1. UK inflation slows more than expected to 3.9% in November
UK inflation slowed more sharply than forecast in November, lifting hopes that the Bank of England will start cutting interest rates sooner than hoped in 2024.
2. FTSE 100 soars on inflation surprise
At the close, London's lead index was up 77.65 points, 1.0%, at 7,715.68 while the FTSE 250 leapt 313.11 points, 1.6%, at 19,629.09.
3. Revealed: the banks with saving rates outpacing inflation
NatWest, Santander and Metro Bank are offering some of the best, inflation-busting rates on savings accounts.
4. BT Group braces for Boxing Day broadband traffic record
Five Premier League matches and a deluge of freshly unwrapped tech gifts will result in a new record for broadband traffic volumes this Boxing Day.
5. Frasers buys luxury retailer Matchesfashion at discount
The £52 million deal represents a significant loss for its private equity backer, Apax Partners, which is said to have invested as much as £600 million during its six years of ownership.