| Interest rates likely to be kept on hold
Many economists were badly wrong-footed this time last year by a surprise January rate rise. So, after a nail-biting run-up to last month’s hard-to-call Bank decision to cut base rates by a quarter-point, the Square Mile will once more be on tenterhooks as it waits for the MPC statement this Thursday. There has not been a back-to-back move in interest rates since June 2004, but growing fears over prospects and the MPC’s December conclusion, revealed in its minutes, that "a substantial loosening in policy might be needed" to bolster growth are seen as leaving this month’s decision on a knife-edge. Each month The Times looks at the factors that can weigh most heavily with the MPC. Here is the latest assessment: Growth and activity: losing steam
Latest GDP data still showed substantial momentum in the economy in the third quarter, with growth at a strong 0.7 per cent.
Critical delays for ambulance patients
I was appalled as not only was I in pain but there was also young children and the elderly in pain.. We were told we should have called an ambulance as that would have prioratised us sooner.. The whole system is in shambles! Posted by: Donna of Sydney 8:58am today .
'20% row with family over debts'
Nearly one in five people have fallen out with loved ones over family debts, a survey has shown. The findings come as lending between families has soared by more than 80% to £25.1 billion in the last 10 years, according to the Skipton Building Society. The rising borrowing has put a strain on relationships, with 17% rowing with family members as a result, the survey found. The building society's YouGov poll also revealed that 10% thought their family took their generosity for granted, while 9% were reluctant to lend the cash in the first place. Meanwhile, 6% of respondents said they believed their money had been used unwisely, with 7% adding that family members had made no attempt to repay them at all.
Two men guilty of plot against US envoy released
The appeal court upheld the primary verdict which stipulated that the two accused be jailed three years from the date of arrest. They were arrested on the same day of their attempt to assassinate Hull in December 2004. On May 2007, the primary court, chaired by Judge Najeeb Al Qaderi, sentenced Al Mas and Al Halylah to three years in prison from the date of arrest. .
Experian offers credit freeze facility from November 1
Consumer credit reporting bureau Experian has announced that it will be offering its customers in 50 states and the District of Columbia, the chance to freeze their credit histories starting November 1. Experian is the second firm after TransUnion to offer consumers the option of freezing their credit histories. By freezing histories, consumers can block access to their reports by new creditors. The company said that it would be charging $10 every time a consumer wants to freeze his/her history temporarily or permanently. "It will be one option among a broad range of fraud-assistance tools we already provide to consumers so that they may make the choice best suited to their situation," said Kerry Williams, group president of credit services and decision analytics business at Experian. "Now that a national model for file freezing has emerged, Experian is offering this option to help prevent consumer confusion." TransUnion was the first company to offer this option, which will come into effect starting October 15.
Stocks On The Move This Week: Apple, Boeing...
Following are the week's biggest winners and losers. Find out why shares of Apple (AAPL) and Boeing (BA) popped while Big Lots (BIG) and Tiffany's (TIF) dropped. POPS (stocks that jumped higher) Apple (AAPL) popped 6%. The iPhone appears due for a speedier internet connection in '08. – Pete Najarian thinks investors can still get in.
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Kids know right from wrong even if they don't think
Using evidence from electronic imaging, some scientists conclude that impulse inhibiting parts of human brains don't mature until age 25. Behavioral anecdotes illustrate the point. Drivers ages 16 to 25 are most likely to damage cars and therefore pay the highest insurance premiums. Scientists are good at science but not necessarily good at dictating public policy. The American Psychological Association submitted a brief to the U.S. Supreme Court based on brain/behavior research, leading to banishment of capital punishment for anyone who committed a crime while under 18. One beneficiary may be the alleged slayer of the Redskins' Sean Taylor. The 17-year-old is believed to have fired at Taylor's groin and stood by with three older peers as the victim's life bled away.
Governor not fazed by banquet hall critics
Bredesen said he felt "disappointed" over Ramsey's comments, saying the lieutenant governor had sat with him in the governor's conference room and discussed the project's financing. He said Ramsey knew the project involved both public and private funds, and that costs had gone up. "I thought he was more of a stand-up guy than he proved to be on that one,'' the governor said, adding that he would find something else they could work together on. The foundation, which Conte chairs, has raised about $8 million for mansion renovation and expansion project. Taxpayers will have to pick up the rest of the $19.2 million cost. Mansion renovations are almost completed and blasting could start later this month on the underground hall.
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