Business
Business news live – Pound climbs against the dollar, FTSE 100 hits new record high
House prices on the rise again – but one property type is bucking the trend
Nationwide data shows prices are up 0.5 per cent month to month, keeping annual prices rising at 2.2 per cent.
But the statistics show there are major differences in price changes between the north and south of the UK, as well as in the property type.
Semi-detached properties rose 3.4 per cent over the last 12 months, while detached (2.5 per cent) and terraced (2.4 per cent) saw slightly slower price rises. The cost of flats continues to decline, seeing average prices fall by 0.3 per cent.
Karl Matchett1 October 2025 16:00
Business and Money live – 1 October
Morning all, new economic data this week continues to paint a general picture of slow, perhaps grudging, growth in multiple areas – but not manufacturing.
We saw in GDP data that it had been hit in the second quarter and more numbers today back that up.
Karl Matchett1 October 2025 10:50
Manufacturing falls in ‘worrying news’ for industry
The latest data on UK manufacturing PMI from S&P shows a September slowdown, hot on the heels of ONS’ data showing the sector fell in the second three months of the year.
Rob Dobson, director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said: “The final Manufacturing PMI results provide further worrying news for the health of UK industry.”
Commenting on what it might mean going forward, Mike Thornton, head of industrials at RSM UK, said: “The latest fall in manufacturing activity in September was another blow for the sector, showing a continued downward trend rather than a seasonal dip in August.
“The output index has dropped to 45.7, the lowest level since March, signalling a sharp slowdown in production levels as weak demand, falling new orders and subdued export activity continue to weigh heavily on the sector.
“This sustained contraction suggests manufacturers are scaling back operations to mitigate deteriorating market conditions, with little sign of a rebound in the short term. Businesses should therefore expect a stagnant outlook for the remainder of the year.”
Karl Matchett1 October 2025 10:58
UK business confidence plunges to lowest level on record
Business confidence slumped to its lowest level on record last month amid concerns over soaring costs, according to a new survey of company bosses.
Data from the Institute of Directors (IoD) showed that firms said higher labour costs has been the biggest contributor to growing pessimism about the economy.
The industry group’s monthly economic confidence index, which measures business leader optimism about the prospects of the UK economy, posted a minus 74 reading for September.
It marked a significant decline from minus 61 and struck the lowest level since the index was launched more than nine years ago.
Karl Matchett1 October 2025 11:02
Pound strengthens against the dollar after government shutdown
The US government is now in shutdown, with the two parties not managing to agree a funding plan.
While stock markets have generally not reacted too much to this outcome – futures show the S&P 500 down about 0.5 per cent – the dollar has weakened further.
That means you are right now getting more for your money if you are heading to the US.
£1 is now $1.3465, up almost 0.2 per cent today.
It was slightly higher earlier and we can expect a little more movement across the day.
At the start of the year it was $1.2521 – it’s up more than 7.3 per cent since then.
Karl Matchett1 October 2025 11:20
FTSE 100 surges to new record high
The City is cheering new FTSE 100 highs today, as the benchmark index topped 9,400 points for the first time ever.
After rising 0.7 per cent this morning, it’s currently around 9,414 points.
The highest risers include pharma trio AstraZeneca (up 6.1%), Hikma (3.6%) and GSK (2.5%).
“AstraZeneca, Hikma and GSK rallied after Donald Trump announced plans to launch a government-run website for consumers to buy drugs directly from manufacturers. It looks like investors are regaining confidence in the pharma sector following recent uncertainty around pricing and tariffs. More clarity on both points is helping to regain investors’ interest,” explained Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.
Karl Matchett1 October 2025 11:40
Greggs sales growth cools after July heatwave deters consumers
Greggs has revealed its sales rose in recent months but blamed unusually hot July weather and a tough consumer backdrop for a slowdown in growth.
The high street bakery chain, with 2,675 shops in the UK, has continued to expand its sprawling estate across the country.
It reported a 6.1% increase in sales over the third quarter of 2025, compared with the same period a year ago.
On a like-for-like basis, which strips out the impact of new shop openings, sales growth across company-managed shops slowed to 1.5% year on year.
Karl Matchett1 October 2025 12:00
Key deadline approaching if you have a side hustle
Another reminder that 5 October is fast approaching – and that’s the deadline to register for self assessment if you have a side hustle and your income from it is beyond £1000.
To put that in perspective if you’re on Vinted, eBay and anywhere else – that’s only an average of £20 a week means you surpass that threshold.
Kate Steere, money expert at Finder, said: “Side hustles are becoming increasingly popular as household budgets are squeezed by inflation, but many people don’t realise they could be liable for tax even if they’re earning a relatively small amount on the side each month. All it takes is earning more than £80 a month, and you’ve exceeded the £1,000 yearly limit.
“If you’re in this boat, while you don’t need to submit your tax return until the end of January, you do need to register for Self Assessment before 5 October.
“Miss this, and you could face a failure-to-notify penalty. While you’re at it, why not give your future self a break by opening a dedicated business account? Separating your personal finances from your side hustle income will make the whole process that much smoother when it comes to filing your tax return.”
Karl Matchett1 October 2025 12:20
Young adults turn to TikTok more than uni for financial information
Credit card firm Aqua have released results of a survey of 500 young adults (18-24 year olds) and, while a small sample size, the results are eye opening.
The top financial lessons they wish they’d known earlier are ‘how to invest’ (21%), ‘how to budget’ (19%) and detail around what credit scores mean (18%).
Perhaps more notable is where they are going for this.
18-24-year-olds are more likely to turn to TikTok (22.2%) than to their university (15.8%) for financial guidance, reads the report.
Good that they are going out and trying to find the information, of course, but be wary on social media – there’s a lot of misinformed or outright incorrect stuff on there.
Always ensure you’re using reputable accounts, persons or companies if that’s where you go for info.
Aqua’s Sharvan Selvam said: “These results show that many young people feel underprepared when it comes to managing their money, especially around credit and budgeting. It’s worrying to see such high levels of stress around finances at such a formative stage in life, and it highlights the need for more practical, accessible guidance.”
Karl Matchett1 October 2025 12:40
Royal Mail to take over thousands of UK convenience stores
International Distribution Services (IDS), the firm which owns the postal service, has concluded a purchase of 49 per cent of shares in parcel company Collect+, with part of the deal meaning about 8,000 stores will now be branded Royal Mail.
It means high street stores will sell postage over the counter and customers can pay bills in person rather than only online.
The deal, which is worth £43.9m, will also see self-service kiosks installed in some shops next year, extended opening hours including weekends and evenings – plus retaining the normal operations of Collect+, which include sending and returning parcels from other carriers.
Karl Matchett1 October 2025 13:00
Last Updated:
Bolstered by the popularity of Premanand Maharaj and the Banke Bihari Temple Corridor, Varanasi’s land prices have gone from Rs 20,000 per 900 sq ft to Rs 1 crore in just 4 years
Ayodhya land prices increased 50-100% due to Ram Temple construction.
In a striking shift from the traditional focus on metro and tier-1 cities, the real estate landscape is witnessing a new trend as pilgrimage and religious cities are becoming prime destinations for homebuyers and investors. Cities such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Vrindavan, and Haridwar are seeing a surge in property demand, with some areas experiencing price jumps of up to 500%.
Experts attribute this boom to a combination of religious tourism, major infrastructure projects, and increased economic activity in these cities. “The construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Kashi Corridor in Varanasi, and major festivals like the Maha Kumbh have attracted a growing number of devotees,” said a property analyst. He said that the rise in footfall is directly influencing real estate, with demand for second homes, retirement properties, and serviced apartments at an all-time high.
Vrindavan: Prices Jump 500%
Vrindavan has emerged as one of the most expensive religious real estate markets in the country. The city’s growing prominence, bolstered by the popularity of Saint Premanand Maharaj and the Banke Bihari Temple Corridor, has seen land prices escalate from Rs 20,000 per 100 square yards to over Rs 1 crore in just four years in approved residential projects like Rukmini Vihar. Developers such as Omaxe, Basera, and Amaiya are actively launching high-rise residential and commercial projects, including Omaxe Krishna Crest, Omaxe Eternity, and Omaxe Bettgather Courtyard Mall, catering to the surge in demand.
Ayodhya: Land Prices Soar 50-100%
Ayodhya has witnessed a dramatic rise in property rates since the construction of the Ram Temple started. Land surrounding the temple has seen prices climb by 50-100%, prompting developers to plan theme-based townships and modern residential projects. Local developer Ayodhya Home & Soul Developers is reportedly preparing to launch a significant residential project in the city. Improved infrastructure and government-backed initiatives are further enhancing returns, making Ayodhya a hotspot for investors and homebuyers alike.
Prayagraj: From Industrial Hub to Real Estate Attraction
The Naini area in Prayagraj is rapidly transforming, driven by its emergence as both an industrial and educational hub. Developers, including Omaxe, are establishing large residential projects such as Omaxe Sangam City and Omaxe Ananda, shifting the market from traditional low-rise housing to high-rise developments.
Dehradun: Penthouses and Luxury Apartments in Demand
In Dehradun, Sahastradhara Road and Rajpur Road, along with areas near Tapkeshwar Mahadev and Drone Cave Temples, are witnessing growing real estate interest. Projects like Sikka Kimaya Greens and Excentia Tatva are introducing luxury apartments, high-rises, and penthouses, merging modern amenities with serene surroundings. Excentia Tatva, in particular, is being promoted as the city’s first uber-luxury residential experience.
Varanasi: A Rising Hub for Real Estate Investment
Varanasi continues to attract Shiva devotees and investors alike, with both residential and commercial properties seeing heightened interest. Improved connectivity and growing religious tourism are factors driving the city’s rising property prices.
Why Religious Cities Are Gaining Momentum
Several factors underpin this new trend:
- Religious tourism is seeing record growth, drawing lakhs of devotees annually.
- Enhanced highway, rail, and air connectivity makes these cities more accessible.
- Rising demand for retirement homes and second residences is fueling development.
- Branded developers from Delhi-NCR and other major cities are entering these markets.
- Government support and infrastructure projects are boosting investor confidence.
As spiritual hubs evolve into real estate hotspots, these cities are no longer just centres of faith, they are emerging as strong, high-return investment destinations.
November 18, 2025, 20:04 IST
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Business
Aviation upgrade: Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu says ATC systems under review; Delhi glitch probe to guide tech overhaul – The Times of India
Authorities are examining ways to strengthen air traffic control (ATC) systems after the technical snag at Delhi airport earlier this month disrupted operations and delayed more than 800 flights. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said the incident has prompted a wider review of processes and technology at India’s busiest airport.Speaking on the sidelines of a conference on Tuesday, the minister noted that the investigation into the failure of the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS), which supports ATC’s flight planning function, is still under way. “It will be known after a thorough investigation,” he said when asked if a cyber attack had been ruled out. He added that a detailed assessment has been initiated to identify the exact root cause.Naidu said the focus is now on enhancing the backbone of air navigation systems. “So, we are looking at how we have to improve our systems, meet the standards… (how to bring) future technologies into the ATC… we have asked them to let us know on what should be the way forward in terms of (whether they want) more upgraded technologies,” he said, according to PTI.The communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) functions that support Air Navigation Services (ANS) and Air Traffic Management (ATM) are handled by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Following the disruption on November 7, the minister had directed officials to conduct a root-cause analysis and put backup servers in place to reinforce operations.In a statement issued on November 8, the civil aviation ministry said the system had been restored by the afternoon owing to “the coordinated efforts of ECIL engineers, ATC personnel, and the ministry’s proactive monitoring”. It added that no flights were cancelled that day due to the issue.The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), which has four runways and manages over 1,500 daily flight movements, continues to operate normally as the probe into the November 7 disruption progresses.
Business
Budget 2026: Market Leaders Urge Govt To Reduce STT; What’s This, How Does It Impact Investors?
Last Updated:
Budget 2026: Market participants urge Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to reduce the securities transaction tax (STT), especially on cash market transactions.
The Securities Transaction Tax (STT) is a tax levied on the purchase and sale of securities on recognised stock exchanges. (Photo Credit: Freepik)
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday chaired the fourth pre-Budget consultation with the stakeholders from the capital markets to discuss the next Union Budget 2026-27. According to CNBC-TV18 citing sources, market participants urged the government to reduce the securities transaction tax (STT), especially on cash market transactions.
The industry also pushed for reforms in the buyback taxation, calling for the levy to apply only on the profit component of a buyback instead of the entire amount, according to the report. Steps to boost retail participation in the equities markets were also discussed, along with a proposal to raise retail ownership from the current 5% to 8% over time.
Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman chairs the fourth Pre-Budget Consultation with the stakeholders from the capital markets in connection with the forthcoming Union Budget 2026-27, in New Delhi, today.The meeting was also attended by Union… pic.twitter.com/RT5LmWZMrI
— Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) November 18, 2025
What’s STT, And How Does It Impact Investors?
The Securities Transaction Tax (STT) is a tax levied on the purchase and sale of securities on recognised stock exchanges. Introduced in 2004, it applies to equity shares, derivatives, equity-oriented mutual fund units, and ETFs. The tax is collected upfront by the exchange and passed on to the government, making compliance automatic and eliminating the need for separate filing.
Current STT Rates, How STT Works
The rate of STT differs depending on the type of transaction:
- For equity delivery trades, STT is charged on both buy and sell sides.
- For intraday and derivatives, it is typically levied only on the sell side.
- Options attract STT on premium, while futures attract it on the contract value.
Because the tax is charged on every trade, the impact compounds for frequent traders and high-volume participants such as proprietary desks, HNIs, and institutions.
As of now, STT on cash-market delivery trades is 0.1 per cent on both the buy and sell side, which is Rs 100 per Rs 1 lakh of trade value when you buy, and another Rs 100 per Rs 1 lakh when you sell. Intraday equity trades attract STT of 0.025 per cent (Rs 25 per Rs 1 lakh) on the sell leg only. In the derivatives segment, the tax is 0.02 per cent on the sale value of equity futures (Rs 20 per Rs 1 lakh) and 0.1 per cent of the option premium on the sale of equity options; if an option is exercised, a separate STT is levied on the intrinsic value at settlement.
How Can Lower STT Benefit Investors?
STT directly raises the cost of trading. Even a small reduction benefits:
- Retail traders, by increasing net return on intraday and F&O trades.
- Derivatives markets, where margins are already tight and volumes are high.
- Liquidity, as lower trading costs can encourage participation.
In the run-up to Budget 2026, this has become a key demand from market leaders looking to keep transaction costs competitive.
Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris h…Read More
Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris h… Read More
November 18, 2025, 17:54 IST
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Property Prices Have Surged 500% In These Religious Cities, NCR Realtors Enter The Market
Aviation upgrade: Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu says ATC systems under review; Delhi glitch probe to guide tech overhaul – The Times of India
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