US retail sales strong in February; an increase in the price of petrol will affect spending

Column chart titled 'Monthly change in US retail sales'

Retail sales increased by 0.6% in February Basic sales earn 0.5%; a large tax refund guarantees spending Production increases in March, but the supply chain continues to deteriorate WASHINGTON, April 1 (Reuters) – U.S. retail prices rose by the most in seven months in February as car prices rose and temperatures soared, but rising gasoline … Read more

The UK economy was in recession until the end of last year before the Iran war

William Schomberg

Item 1 of 5 Shoppers walk along Regent Street in London, Britain, May 15, 2025. REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska/File Photo [1/5]Shoppers walk along Regent Street in London, Britain, May 15, 2025. REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rightsopens a new tab UK GDP confirmed at +0.1% in Q4 The Iran war is expected to be a major concern … Read more

Global bonds are reeling from heavy monthly losses as the war economy grows

Bond markets are under pressure as the war in the Middle East raises inflation concerns

Prolonged conflicts change the market’s focus to bearish growth Central banks walk a tightrope; UK long-term interest rates are expected to rise by around 100 bps in March Germany is up 69bps, US is up 50bps SINGAPORE/LONDON/NEW YORK, March 30 (Reuters) – Global government bonds are headed for their biggest monthly decline in years as … Read more

Nigeria’s biggest oil refinery fails to curb record petrol prices

Nigeria's biggest oil refinery fails to curb record petrol prices

Competitor Dangote has been forced to import raw materials, exposing Nigeria to global price shocks Nigeria’s petrol pump prices rise by 65%, the highest in Africa The collaborative approach has led to a reduction in household raw food supply Nigeria does not have a formal fuel storage policy LAGOS, March 30 (Reuters) – Fuel prices … Read more