increase in property down valuations, particularly in London and the south-east, is causing significant disruptions in the housing market, with some homes being valued at 10% or more below the agreed sale price. Mortgage experts warn that this trend is 'turning deals and lives upside down.'