Money

New study shows online shopping boom will cost UK retailers $11B

Published

3 years ago

June 30, 2021

Experts warn UK’s retail industry could shrink by $11 billion by 2025 as Covid accelerates the transition to online shopping

A recent study highlights that the retail industry in the UK faces huge challenges as a result of pandemic-related lockdowns. The study notes that stores selling apparel, homewares and electronics will experience a “permanent step-change” in customer behavior.

The report warns that European shoppers are anticipated to dedicate about 20% of their spending to online retailers, rather than traditional storefronts.

Online sales surged during the pandemic amid global lockdowns and restrictions. Online sales now account for almost 30% of total UK retail sales.

“Retailers face a make-or-break moment…there is no going back.”
Erin Brookes, head of Alvarez & Marsal’s European retail practice in London

Online shoppers are more likely to return purchases

It estimated that U.K. consumers aged between 18 and 24 return about 16% of products purchased online, compared with 7.5% for consumers aged 65 years and older.

Not all retailers face major upheaval, however. Furniture and jewelry stores will probably return to pre-pandemic conditions, given the preference for “touch and feel” browsing, according to the report.

Leaders

U.S. Federal Reserve announce rate cut, show great confidence in economy

Published

3 hours ago

September 19, 2024

ticker NEWS

The Federal Reserve has delivered a big rate cut to boost the economy while inflation slows.

The central bank slashed interest rates by a half percentage point, hoping to protect the job market while inflation inches closer to its 2% goal.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell says the decision reflects growing confidence in balancing the economy’s growth with low inflation. #featured #trending

Money

Markets brace for potential 50-point fed rate cut

Published

2 days ago

September 17, 2024

ticker NEWS

Markets are anticipating a significant 50-point rate cut from the US Federal Reserve this week, leading to heightened focus on bond markets and key economic reports.

Financial markets are focused on a potential 50-point rate cut by the US Federal Reserve, as investors anticipate major shifts in economic policy.

The bond markets, already pricing in a borderline hard landing, reflect the expectation of a significant easing cycle over the next two years.

However, experts caution that the Fed could disappoint, as the current economic conditions differ from previous events such as the pandemic or credit crises. #featured #trending

Money

Bitcoin’s Q4 outlook: key factors and upcoming milestones

Published

3 days ago

September 16, 2024

ticker NEWS

Insights into market trends and critical events shaping Bitcoin’s performance

Crypto Corner explores the latest market movements, expert insights and the influence of macroeconomic factors on the crypto industry.

Crypto Corner is hosted by Caroline Bowler, CEO of BTC Markets.

In this episode, Caroline speaks with Matt Willemsen, Head of Research & Content at Collective Shift, about what could drive Bitcoin’s strong performance in Q4. They explore how the current market differs from past cycles, the ongoing Solana vs. Ethereum debate, and the role of project-specific conferences in market trends. Matt previews key Q4 events, including the Solana Breakpoint conference and upcoming altcoin milestones like Uniswap v4 and Polygon 2.0. #crypto corner