Google asks UK experts to find uses for its powerful quantum tech

The UK economy unexpectedly contracted by 0.1% in October, marking a continuation of a downward trend as GDP growth over the past year remains weak at 1.1%. This decline is attributed to a decrease in production and stalled growth in services, raising concerns about the overall economic stability.

The UK economy unexpectedly contracted by 0.1% in October, primarily influenced by the ongoing repercussions of a cyber-attack on Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and uncertainty surrounding the government's budget. This decline highlights the fragility of economic recovery in the UK amidst external shocks and internal challenges.

UK public inflation expectations decreased to 3.7% in November, as reported by the Bank of England (BoE). This marks a notable shift in consumer sentiment regarding future price levels, indicating a potential easing of inflation pressures in the economy.

Nationwide has been fined £44 million by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) due to inadequate financial crime controls, which led to a significant case of Covid fraud costing UK taxpayers £800,000. The failures in monitoring customer activity persisted for nearly five years, raising serious compliance concerns.

Card Factory has lowered its full-year profit forecast due to ongoing pressures on UK consumers, leading to a significant drop in the retailer's shares. This warning comes during a critical trading period, highlighting the adverse impact of economic conditions on consumer confidence.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has revised its growth forecast for the UK in 2026, attributing the increase to a temporary boost from recent budget measures aimed at stimulating the economy. This adjustment reflects a more optimistic outlook amidst ongoing economic challenges.

Google is reportedly facing a significant fine from the European Union next year for allegedly favoring its own services over competitors, a move that underscores ongoing scrutiny of the tech giant's market practices. This potential penalty reflects the EU's commitment to enforcing competition laws in the digital sector.

Disney has announced a landmark $1 billion investment in OpenAI, which includes licensing its characters for use in the Sora video generation platform. This three-year deal allows users to create videos featuring iconic characters from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar, marking a significant collaboration between the entertainment and AI sectors.