- Reuters
Pound steady day after election announcement, inflation data
The pound held steady on Thursday near multi-month highs a day after British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called a national election and data showed inflation did not slow as much as expected in April. Sterling was flat on the dollar at $1.2722, having touched a two month high of $1.2761 the day before after data showed British consumer prices rose by 2.3% in annual terms in April, nearing the Bank of England's 2% target but slowing less than markets had expected. The start of the election campaigns of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Labour Party rival Keir Starmer, drew eyes on Thursday though analysts said the poll was unlikely to have a major effect on markets.
- Rolling Stone
Watch Dua Lipa, Chris Martin Reflect on London’s Music Scene in ‘Camden’ Trailer
The Hulu documentary series also features appearance by Noel Gallagher and Pete Doherty
- Reuters
Britain's Nationwide eyes near $2 billion gain on Virgin Money deal
Nationwide Building Society said it could realise as much as a 1.5 billion pound ($1.91 billion) gain on its acquisition of rival Virgin Money, announced earlier this year and expected to close in the fourth quarter. The gain reflects the gap between Virgin Money's tangible net asset value of 4.4 billion pounds and the acquisition price of 2.9 billion pounds, Nationwide said, noting that the final figures on completion could vary. The deal showed Nationwide's strong financial position as a member-owned society with a cheaper cost of capital than many rivals, Chief Executive Debbie Crosbie told Reuters.
