Tuesday 25th April 2017
Don’t confuse forecasters with ‘forecasters’….
Rising prices and stagnant wages continue to tighten the noose on British households….
IHS Markit reports its Household Finance Index fell to 42.5 in April – the lowest reading in three years. Brits are feeling increasingly insecure about their finances.
Retailers are feeling the pinch too as consumers tighten purse strings. The ONS says retail sales posted their biggest quarterly fall in 7-years during the first quarter of 2017 – prompting fears of a larger slowdown ahead….
Meanwhile, taxes look set to rise regardless of who wins the upcoming election….
The Chancellor says commitments not to raise taxes in the 2015 Conservative manifesto limit his ability to manage the economy. The shadow Chancellor wants £70k+ earners to be redefined as ‘rich’. Both men are seeking ways to squeeze more juice from the public lemon….
Mrs. May called the snap election after previously insisting she wouldn’t. She might want a clear Brexit mandate. Or to deflect attention from 30 Conservative MPs under investigation for election expense fraud….
Either way, the stock market had its worst week in 5-months on the back of her announcement….
- Spare a thought for forecasters….
Portions of the electorate report being fed up with being called to the ballot box.… Click here to read more