Britain's annual inflation rate dropped sharply in July to a 15-month low, official data revealed Wednesday, off the back of lower energy prices and in line with economists' expectations.

The number of people not working in t.he UK due to chronic illnesses has soared since the pandemic, putting pressure on the British economy, analysts said on Tuesday.

Global stocks fell Tuesday after disappointing data from China deepened concerns over its economy, while strong US retail numbers and worries surrounding the American banking sector cast a pall on Wall Street.

UK unemployment increased in the three months to the end of June while wages grew at record annual pace, official data showed Tuesday, as the economy struggles with high inflation.

New research from Mind has revealed the detrimental impact that soaring mortgage costs are having on people's mental health, as well as their finances.

Major stock markets mostly slid further Thursday as traders moved out of riskier assets after Fitch stripped the United States of its top credit rating this week.

The International Monetary Fund has slightly upgraded its outlook for world growth this year on the back of resilient service sector activity in the first quarter and a strong labor market, the lender said Tuesday.

Almost 200 organisations have been noticed for their support towards the Armed Forces community. These organisations also set out to employ former Armed Forces personnel.

The Bank of England warns that nearly one million UK households will face higher mortgage payments due to rising interest rates, potentially impacting financial stability.

Britain's top lenders have passed stress tests to show they can withstand major economic shock, even as rising interest rates pressure the financial system, the Bank of England said Wednesday.

UK unemployment rose back to four percent in the three months to the end of May, official data showed Tuesday, as the economy struggles with stubbornly-high inflation.

According to a recent report, the majority of businesses lack initiatives to attract older workers back into the workforce, despite government efforts.

On his many visits to semiconductor factories and electric car plants, Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz bangs the drum for an economy at the forefront of an industrial transformation.

Apart from global factors, UK policy decisions have exacerbated inflation – whether post-pandemic public spending or the slow pace of interest rate hikes.

Swedish inflation dipped under 10 percent in May, official statistics showed Wednesday, but was still higher than expected with some analysts suggesting superstar Beyonce had tipped the scales.

According to research by McKinsey & Company, a large number of employees are leaving their jobs due to a poor work-life balance, with 60 per cent considering quitting without having a new job offer.

Consumer price inflation is expected to drop back to 2.8 percent in 2024, still above the European Central Bank's two percent target.

Most European indices closed down as well, including the FTSE 100 in London which dipped into the red after earlier gains.

Global policymakers are battling elevated inflation caused largely by runaway energy bills following last year's invasion of Ukraine by major oil and gas producer Russia.

Australia's Labor government said on Wednesday the billions in cost-of-living relief unveiled in the federal budget for families and businesses will not worsen inflationary pressures and put more pressure on the central bank to lift rates further.

Research finds UK workers' job confidence to be positive despite the cost of living crisis and a stagnant economy. However, data reveals a fall in social mobility, with many workers not having a degree in the top socio-economic levels.

To mitigate the impact of the rising energy costs, some UK firms have halted their recruitment of new staff, and others are downsizing their workforce.

Recent data demonstrate that organisations are still trying to reduce the time-to-hire rate and fill key roles in a short period of time amidst a tight talent market and despite a slowing economy.

Oil prices slid by about $2 a barrel to their lowest level since late March on Thursday, dragged lower by fears a possible recession could dent fuel demand and after a rise in U.S.

Earlier this week, the US received encouraging economic indicators. However, analysts are considering the pros and cons as Chinese growth also beat expectations.

British wages rose faster than anticipated last month, in a move that economists judge may tip the Bank of England towards a further rise in interest rates next month, despite an unexpected increase in joblessness too.

Bank of England Chief Economist Huw Pill said on Thursday that the latest data on the economy, including a stagnation of gross domestic product in February, is "somewhat disappointing" even if it remains better than forecast by the BoE late last year.

Analysis from Swiss online leading bank, Swissquote, has provided insight into the US financial markets ahead of the US jobs data coming out on Good Friday.

Global security is a top priority for IT managers. However, the UK and the US have highlighted a strong focus on the development of AI and the metaverse.

The total number of job adverts remains high as the UK government tries to entice individuals back to work with spring budget measures.