Shares and shops boost
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE BRITISH economy's annus horribilis looks set to end on a more cheerful note, with business confidence reviving sharply, share prices reaching record levels and shops reporting buoyant trade, writes Robert Chote.
The Institute of Directors reported yesterday that the number of business people who are more confident about the economy than they were six months ago has increased fourfold since October. Peter Morgan, the director-general, said confidence had been rekindled by the Government's decision to 'go for growth' in September. But confidence was still below June levels and further cuts in interest rates were needed.
Some 38 per cent of directors were more confident than they were six months ago, slightly outnumbering the pessimists.
Retailers continued to report healthy trading in the post-Christmas sales. Store share prices rose and the FT-SE index rose by 20.3 points to close at a record 2847.8. But the British Retail Consortium said shoppers were becoming better at finding bargains and the boost might peter out when spring ranges were introduced.
Hamish McRea, page 19
Cheer in US, page 21
Commentary, page 23
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments