Economic Conditions

What does 2012 hold in store for your finances?

How will personal finance trends affect your finances in 2013?

Myfinances.co.uk presents the second part of our in-depth analysis of how your finances will be affected in 2013 focusing on the likely trends in personal finance in 2013.

IMF chief warns global economic growth forecasts to be cut

The head of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde has warned that growth forecasts will be cut as the euro debt crisis and US debt impact the economic outlook.

Business activity is mixed, according to two new reports out today

Business confidence plummets to 20-year low

BDO's Optimism Index shows that confidence in the future has dropped to a 20-year low, though a separate report by Lloyds showed business levels rose in most English regions.

GDP data reveals a fall in business investment

UK GDP contracts less but squeeze on finances worst since 1920's

The UK recession may not be as bad as first feared but a 3.2 per cent drop in business investment points to new pain to come.

Consumers are reluctant to spend whilst the economy shows no sign of improving

Consumer confidence stable but remains mired at low levels

The latest Gfk/Nop consumer confidence survey for July is the same as June, mired at -29 as weak GDP data and concerns over jobs combine to keep confidence low.

The Chancellor, George Osborne welcomes S&P's "stable" outlook for the UK

S&P retain UK's triple A rating despite dismal GDP figures

Rating agency, Standard & Poor's said yesterday that the UK will keep its gold-plated triple A credit rating as it gave the UK a "stable" outlook.

There was a sharp slump in manufacturing activity in May

Manufacturing sector in UK shrinks at fastest pace since 2009

Activity in the manufacturing sector in the UK slipped in May with the PMI index down to 45.9 from 50.2, the sharpest fall for three years.

The Nationwide consumer confidence index for March was 53 points

Consumer confidence jumps in March but inflation may douse hopes

The Nationwide consumer confidence index for March shows a nine point increase to 53 to reach a nine-month high but remain around 25% below the long-term average.

Inflation, unemployment and retail sales data for January are all released in the coming week

Preview: Inflation dominates vital week ahead for UK economy

The Bank of England present January's inflation and its quarterly inflation report. Unemployment and retail sales are also out in a vital week for the UK economy.

Key performance indicators for the UK economy are out this week

Guide to the week ahead for the UK economy

The first data of 2012 is out for the manufacturing, construction and services sector this week giving an early indication of whether the UK is heading for a double-dip recession.

Sir Mervyn King warned that the UK economy faces a long recovery in a speech last night

Governor King warns UK economy needs re-balancing towards exports

The Governor of the Bank of England, Sir Mervyn King said last night that the UK faces a long, arduous and uneven recovery that should be led by increased exports.

A new report reveal large disparities in the economies of cities across the UK

Economic gap between UK cities widens

A think-tank, The Centre for Cities, has issued its annual report which shows that the gap in economic well-being between cities in the UK is widening.

Markit report an improvement in UK household's financial outlook

Markit: UK household finance index at best level for 13 months

Markit's latest Household Finance Index reports an improvement in the economic outlook as UK households believe inflation is falling and their finances will improve in 2012.

Inflation, unemployment and retail sales data dominate the economic week ahead

Inflation, unemployment and retail sales data dominate economic week ahead

Another vital week for the UK economy will see economic data released on inflation, unemployment and retail sales provising an indication on how 2012 ended for the UK economy.

How will the UK economy perform in 2012?

The difficulty in forecasting economic performance was illustrated when a semi-tame fox came top in predicting the performance of the UK stock market in 2011.

The Uk economy grew by 0.6 per cent between July and September, says the ONS

Third quarter GDP growth revised up to 0.6 per cent by ONS

GDP in the UK in the third quarter has been revised upwards from 0.5% to 0.6% by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) but 2nd quarter growth was cut by the same amount.

Cjristine Lagarde the head of the IMF warns that all countries are at risk from recession

IMF chief Lagarde warns of new 'great depression'

The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) christine Lagarde has warned that the world faces the risk of "economic retraction" last seen in the 1930's.

UK expects inflation to fall in 2012 – Bank of England survey

The public expects to see inflation fall in 2012, according to a poll carried out last month by the Bank of England.

Job prospects for 2012 slump to three-year low

A new report has detailed a slump in hiring levels, with clear differences noted for certain parts of the UK.

Clegg threatens new laws to curb unfair executive pay

Legislation could be brought in to deal with "unjustified and irresponsible" pay for executives, Nick Clegg has said.

Retailers are hoping the public has an eye for major purchases this Christmas

Consumer confidence flat but appetite for major purchases rises

The GfK/NOP consumer confidence survey for November shows a tiny increase from a near-all time low in October of -32 to -31 but there is a glimmer of hope for retailers.