Posts Tagged ‘quarter one’

Ireland’s economy grows in Q1

Figures today have revealed Ireland’s economy returned to growth in the January to March period, following a 1.4% contraction in the final quarter of last year. According to the Central Statistics Office, the economy grew by 1.3%, partly attributed to net exports, which grew 20% on an annual basis. However, consumer demand continues to be [...]

UK Q1 economic growth figures remain unchanged

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has today revealed the UK economy grew by 0.5% in the January to March period – unchanged from the first estimate last month. The figure is in line with market forecasts but is behind Chancellor George Osborne’s forecast of 0.8%. The reading suggests the recovery of the UK economy [...]

HSBC reports rise in net profit

Banking giant HSBC has today said net profits grew 58% to $4.153 billion in the three months to 31 March on lower taxes and bad debt charges. However, the bank, which is Europe’s largest, said the group’s pre-tax gains were driven down by rises in other exceptional costs – such as the £269 million it [...]

Scotland’s economy stalls in Q1

S&P affirms “AAA” rating for UK

Rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) today affirmed its “AAA” long-term rating on Britain but maintained its negative outlook on the long-term rating.
Following the news, the pound fell to $1.5017 from $1.5068.
Commenting on its announcement, S&P analysts Trevor Cullinan and David Beers, said: “The coalition government has set out what we view as a [...]