UK borrowing costs hit 18-year high as pound falls amid Labour leadership turmoil
UK government borrowing costs rose to a new 18-year high on Friday as the pound weakened, with markets reacting to the latest twist in the Labour leadership battle involving Andy Burnham.The 10-year gilt yield rose above 5.14% at one point, its highest level since 2008.The pound fell 0.3% against the dollar to around $1.337, and was 1.5% lower over the week.Long-term borrowing costs also moved higher, with the yield on 30-year gilts reaching a peak of 5.82%.Analysts said UK moves were larger than those seen in other European government bond markets.The market reaction matters because higher gilt yields can raise... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 May 2026 13:31 LONDON
European markets open higher as FTSE hits fresh milestone, energy and autos lead while metals slide
Executive summary: European equities opened firmer, with the FTSE 100 rising to 10,375.1, while the DAX, CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 also posted modest gains. The move came alongside a stronger Brent crude price, a weaker euro and pound, and sharp declines in precious metals, with gold, silver, platinum and palladium all under pressure. Global autos outperformed, while ether also slipped, underscoring a mixed cross-asset tone at the European open. [Continue Reading]
Europe opens lower as DAX, CAC and FTSE slide, while oil and metals surge on inflation and risk repricing
Executive summary: European equities opened under pressure, with the DAX, CAC 40, Euro Stoxx 50 and FTSE 100 all lower, while Brent crude, silver, platinum and natural gas advanced sharply. The move points to a broad risk reset, with higher commodity prices and a softer pound adding to the market’s inflation and policy concerns. [Continue Reading]
Shadows of Fire: The Long Arc of Iran–United States Tensions
A Region on Edge: The Latest Escalation In recent months, tensions between Iran and the United States have intensified once again, fueled by disputes over regional security, nuclear development, maritime incidents in the Persian Gulf, and the broader strategic balance in the Middle East. Officials in Washington have expressed renewed concern over Iran’s uranium enrichment levels, while leaders in Tehran have accused the United States of economic warfare through sanctions and diplomatic isolation. The fragile equilibrium that followed earlier rounds of indirect negotiations appears increasingly strained, with both sides engaging in sharp rhetoric at the United Nations, reinforcing military postures... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews-Opinion | 19 Feb 2026 08:49 LONDON
