Sterling hit a new 13-month high overnight against EUR as the UK’s slow easing of lockdown will continue as planned. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said yesterday that some limited overseas travel could start in mid-May, while shops and outdoor hospitality will open next Monday.
American share prices hit record highs yesterday as the US economy shows signs of powering ahead, with record numbers of jobs being created (916,000 against an expectation of 675,000).
In the UK, a report from accountancy firm BDO found that three-quarters of medium sized businesses are planning to invest this year and 86% will be looking for new staff over the next six months. However, in a sign of problems for UK manufacturers, the bicycle maker Brompton warned of rising production costs and material shortages.
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