UK government borrowing dropped to £12.6bn in March, a four-year low, as debt interest payments tumbled. But economists warn the Middle East conflict could wipe out Rachel Reeves’s fiscal headroom. Read more: UK borrowing slips to four-year low but Middle East tensions threaten Reeves’s fiscal plan
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UK inflation jumped to 3.3% in March 2026 as the Middle East conflict drove petrol, diesel and air fares higher. What it means for SMEs, interest rates and the Bank of England. Read more: Inflation climbs to 3.3% as middle east conflict drives up fuel bills for Britain’s SMEs
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The IMF has slashed Britain’s growth forecast by 0.5 points — the sharpest G7 downgrade — as Rachel Reeves arrives in Washington with inflation nearing 4%. Read more: Reeves flies into Washington as IMF brands Britain the G7’s biggest loser
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HSBC chiefs warn the Iran conflict is denting global confidence, as UK bosses from Castore to Virgin Atlantic flag soaring costs, supply chain chaos and inflation risks. Read more: HSBC warns Iran war is shaking global confidence as UK business leaders count the cost
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Britain’s private sector barely grew in March as the Middle East conflict drives up costs and dampens confidence, raising the spectre of stagflation for SMEs already under pressure. Read more: The spectre of stagflation returns as Britain’s private sector grinds to a near-halt
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UK businesses expect higher inflation and fewer rate cuts as energy prices surge following the Iran war, according to Bank of England data. Read more: Inflation fears surge as rate cut hopes fade for UK businesses
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UK inflation remained at 3% in February, but rising oil prices from the Iran conflict are expected to push inflation higher later this year. Read more: UK inflation holds at 3% ahead of expected post-war price surge
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UK factory costs have risen at their fastest pace since 1992 as energy prices spike, with PMI data showing growth slowing sharply and inflation risks mounting. Read more: UK factory costs surge at fastest rate since black wednesday amid energy shock
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The US dollar firmed 0.2 per cent, making dollar-priced bullion more expensive for holders of other currencies The post Gold slips as dollar strengthens, rate cut hopes fade appeared first on Gulf Business.
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Global financial markets have been rattled by the conflict, with both the emerging market equities and currency indexes falling to three-week lows The post Brent crude tops $85 for first time since 2024 appeared first on Gulf Business.
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