{
}
Lloyds Bank is set to close a branch in Ward End, Birmingham, on July 9, 2025, as part of a larger plan to shut nearly 300 branches by 2026. The bank cites a shift towards mobile and internet banking as the reason for the closures, prompting concerns about the impact on communities, especially in rural areas. Customers are being directed to "Banking Hubs" for essential banking services.
UBS's Falconio predicts the 10-year yield will end the year between 4% and 4.25%, citing lower growth trends. While the bond market has faced volatility, the intermediate part of the curve remains a favored allocation, with expectations for three rate cuts this year. The long end of the curve, particularly the 30-year, is less recommended due to high volatility and interest rate risks.
The People's Bank of China (PBoC) has continued its gold purchases for the sixth consecutive month, acquiring 70,000 ounces (over 2 tons) in April, though this is a decrease from nearly 3 tons in March. Since resuming purchases last November, the total has reached 970,000 ounces (over 30 tons), significantly lower than previous months' totals. The decline in buying interest may be attributed to rising gold prices, alongside potential unreported purchases, highlighting discrepancies in central bank gold reporting.
Trade agreements, particularly with the UK and China, are influencing market sentiment, but concerns remain about their actual economic impact. Despite optimism in the stock market, the Fed is likely to maintain a cautious monetary policy, which could lead to prolonged tight conditions and uncertainty in financial markets. The interplay of tariffs, trade policy uncertainty, and potential economic slowdown raises risks for corporate profits and consumer confidence, with the possibility of recession looming if businesses are forced to cut costs.
Investment platform IG is offering a temporary 8.5% AER on cash balances in stocks and shares ISAs, SIPPs, or GIAs for new and existing customers who invest before May 31. This rate, double the current Bank of England base rate, applies to uninvested cash up to £100,000 until August 31, after which it reverts to 4.25%. Financial experts advise savers to carefully review the terms before investing, as the offer is designed to attract those hesitant to enter the market.
Investing platform IG is offering a temporary 8.5% annual interest rate on cash balances for new stocks and shares ISAs, SIPPs, or GIAs opened before May 31. This rate applies to uninvested cash until August 31, after which it reverts to 4.25%. Existing account holders can also qualify if they haven't made their first trade by the deadline.
Wage growth in Japan remains disappointing, with a year-on-year increase of only 2.1%, despite trade union agreements exceeding 5% for two years. High inflation has led to a decline in real wages, reducing disposable income and making sustained inflation from domestic demand unlikely. Consequently, inflation is expected to fall below the Bank of Japan's 2% target, and while interest rate hikes are anticipated, market sentiment currently does not reflect this expectation.
Raiffeisen Bank International is actively pursuing the sale of its Russian subsidiary while reducing its operations in the country ahead of a European Central Bank mandate. Despite ongoing geopolitical challenges, the bank has made significant progress, leading to a stable outlook from Standard & Poor’s. Legal complications, including a €1.87 billion transfer to Rasperia Trading Limited, add to the complexities of the exit strategy, but the bank maintains a strong capital position to manage potential risks.
Raiffeisen has revised its GDP growth forecast for Switzerland in 2025 down to 0.9% from 1.3%, citing global trade disputes and the strengthening franc. The inflation forecast remains at 0.2% for the current year, rising to 0.5% next year. Analysts anticipate the Swiss National Bank may lower the guide rate to 0% in June, with negative interest rates possible due to customs barriers.
IG Group is enticing new UK customers with an attractive interest rate of up to 8.5% AER on deposited cash, significantly higher than the Bank of England's current 4.25% base rate. This promotional offer is available until August 31, 2025, for accounts opened by May 31, 2024, after which the rate will revert to the standard variable rate. As competition among brokers intensifies, this initiative aims to provide investors with a lucrative option for their uninvested cash during uncertain market conditions.
Central Bank Actions
SubCategory
The information provided herein is generated by experimental artificial intelligence and is for informational purposes only.
Lloyds Bank to close additional branch in Birmingham amid ongoing closures
18:57 10.05.2025
ten year yield expected to end year around four to four point twenty five percent
22:34 09.05.2025
Chinese central bank continues gold purchases but at declining rates
15:59 09.05.2025
trade agreements and economic uncertainty shape market outlook and investor sentiment
United States Dollar
CHN
NOR
GBR
SWE
USA
Kevin Hassett
Donald Trump
Arthur Burns
Paul Volcker
Jerome Powell
Show more
15:30 09.05.2025
provider offers temporary 8.5 percent interest rate on cash balances
14:54 09.05.2025
investing platform offers temporary 8.5 percent interest on cash balances
14:02 09.05.2025
Japan's wage growth lags behind inflation impacting disposable income
11:53 09.05.2025
raiffeisen bank accelerates exit from russia amid ongoing sanctions challenges
11:44 09.05.2025
Raiffeisen revises Swiss GDP growth forecast amid trade disputes and currency strength
11:02 09.05.2025
IG Group offers 8.5 percent interest to attract new UK customers
10:36 09.05.2025
Trending
Subcategory
Corporate News
Industry Trends
Cryptocurrency Trends
Venture Capital Investments
Emerging Startups
Funding Rounds & Investments
Fintech Startups
AI Innovations
Startups & Entrepreneurship
Crypto Adoption and Integration
AI Applications
Retail and Consumer Goods
Crypto Policies and Governance
Product Launches
Workplace Trends
Central Banks and Digital Currencies
IPOs of Tech Companies
Economic Indicators
Market Analysis and Predictions
IPOs & SPACs
Countries:
Companies:
Apple Inc.
Nvidia Corporation
DEUTSCHE BANK AG
EVOLUTION JAPAN Securities Co. Ltd.
Alphabet Inc.
Marvell Technology Inc.
Playtika Holding Corp.
Colugo Systems Ltd.
Gemini Trust Company LLC
Circle Internet Financial Inc.
Citigroup Inc.
Bank of America Corporation
Sony Corporation
Zero Networks Ltd.
Ecom Express Ltd.
Minebea Mitsumi Inc.
VOLKSWAGEN AG
Currencies:
People: