Business
Government borrowing costs rise in wake of income tax U-turn speculation
Government borrowing costs have risen in the wake of an apparent income tax U-turn by the Chancellor.
Speculation that Rachel Reeves has scrapped her plans to raise income tax at the Budget has sparked a sell-off in UK Government bonds, also known as gilts: the means by which the Government borrows money from private investors.
The Chancellor had been expected to hike income tax in the face of a yawning gap in her spending plans, hinting as recently as Monday that the alternative would be “deep cuts” to public investment.
But the Financial Times has reported that she has now abandoned introducing those plans at the November 26 Budget over fears they could anger both voters and back bench Labour MPs.
The tax rise would break Labour’s election manifesto pledge not to raise income tax, national insurance, or VAT.
Yields on 30-year gilts jumped by up to 14 basis points in early trading, and the yield on 10-year gilts also shot up 12 basis points – rising the most since July.
The yield moves counter to the price of bonds, meaning that prices fall when yields rise.
The pound also felt an initial shock as the markets opened, but then started to recover.
Suggestions that the tax hike could be abandoned was welcomed by Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
He told the PA news agency that the Government did not comment on market movements “as a matter of policy”, but said: “What I would say about this morning is, it is really important that we keep the promises that we made to the public at the last general election.
“Our economy was broken by the Conservatives, so were our public services, but so was trust in politics itself.
“Our job is to rebuild the economy, rebuild our public services, and rebuild trust in politics.”
The Health Secretary also told broadcasters: “The fact there’s been speculation about income tax rises, I think shows two things.
“Firstly, how challenging the situation is in the public finances, and secondly, how determined the Chancellor is to stick to her fiscal rules.
“I think what we’ve learned overnight with some of the latest speculation is it’s probably wise to stop speculating, wait for the Budget. The Chancellor will make the choices she believes are the right choices for the long-term future of the country.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy had earlier insisted Ms Reeves would not “play fast and loose with people’s money” when she was questioned about reports the income tax rise had been abandoned.
According to the Financial Times, the decision not to raise the tax was communicated to the Office for Budget Responsibility on Wednesday, when the Chancellor submitted a list of “major measures” to be included in her Budget.
An income tax rise would help her bridge a fiscal black hole estimated by some economists to be up to £50 billion, but it would also break Labour’s manifesto pledge not to raise income tax, national insurance or VAT.
The prospect of a manifesto breach drew criticism earlier this month from Labour’s new deputy leader Lucy Powell, who said it would damage “trust in politics”.
Having vowed not to return to “austerity” through deeper spending cuts, the Chancellor could now have to rely on increases in a wider range of smaller taxes if she is to stick to her self-imposed rules on debt and borrowing.
The Financial Times suggested that one option would also be to reduce income tax thresholds while keeping tax rates the same, which could raise billions of pounds for the Treasury.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the reported U-turn was “good (if true)”.
Liberal Democrat deputy leader and Treasury spokeswoman Daisy Cooper described the move as an “11th hour screeching U-turn” but said struggling families could be spared “yet another punch-in-the-stomach Budget”.
Business
Gems trade slump: Exports fall 31% in October; bullion volatility, early US stocking hit demand – The Times of India
India’s gems and jewellery exports fell sharply in October, sliding 30.57% to $2.17 billion (Rs 19,172.89 crore) compared to the same month last year, according to data released by the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), PTI reported.Exports in October 2024 had stood at $3.12 billion (Rs 26,237.1 crore).GJEPC chairman Kirit Bhansali said the decline was largely expected, as overseas buyers had advanced their festive-season stocking before the US tariff came into effect.“Most of the stocking up for the festivals took place before August 27. Therefore, in October the demand was down. The decline in gold and silver exports is triggered by volatile bullion prices,” Bhansali told PTI.He added that exports should revive in November with Chinese market recovery and Christmas demand from major global buyers.Exports of cut and polished diamonds fell 26.97% to $1.02 billion (Rs 9,071.41 crore), down from $1.40 billion (Rs 11,806.45 crore) a year earlier.Shipments of polished lab-grown diamonds also saw a steep slide of 34.90% to $94.37 million (Rs 834.45 crore), compared with $144.96 million (Rs 1,218.25 crore) last October.Gold jewellery exports dropped 28.4% to $850.15 million (Rs 7,520.34 crore) from $1.18 billion (Rs 9,975.17 crore) a year earlier.Exports of coloured gemstones during April–October slipped 3.21% to $250.14 million (Rs 2,173.08 crore).Silver jewellery shipments dipped 16% in October to $121.37 million (Rs 1,072.81 crore), down from $145.05 million (Rs 1,219.01 crore) in 2024.
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DAMAC launched DAMAC Islands 2 and a new Cairo office at the Grand Egyptian Museum, with Hussain Sajwani and Amira Sajwani hosting. Omar Khairat performed.
DAMAC (Representative Image)
DAMAC marked the launch of its new master development DAMAC Islands 2 and its new sales office opening in Egypt with a grand celebration in Egypt at the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum, an architectural and cultural marvel overlooking the Pyramids of Giza. The glittering evening set against the backdrop of ancient history was hosted by Hussain Sajwani, Founder and Chairman of DAMAC Group, and Amira Sajwani, Managing Director of DAMAC Properties, who welcomed an audience of dignitaries, global investors, media, brokers, and VIP guests from across the world.
Guests at the event were given an exclusive preview of DAMAC Islands 2, the latest luxury community in Dubai, inspired by eight tropical island destinations. The project followed the phenomenal success of DAMAC Islands 1 in 2024, which achieved a record-breaking sell-out. DAMAC sold AED 10 billion in inventory, generating the highest revenue from a real estate launch in 24 hours, as recognised by the Guinness World Records.
The evening’s headline act was legendary Egyptian musician Omar Khairat, who regaled the audience with a captivating fusion of classical, jazz, and traditional Arabic music. Hadi Awada presented a thrilling, choreographed performance.
Hussain Sajwani, Founder of DAMAC Group, said: “This grand celebration and our presence in Cairo represents an affirmation of our deep connection with Egypt. This market has long been one of our most dynamic and promising markets. We’re here to bring DAMAC’s international portfolio closer to Egyptian investors who seek both quality and long-term value.”
Amira Sajwani, Managing Director of DAMAC Properties, noted: “Egyptians already rank among the top ten nationalities purchasing DAMAC homes. We have witnessed double-digit sales growth in this market and expect it to rise another 20% in 2026. Opening our Cairo office also brings us closer to our clients and strengthens the bridge between Cairo and Dubai, the two powerhouses of real estate investment in the MENA region.”
Dubai’s real estate market remains one of the world’s most active and attractive amongst investors and residents alike – with H1 2025 transactions up 40% year-on-year, reinforcing DAMAC’s position at the intersection of two of the region’s most vibrant markets. Furthermore, DAMAC communities continue to lead market performance, with DAMAC Islands recording 4,185 villa and townhouse sales in H1 2025 and DAMAC Hills 2 registering 1,942 sales.
On average from launch, price growth at DAMAC Hills 1 townhouses rose 86 per cent, DAMAC Hills 1 villas 72 per cent, DAMAC Hills 2 townhouses 60 per cent, and DAMAC Islands villas 29 per cent, demonstrating sustained investor confidence in the brand’s long-term value.
DAMAC Islands 2 brings the rhythm of the tropics to the heart of Dubai; blending lush landscapes, crystal lagoons, and wellness-driven design inspired by eight dream destinations: Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Cuba, Maui, Mauritius, and Tahiti. As part of the launch campaign for DAMAC Islands 2, DAMAC also launched a unique global competition to become ‘The Ultimate Islander’.
The competition winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip and become an employee of DAMAC while living on one of their eight islands. The master-planned project will comprise six-bedroom luxury villas of approximately 583 square meters, five-bedroom twin villas of approximately 324 square meters, five-bedroom townhouses of approximately 293 and 263 square meters, and four-bedroom townhouses of approximately 203 square meters. Prices start at AED 2.7 million.
A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al…Read More
A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al… Read More
November 15, 2025, 13:25 IST
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Three repayment choices, one crucial decision — and the difference could cost you lakhs. Pick wisely, and a gold loan becomes far lighter on both your mind and your pocket
Selecting the right gold loan repayment method can save you money. (AI Generated)
Gold loans may be easy to take, but they are not always easy to repay, and a small mistake can cost borrowers thousands, even lakhs, in extra interest. Most people focus only on the 9-10 per cent interest rate, unaware that the real cost depends entirely on the repayment method they choose.
One wrong decision can make a cheap loan expensive; the right one can make it far more affordable.
According to an Economic Times report, Jijith Raj, Business Head at Indel Money, has explained three loan repayment methods and who each of them is best suited for.
1. Regular EMI
In this method, you pay a fixed instalment every month, which includes both principal and interest. As the months pass, the principal reduces, and the total interest you pay is the lowest among the three options.
This method is ideal for people who earn a regular monthly income like salaried employees, pensioners, or those receiving steady rental income. Setting up an auto-debit ensures discipline.
However, if you miss even a single EMI, the bank may quickly classify your account as an SMA and report it to the credit bureau, which can lower your CIBIL score.
2. Bullet Repayment
This is the option most people prefer because it gives them the highest level of flexibility. You may pay nothing or only the interest during the loan period, and then clear the entire principal and remaining interest in one go on the final day. This method works well if you are certain that you will receive a large sum within 6-12 months, such as from selling property, an FD maturing, or a sizeable business payment.
But the risk is high: if you are unable to arrange the lump sum by the due date, the interest balloons because the full principal remains unpaid.
Moreover, 45 days after the loan period ends, the bank can begin the process of auctioning your gold, which catches many borrowers off-guard.
3. Overdraft Facility
This option may appear slightly more expensive upfront, but it is perfect for those with irregular income like freelancers, small shop owners, agents who work on commission, consultants, and similar professions.
The bank sanctions a limit (for example, Rs 10 lakh), and you pay interest only on the amount you actually withdraw, not on the entire limit. When you receive money, you can deposit it back instantly, and your interest reduces immediately. You can withdraw and deposit as many times as you wish.
If you need a top-up, it is usually granted without closing the existing loan. Although the interest rate might be a bit higher, the overall cost remains low because your outstanding balance typically stays small.
Which Method Saves The Most?
- If your income is steady, choose EMI as it results in the lowest interest outflow.
- If you are expecting a lump sum, bullet repayment can work but it is risky.
- If your income is irregular, opt for the overdraft facility, which keeps your interest under control.
A crucial tip: If you have chosen the wrong repayment scheme earlier and a major portion of your loan tenure still remains, close the old loan and take a new loan against the same gold under a better scheme.
Most companies do not charge foreclosure fees, but always confirm this before proceeding.
November 15, 2025, 11:42 IST
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