UK house prices rise despite budget tax fears, says Nationwide
‘Mansion tax’ announced by Rachel Reeves will have limited impact on property market, building society saysBusiness live – latest updatesUK house prices rose last month despite uncertainty before the budget, according to Nationwide, which predicted that the newly announced “mansion tax” would have a limited impact on the housing market.The UK’s biggest building society said the average house price rose 0.3% month on month in November, higher than a 0.1% increase predicted by economists polled by Reuters. The average price of a home was £272,998, up from £272,226 in October. Continue reading...
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Floods in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam Have Killed Over 1,200. Here’s What to Know.
Unusually destructive storms have killed more than 1,200 people across the region and displaced millions in South and Southeast Asia.
Video: ‘Slaves, never!’ Venezuela’s Maduro holds rally amid US tensions
President Nicolas Maduro told supporters at a rally in Caracas he wants "peace with sovereignty", amid US tensions.
BoE plans to loosen capital rules on banks in latest easing of post-2008 controls
Bank of England says stress tests show seven biggest lenders can weather financial hit in severe downturnBusiness live – latest updatesThe Bank of England is planning to ease capital rules for high street banks for the first time in a decade, marking the latest attempt to loosen regulations designed to protect the UK economy in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis.The central bank has proposed lowering capital requirements related to risk weighted assets, by one percentage point to about 13%, reducing the amount lenders must hold in reserve. The move is designed to make it easier to lend to households and businesses. Continue reading...
Putin and Trump's envoy set for key Ukraine talks in Moscow
Steve Witkoff will hold talks at the Kremlin, after the White House said it was "optimistic" about a breakthrough.
Ukraine war live: Trump envoy Steve Witkoff set to meet Vladimir Putin in Moscow amid US push for peace deal
Talks come after Witkoff led US discussions with Ukraine at weekend amid European concerns that Kyiv will be pressured to make concessions to MoscowUS-Russia talks may pile pressure on Kyiv to make concessions, says EU foreign policy chief See all our Ukraine war coverageVolodymyr Zelenskyy said that after revisions the plan to end the war – that has been circulating between Ukraine, Russia and the US - “looks better” and the work will continue.But he maintains that the “territorial issue is the most difficult” element of the deal as Russia wants Ukraine to give up territory in the east it still controls, something the Zelenskyy says he won’t agree to. Continue reading...
Putin to Meet With Trump’s Envoy as U.S. Pushes for Ukraine Deal
In Moscow, Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s special envoy, is expected to present President Vladimir V. Putin with a revised proposal to end the war in Ukraine.
Trump Alleges Fraud, Without Evidence, in Honduras Election
Honduras was on edge after tallies showed two candidates separated by about 500 votes. Then President Trump claimed that officials were rigging results.
India tells smartphone makers to put state-run cyber safety app on new devices
India wants all smartphone makers to pre-install new devices with a state-owned cyber security app.
Hong Kong leader orders independent investigation into fire that killed 151
Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee says committee to be led by a judge and will identify the causes of deadly blaze.