Markets

Markets brings together the news and analysis shaping the economy, from central bank decisions and government fiscal policy to the wider financial pressures felt by households and businesses alike. It tracks how political developments, trade shifts and geopolitical tension ripple through to growth, borrowing costs and the public purse, offering readers a clear line of sight from Westminster and beyond into their own finances.

This is where readers can follow the big-picture debates over taxation, debt and economic stewardship, as well as the warnings from policymakers about the challenges ahead. It matters because decisions taken in these arenas, whether by central bankers, chancellors or international leaders, ultimately feed through into prices, wages, mortgages and the broader cost of living.

By keeping this coverage in one place, the aim is to help readers cut through noise and jargon to understand what is actually driving economic conditions, and why it matters for the choices they make day to day.

The 1989 “romantic” song Billy Joel struggled to record the most: “I was choking myself up”

September 24, 2026

Billy Joel found recording “And So It Goes” from 1989 extraordinarily challenging due to the overwhelming emotional content inspired by his personal relationships at that time. The song was born from the intense feelings surrounding his recent heartbreak and emerging relationship with Christie Brinkley, making it one of his most personal and artistically significant works.…
KATSEYE’s Lara Raj Shares Sweet Selfie With Camila Cabello: ‘My Big Sissy Forever’

September 24, 2026

Lara Raj from KATSEYE posted a sweet selfie with singer Camila Cabello on Instagram, captioning it “My big sissy forever.” This gesture highlights the deep admiration KATSEYE members hold for Cabello, who has served as a significant musical influence for the group. The connection underscores Cabello’s enduring impact on emerging artists within the music industry.…
Around 70 alpacas descend Swiss mountains for winter

September 24, 2026

Around 70 alpacas were guided down Switzerland’s Kiental valley at sunrise as they left their high mountain pastures for the winter. The annual journey, known as the Swiss ‘alpabzug’, is a traditional seasonal livestock migration and offers a striking reminder of rural customs in the Bernese Oberland. The alpacas, owned by the Arnold and Toni…
Chinese-owned schools’ sudden closures fuel scrutiny of foreign investment

September 24, 2026

Malvern St James, Durham High School and Ruthin School closed abruptly after being acquired by Galaxy Global Education (GGE), a Chinese company, prompting parents, teachers and politicians to allege poor communication and possible asset-stripping. GGE denies acquiring the schools for their land and says it underestimated the financial pressures facing independent schools, including the impact…
Vogue sent robots down the runway at Vogue World, and people were not impressed

September 23, 2026

Vogue World’s Milan edition closed with humanoid robots made by Chinese firm Unitree performing on the runway to “L’Amour Toujours,” an unexpected finale given the event was marketed as a celebration of Italian craftsmanship and “the human touch” in the age of technology. The unclothed robots waved their arms, performed a lasso gesture, and danced…
Russian space threat to UK GPS; Airtel Money eyes London float

September 23, 2026

Russian space threats could cripple Britain’s GPS and cost billions. African fintech Airtel Money prepares for one of London’s largest listings in years.
Massachusetts restaurant owner charged after confronting teenagers over unpaid bill

September 23, 2026

A restaurant owner in Massachusetts faces multiple assault charges after pursuing two teenagers who left without paying their $92.60 bill. The incident raises questions about proportionate responses to dine-and-dash situations and the use of firearms in commercial disputes. The 18-year-old and 17-year-old had their credit cards declined at Nadim’s Mediterranean Grill in Springfield. Nadim Kashoush,…
California gunman repeatedly released before deadly rampage, fiery shootout with deputies

September 23, 2026

Derek Spencer, 44, was arrested three times in under two weeks in California and released after each arrest before allegedly embarking on a wider crime spree. Authorities say he killed 76-year-old Cheryl Macy, then fired at deputies during a forest standoff, set two fires and was ultimately killed by law enforcement. The case has prompted…
‘Weapons supplier brought gardaí to a brothel’… and that’s not all. Read the explosive allegations made by a whistleblower that has former justice minister Michael McDowell concerned about ‘abuse of Garda power on a major scale’

September 23, 2026

Former Irish Justice Minister Michael McDowell has raised serious allegations of misconduct within the Garda Síochána in parliament, citing multiple whistleblowers who report systematic abuses including improper handling of firearms and ammunition procurement. McDowell expressed profound concern about what he described as “abuse of Garda power on a major scale”, noting that whistleblowers who raised…
‘Perfect storm’ could lead to rubbish piling up on Scotland’s streets, experts warn

September 23, 2026

Scotland’s waste system could face a crisis, with rubbish potentially left uncollected as landfill capacity shrinks and Glasgow’s main incinerator remains out of action. Industry experts say the combination has created a “perfect storm”, while ministers and representatives prepare to discuss contingency plans without an obvious short-term solution. Only three sites now handle most residual…