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The EU’s eighteenth sanctions package introduces a dynamic oil-price cap. The bloc’s latest measures target Russian oil revenue with a variable price ceiling, new import bans on third-country fuels, and an expanded blacklist of tankers and banks, as markets question the enforcement impact.
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The UK government revives the Pensions Commission to address retirement poverty. Ministers are concerned that future retirees may face greater financial challenges than current pensioners. The commission will explore solutions to improve savings and retirement conditions for today’s workforce.
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A new Government report finds businesses are failing disabled customers. The report highlights persistent barriers in retail, hospitality, and banking, with most disabled consumers lacking confidence in future access. Leading advocates say this is a commercial and moral missed opportunity for UK businesses.
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Consumer confidence in the UK fell sharply this quarter. Deloitte’s latest survey signals the biggest drop since late 2022, as a weaker jobs market, high inflation, and rising employer costs weigh on household sentiment and discretionary spending habits.
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LSEG is considering a 24-hour stock-trading model for London. The exchange has begun early-stage talks on extending SETS and dark-pool equities trading far beyond its current 08:00–16:30 window. Brokers say a discussion paper could emerge by late 2025 — potentially reshaping UK share trading for the first time in over 50 years.
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The UK targets halving sewage pollution by 2030. The Environment Secretary announced a commitment to reduce sewage pollution from water companies by 50% by 2030, addressing public concerns over pollution and governance in the water sector.
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Ofwat faces replacement amid scrutiny of water companies’ performance. A new regulator may be announced following a review by Sir Jon Cunliffe. Pollution incidents have risen sharply, with Thames Water accounting for nearly half of serious cases.
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A major UK–India trade pact will be signed in London next week. The free-trade agreement slashes tariffs on whisky and cars, boosts UK GDP by £4.8 billion, and grants duty-free access for 99% of Indian exports.
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Chevron’s $55bn Hess close led this week’s US dealflow. A surge of high-value US transactions defined the week, from Chevron’s landmark offshore energy win to Walgreens’ historic exit from public markets and a string of debt-financed acquisitions spanning healthcare, energy, and real estate.
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BP sells its onshore wind business to LS Power. The agreement is part of BP’s strategy to refocus on oil and gas. The sale includes 10 wind assets in the U.S. with a net capacity of 1.3 GW….