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However, by mid-April 2026, prices had reversed sharply, falling to around 104 pence per therm in the UK and roughly 41 euros per megawatt hour in Europe. This decline reflects shifting demand, increased non-Middle Eastern supply, and broader structural changes in LNG markets.

The revival of diplomatic channels represents a sharp reversal from the military confrontation that has dominated the Middle East for several weeks. President Trump indicated that the conflict is now "very close to over," signalling that American negotiating objectives have been substantially achieved. The …

The confrontation between the executive branch and the Federal Reserve raises fundamental questions about central bank independence, presidential authority, and the governance framework of the US financial system. For UK investors and market participants, developments affecting Federal Reserve leadership and US monetary policy have …

The broad-based nature of the price increases indicates that inflation is not confined to energy products but reflects wider cost pressures across the range of imported goods. Nonfuel import prices increased 0.6 per cent month-over-month, demonstrating that manufactured goods, agricultural products, and other non-energy …

Industry data showed that UK retail sales rose strongly during the Easter trading period, with particular strength in food, gifting, garden and outdoor categories. Major retailers, including supermarket chains and selected non-food specialists, reported encouraging trading patterns around the holiday weekend.

Aluminium prices on theLondon Metal Exchangesurged to their highest level in approximately four years, driven by concerns about potential disruption to alumina and aluminium flows through the Strait of Hormuz. The rally builds on already tight supply conditions and supportive demand from energy transition …

Gulf oil production fell in March, according to the latest data, as a combination of OPEC+ supply discipline, technical maintenance and selective political factors weighed on output. At the same time, OPEC's monthly oil market report cut its forecast for second-quarter demand, citing a …