Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour party is set to unveil a weakened package of workers’ rights in the coming weeks in its latest softening of radical policies ahead of the upcoming general election, the Financial Times has learnt

ft.com/content/fe1608…

This is a nice example in the wild of why our tax system will never be simplified. The opposition party has taken a loosely stated government aspiration to scrap employee NI (the UK's 2nd income tax on workers), and converted it into a promise to get rid of the state pension

We’re delighted to welcome Vanessa Feltz to LBC!

The hugely popular journalist and presenter will front her own Saturday afternoon show, from 3pm to 6pm, offering opinion, analysis and deep dives into what matters to the British public.

Our refreshed weekend schedule in full ⬇️

'I can't believe this is really happening... I've known about LBC since I was in the cradle.'

Vanessa Feltz says she's been a 'secret listener' of LBC for years and is delighted to be presenting a new show as part of our refreshed weekend lineup.

David Buik If we *pretend momentarily* that FTSE 100 is a 'measure of things' - then it's in a 'strange place' currently? - a World packed with possibilities and opportunities attenuated by unprecedented promotion of division & envy...not surprising index keeps collapsing by day end... JW.

At 8.25am - FTSE 100 - 8,162.53 +18.40 (+0.23%) - Surprisingly the FTSE has held its nerve early doors, despite a significant sell-off in New York yesterday, triggered by stubborn inflation data. GSK +0.70%, NEXT -1.18%, ASTON MARTIN -10.19%, SMITH & NEPHEW +3.27%

Ken calling time on MMT. Bingo card for 2024 is filling up fast.

McDONALD’S reported 1st Q net income of $1.93bn on revenue of $6.17bn, or $2.66 per share, up from $1.8bn, or EPS $2.45 on last year It recorded a pretax charge of $35m tied to its reorganization. Boycotts in Gaza weighed on Middle East sales again. Shares unch

AMAZON EARNINGS EPS: 98 cents vs. (EST. 83 cents) - Revenue: $143.3bn vs. (EST. $142.5bn) - Web Services: $25bn vs. (EST. $24.5bn) - Advertising: $11.8bn vs. (EST.11.7bn) - Operating income up 200%+ to $15.3bn – shares +1.23% after hours

David Buik

Morning Bid: Fed day focus is on what Jay says reut.rs/3JEXdIG

With US Labour costs rising, inflation has no intention of leaving the party yet, as investors skimmed 1.5% off share values yesterday. Europe larupped. Bond yields rise. Oil $85. Asia easier. Opening calls nervous. FTSE +2 @ 8146 DAX -41 @ 17886 CAC -15 @ 7969 DJIA +37 @ 37852

Economic Data posted today – BRC Shop Price Index, Nationwide House Price Index, UK/US PMI Manufacturing, US MBA Mortgage Applications, US Construction Spending, US ISM Prices Paid, US Crude Oil Inventories, FOMC Meeting result, US Auto Sales

UK COMPANIES reporting today – GSK, Next, HSS Hire, Aston Martin, Computacenter, Haleon, Domino’s Pizza Smith & Nephew - US companies – Mastercard, Qualcomm, Pfizer, CVS Health, KKR, Marriott

BRENT CRUDE $85.64, GOLD $2293.10, UK 2-YEAR GILT YIELD 4.51%, 7-YEAR GILT YIELD 4.23%, 10-YEAR GILT YIELD 4.36%, 10-YEAR US TREASURY YIELD 4.67%, CABLE $1.2476 at 5.35am

European/US closing levels - 30/4/24 - FTSE 100 - 8,144.13 −2.90 (-0.036%), DAX - 17,921.95 −196.37 (-1.08%), CAC - 7,984.93 −80.22 (-0.99%), DJIA - 37,815.92 −570.17 (-1.49%), S&P500 5,035.69 −80.48 (-1.57%), NASDAQ - 15,657.82 −325.26 (-2.04%)

David Buik is hopeful that 'BHP's huge takeover offer for Anglo American could spark new wave of blockbuster deals in Britain.'
lbc.co.uk/opinion/views/…

David Buik ALASTAIR CAMPBELL Labour got 36.9% in 1979 and fairly certain the country isn't the mess it was then with industry decimated by strikes and rubbish piled high in streets and 3 day weeks. With spending where it is I wonder exactly what Campbell suggest is the solution?

At 8.20am - FTSE 100 - 8,177.44 +30.41 (+0.37%) - Some decent earnings posted today may have buoyed the FTSE'S momentum early doors - HSBC +2.50%, HARGREAVES LANSDOWN +7.93%, CARD FACTORY +8.98%, AVACTA -1.24%, ST JAMES'S PLACE unchanged

Though US equities kept their noses above the Plimsoll line yesterday, Europe struggled to get the trip, as the world waits on FOMC 2 day meeting. Oil $88. Asia volatile this AM. Opening calls reflective early doors. FTSE +6 @ 8153 DAX +3 @ 18121 CAC40 +3 @ 8068 DJIA -42 @ 38344