Category: Market Trends and Consumer Behaviour

UK wage growth signals inflation-busting increase in state pension Summary The Financial Times reports that recent stronger-than-expected UK wage growth increases the likelihood that the state pension will be uprated using the earnings measure of the government’s “triple lock”, rather than by consumer price inflation. That would produce a larger, “inflation-busting” rise in the state […]

UK smartphone maker Nothing raises $200mn to take on Apple and Samsung Summary Nothing, a UK-based smartphone start-up, has raised $200m in fresh funding, according to the Financial Times. The cash injection is intended to help the company scale handset production, expand distribution and boost product development as it seeks to challenge market leaders Apple […]

Banks tighten debt terms as squeezed UK universities refinance loans Summary Banks are imposing tougher terms as UK universities move to refinance loans, reflecting growing concern about the sector’s finances. Lenders are asking for higher margins, tighter covenants, more security and shorter maturities as institutions face pressure from weaker student numbers, cost inflation and a […]

The left’s radical plan to fix housing in Paris Summary The Financial Times article describes a bold package of housing measures put forward by the political left in Paris to tackle a deepening housing crisis. Faced with rising rents, a shortage of affordable homes and widespread discontent among residents, the plan bundles a range of […]

How the Swiss central bank built a $167bn tech-led US stocks portfolio Summary The Financial Times reports that the Swiss National Bank has accumulated a US equities portfolio worth about $167bn that is heavily weighted towards technology stocks. The position grew over a number of years as the SNB reinvested foreign-exchange reserves and took exposure […]

The Shiseido story: Ensuring inclusive leadership development in a regional HQ with 16 nationalities Summary Shiseido Asia Pacific places a ‘People first’ philosophy at the core of its HR strategy, designing inclusive leadership and career development initiatives for a diverse, multigenerational workforce spanning 16 nationalities. Key programmes include the Asia Learning Centre (since 2019), the […]

Tom Brady discusses Raiders, Saudi Arabia flag football tournament Summary Tom Brady, a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, was in Las Vegas to support the team and to announce he will come out of retirement to play in a high-profile, competitive flag football tournament in Saudi Arabia. The three-team, round-robin event — part […]