Getty Images People in China will pay a 13% sales tax on contraceptives from 1 January, while childcare services will be exempt, as the world’s second-largest economy tries to boost birth rates. An overhaul of the tax system announced late last year removes many exemptions that were in place since 1994, when China was…
Global investment opportunities are set to widen meaningfully in 2026, as easing monetary policy, a weakening US dollar, and profit growth outside the United States reshape capital flows, according to a Franklin Templeton report. The asset manager report titled ‘Global Investment Outlook 2026 and Beyond’ said that global markets are entering a phase where returns…
Getty Images Energy bills are increasing for millions of households in England, Scotland, and Wales. as the new year begins, after Ofgem raised its price cap slightly. Prices for those on variable tariffs are rising by 0.2% from now, the equivalent of a £3 annual increase for a household using a typical amount of gas…
The Indian rupee is set to face sharp and persistent volatility through 2026 as capital outflows, Tariff-related trade disruptions and weak foreign investment flows continue to outweigh the country’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals, analysts and official data indicate, PTI reported. Despite steady growth and moderate inflation at home, the currency is unlikely to find a durable…
The UK’s flagship stock index has had its best year since 2009 after a series of record-breaking days. The Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 100 ended the year up 21.5% compared to the start. It means the share price of the publicly traded companies making up the FTSE 100 had the greatest annual increase in…
Getty Images Typical household energy costs will increase slightly on Thursday when the new energy price cap takes effect. Separately, the regulator Ofgem has said customer bills will rise by around £30 a year over the next six years to help fund a major investment in the UK’s energy network. However, that announcement followed an…
Octopus Energy Group is on the brink of selling a big stake in its software arm, Kraken Technologies, at a valuation that will cement its status as one of Britain’s biggest private companies. Sky News has learnt that Octopus Energy has lined up a syndicate of investors to buy Kraken between 10% and 20%. Sources…
