Crene - AI-Powered News

Retailers Demand Rates Relief as Pubs Get Potential Break
Business2d ago

Retailers Demand Rates Relief as Pubs Get Potential Break

Businesses are urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to extend any planned business rates relief for pubs to include other struggling sectors like retail and music venues. These businesses face sharply increasing rates over the next three years as Covid-era support ends, despite additional support measures announced in the November budget. Lobby groups and MPs argue that many businesses beyond pubs will struggle to afford these higher costs.

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Supreme Court Tariff Ruling Could Jumpstart Job Market: Economist
Business1h ago

Supreme Court Tariff Ruling Could Jumpstart Job Market: Economist

According to Moody's Analytics, President Trump's tariffs are stifling job growth, with the labor market adding only 584,000 jobs in 2025, a sharp decline from 2 million in 2024. Economist Mark Zandi suggests a Supreme Court ruling against the tariffs could revitalize the market, as trade-exposed industries like manufacturing, which has lost 70,000 jobs since April, have suffered significant losses.

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Retailers Demand Rates Relief as Pub Support Looms
Business2d ago

Retailers Demand Rates Relief as Pub Support Looms

Facing rising business rates, High Street shops, pharmacies, and music venues are urging the Chancellor to extend potential relief measures being considered for pubs. These businesses, along with pubs, face sharply increasing rates over the next three years as COVID-era support ends and property values adjust, potentially impacting their financial stability. While the government considers changes following hospitality sector pressure, other businesses are advocating for broader support to mitigate the impact of these higher costs.

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Venezuela's $100B Oil Lifeline: Execs Doubt Trump's Plan
Business7h ago

Venezuela's $100B Oil Lifeline: Execs Doubt Trump's Plan

Oil executives, including Exxon Mobil's CEO Darren Woods, expressed skepticism about investing in Venezuela's energy sector despite President Trump's plan to revive it with a potential $100 billion investment, citing past asset seizures and current instability rendering it "uninvestable." The industry's hesitation highlights the significant risks and challenges involved in Trump's ambitious plan to control Venezuela's oil reserves and influence global oil prices.

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FTSE 100 Breaches 10,000: Time to Invest?
Business1h ago

FTSE 100 Breaches 10,000: Time to Invest?

The FTSE 100 surpassed 10,000 points for the first time since 1984, marking a significant milestone after a 20% increase in 2025. While this surge encourages investment, particularly from first-time investors, concerns remain about potential overvaluation amidst ongoing cost-of-living pressures, highlighting the inherent risks of market volatility compared to more stable cash savings. The index tracks the performance of the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.

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Netflix to Acquire Warner Bros. in $82.7B Hollywood Power Play
Business1h ago

Netflix to Acquire Warner Bros. in $82.7B Hollywood Power Play

Netflix, once a small DVD-by-mail startup, has agreed to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for $82.7 billion, marking a significant shift in the entertainment industry landscape. This deal, occurring 15 years after Netflix was dismissed as a threat, positions the streaming giant, with its estimated $18 billion content spend for 2025, as a major player challenging traditional Hollywood power structures. The acquisition follows Blockbuster's bankruptcy after failing to acquire Netflix for $50 million in 2000.

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Saks Crisis: How Mismanagement Imperiled a Luxury Icon
Business19h ago

Saks Crisis: How Mismanagement Imperiled a Luxury Icon

Saks Global, parent company to Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, is reportedly preparing to file for bankruptcy amidst worsening financial struggles since its $2.7 billion acquisition of Neiman Marcus in 2024. Inventory shortages and customer dissatisfaction are impacting the retailer, raising concerns among shoppers, vendors, and investors about the future of the luxury department store chain.

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Retailers Demand Rates Relief as Pub Backtrack Looms
Business2d ago

Retailers Demand Rates Relief as Pub Backtrack Looms

Facing rising business rates that threaten profitability as COVID-era support ends, retail shops, pharmacies, and music venues are urging the Chancellor to extend potential relief measures beyond pubs. While the government considers a backtrack on rate increases for pubs following industry pressure, other businesses argue they also require support to manage escalating costs over the next three years due to property value adjustments. This situation highlights the broader economic challenges faced by various sectors navigating post-pandemic recovery and increased financial burdens.

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Pubs Get Business Rates Relief as Government Softens Blow
Business3d ago

Pubs Get Business Rates Relief as Government Softens Blow

The UK government is expected to announce a reduction in business rate increases for pubs following industry pressure, addressing financial difficulties stemming from rising rateable values and the scaling back of pandemic-era discounts from 75% to 40% in November, with a complete removal slated for April. This targeted relief, excluding the broader hospitality sector, aims to mitigate the impact of significantly higher rates bills on pubs and potentially includes relaxed licensing rules to further support the industry.

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Gen Z's Investing Evolution: From Meme Stocks to Mainstream Funds
Business7h ago

Gen Z's Investing Evolution: From Meme Stocks to Mainstream Funds

Gen Z investors like Mamadou-Hady Sow, initially drawn to volatile assets like Bitcoin and meme stocks such as GameStop in 2020, are now increasingly favoring long-term, diversified strategies. Sow, who profited initially from meme stocks, now prioritizes maximizing contributions to 401(k) and IRA accounts, allocating the majority of his portfolio to index funds, signaling a shift towards more stable investment vehicles among young investors. This transition reflects a growing understanding of long-term financial planning and risk management within this demographic.

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Greggs Feels the Pinch: Weight Loss Drugs Curb Appetite
Business3d ago

Greggs Feels the Pinch: Weight Loss Drugs Curb Appetite

Greggs acknowledges that the rising popularity of weight loss drugs is impacting its sales, as consumers opt for smaller portions and healthier options, contributing to the company's muted profit forecast. The bakery chain is responding by introducing protein-rich products and smaller portion sizes to cater to evolving customer demands, reflecting a broader health trend observed by other firms like Tesco. This shift in consumer behavior necessitates Greggs adapting its traditional menu to maintain market relevance amidst changing dietary preferences.

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Polymarket Stiffs Users on Venezuela Invasion Bets
Business2d ago

Polymarket Stiffs Users on Venezuela Invasion Bets

Polymarket, a prediction market platform, is facing backlash for refusing to pay out users who bet on a U.S. invasion of Venezuela, despite a U.S. military operation on January 3rd. The company argues the operation didn't meet the definition of an invasion, impacting users who wagered on the event and raising questions about the platform's resolution criteria and regulatory oversight by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission.

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Saks on the Brink: Financial Woes Threaten Luxury Giant
Business19h ago

Saks on the Brink: Financial Woes Threaten Luxury Giant

Saks Global, parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, is reportedly preparing to file for bankruptcy amid worsening financial struggles since its $2.7 billion acquisition of Neiman Marcus in 2024. The retailer faces inventory shortages and questions about its future, impacting shoppers, vendors, and investors. The merger, intended to cut costs and strengthen brands, has seemingly failed to deliver anticipated benefits.

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Saks' Supply Chain Snag: How Inventory Woes Led to Crisis
Business1d ago

Saks' Supply Chain Snag: How Inventory Woes Led to Crisis

Saks Global, parent company to Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, is reportedly preparing to file for bankruptcy amid financial struggles stemming from its $2.7 billion acquisition of Neiman Marcus in 2024. Inventory shortages and broader financial woes are impacting the luxury retailer's operations, raising concerns among customers, vendors, and investors about the future of the combined entity.

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