Businesses are reducing hiring efforts due to the impact of Budget-related tax increases, with the fastest decline in employment since 2021 as employers cite rising National Insurance contributions and diminished confidence.

A significant wave of stock defections has hit the London Stock Exchange, marked by companies moving their listings to the US, driven by the allure of larger capital markets and amid concerns over market reforms in the UK, leaving the LSE on track for its worst year since 2009.

European NATO members are evaluating increasing their defence spending target to 3% of GDP amidst growing pressures from US demands, Ukraine’s military needs, and the broader geopolitical landscape, emphasising the strain on national budgets.

Qatar is planning to invest $500 billion from its gas windfall into major US and UK projects, aiming to double its LNG income and deploy resources more aggressively for higher returns.