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Gold and silver broke all-time records on Monday as investors priced in 2026 rate cuts, capping a historic year for precious metals amid slowing global growth and renewed safe-haven demand.
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UK GDP rose by just 0.1% in the third quarter. Growth was marginal and unchanged from earlier estimates, underscoring a slowing economy as the year closes. Services and construction made small gains, but production fell and household spending remained weak across most regions.
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Canada appoints institute to develop sustainable investment taxonomy. The Canadian government has tasked the Canadian Climate Institute with creating a taxonomy for green and transition investments, expected to be released by 2026, to guide companies and investors in sustainable finance.
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Google has committed an additional $1 billion to its UK data centre arm. The £775 million injection, filed with Companies House, strengthens its Waltham Cross operations — the company’s first wholly owned UK data centre. The investment underscores Google’s £5 billion UK growth pledge and ongoing expansion of AI infrastructure.
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Artificial intelligence has moved from potential to practice in recruitment. Two-thirds of UK recruitment companies are now using or testing AI tools, according to APSCo UK, with automation saving up to 17 hours a week and redefining how recruiters deliver value.
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DHL Global Forwarding expands sustainability efforts with new AFKLMP deal. The agreement with Air France KLM Martinair Cargo focuses on emissions reduction rights to aid DHL’s air freight decarbonisation. It builds on a 2022 partnership, aiming to accelerate sustainable aviation fuel adoption and enhance digital verification.
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Royal Assent has been granted to the Employment Rights Act 2025. The new law introduces phased reforms to dismissal, union access, and family-friendly rights, with several provisions effective immediately. The CIPD has urged employers to begin preparing now for implementation over the next two years.
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Only one in ten UK employees prioritise the office party. New research from Moonpig for Business finds that most employees would prefer time off or thoughtful gifts over festive celebrations, with one in five admitting that workplace gift swaps often lead to awkward or inappropriate moments.
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Consumer confidence rose to −17 in December, matching August’s peak. The latest GfK data shows small but broad-based gains in household sentiment, with every measure improving as inflation continues to ease. But the overall reading remains negative, reflecting a cautious outlook into early 2026.
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ByteDance signs binding deal to form TikTok US joint venture. The Chinese owner of TikTok has agreed to transfer operational control of its American app to a newly formed joint venture with US and international investors, aiming to satisfy regulatory concerns and prevent a potential nationwide ban.