Government interest hit record-highs
The government’s interest payments on its debt reached a record £8.1bn in the month of December due to soaring inflation, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.
The country, which had debt of £2.22tn in July 2021 according to the ONS, saw its interest charge surge by nearly 200% last month compared to December 2020.
Virtual world issues: from trolls to age control
It is predicted that the scourges of digital life are likely to carry over as the world plugs into the metaverse.
Key concerns centre on privacy, toxic behaviour, and the protection of minors.
Royal Mail slashes profit expectations by 14%
Royal Mail PLC (LSE:RMG) cut its profits forecast in its UK arm this year - down to £430mln from £500mln.
At the same time, it plans to shed 700 managerial jobs as part of a reorganisation plan.
Rio Tinto evicted by Serbs
Within the space of a few days the company has been summarily ejected from one country in which it was having considerable difficulties – Serbia – and welcomed back into the fold in another – Mongolia.
Anti-Rio Tinto feeling isn’t hard to find. There’s been plenty of it around for years, and that was before the company deliberately courted an ESG PR disaster by dynamiting ancient aboriginal burial sites in Australia.
Footsie finds a rebound
The FTSE 100 index recovered some of the previous session's big sell-off on Tuesday, closing 74.31 points or 1.0% higher at 7,371.46.
Also, What's in store for Wednesday?
The day ahead includes a big Federal Reserve policy announcement, earnings from Tesla and updates from London-listed companies including Wizz Air, Pets at Home and CMC Markets