Insights

The Chancellor Rachel Reeves has cut the welfare budget further and boosted defence spending in a Spring Statement aimed at kick-starting the faltering economy. Meanwhile, the OBR - the government's financial watchdog - halved its growth forecast for this year to 1%.

The UK signed landmark trade deals with the US and India, cutting key tariffs and boosting exports. The Bank of England lowered rates to 4.25% amid slowing inflation and global uncertainty, aiming to support growth and economic stability.