Finance & Risk
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One-third of global chip production is at drought risk. A new PwC report warns that climate-driven copper disruption could impact 32% of semiconductor capacity by 2035, with supply chains for electronics, cars, and clean energy facing compounding exposure as water-stressed mines falter.
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Five US transactions lifted M&A volumes in a shortened week. Regulatory clarity and strategic appetite drove landmark acquisitions by HPE, Home Depot, Boeing, AbbVie, and Thoma Bravo, marking a renewed focus on scale, sector positioning, and technology leadership.
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Foreign buyers drove this week’s top M&A deals in Britain. UK assets continued to attract overseas and private-equity capital, with five major transactions totalling more than £18 billion announced or completed across financial services, industry, and property sectors.
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Inflation in the euro area rose to 2% in June. The European Central Bank’s preferred gauge returned to target, led by persistent service-sector pressure even as energy prices fell again.
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The FCA has proposed a major reform to investment guidance. A new ‘targeted support’ category would let firms give low-cost prompts to consumers without breaching advice rules, aiming to address a gap that leaves millions without affordable help.
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Five new UK deals signal strong mid-cap appetite. Advent’s £3.8bn Spectris bid headlines a week of sponsor-driven takeovers and trade interest across tech, energy, and education. Deal flow remains weighted to the sub-£200m tier, with UK targets drawing both private equity and listed buyers.
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The UK set to lose more millionaires than any country. A report indicates 16,500 millionaires will exit Britain by 2025. This trend highlights concerns over the UK’s economic competitiveness and tax environment, potentially impacting the nation’s wealth retention and economic health.
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Global buyers kept pressure on UK assets this week. Energy, aerospace, and logistics sectors drew inbound interest, while regulators moved to scrutinise the world’s biggest ad merger. From Wincanton to Ricardo, cross-border momentum remains high despite tighter oversight.
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Government borrowing rose to £17.7bn in May. This marked the second-highest May figure in over three decades, exceeding expectations and reigniting debate over the UK’s fiscal path. While tax receipts continue to climb, the persistent deficit and pressure to fund public services suggest the Chancellor may soon face difficult decisions on taxation.
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Federal Reserve pauses again amid economic pressure. The US central bank held its benchmark rate steady for a fourth time, as policymakers warned of inflationary pressure from rising tariffs and signalled a slower path to future rate cuts.