Companies with reports and trading updates today include Ashtead Group, Whitbread, SThree, AstraZeneca, Woodside Energy and Melrose Group. Read the Business Live blog from Tuesday, June 18, below.
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AI adds ‘magic to fraud detection,’ says Mastercard boss
When you think of generative AI and fraud, your mind may not immediately conjure up images of its use as a force for good.
On the contrary: criminals have used new developments in AI with great success to extort money from their victims. This allows them to create fake ads and scam websites faster than ever.
The motorist’s guide for the elections: what the parties promise drivers
Motorists face big changes in the next parliament as the switch to electric vehicles accelerates and debate rages on everything from road tax to parking and low emission zones.
So, what are the major political parties promising for the general election – and are they paying enough attention to them?
City’s hopeful horizon: Britain regains its appeal for a stock exchange listing
The obituary of stock trading in London has been written many times.
However, the latest data shows that London stock markets have regained their leadership over Paris, despite France hosting LVMH, Europe’s most valuable company.
Labour’s plans to increase worker wages risk higher mortgage costs
Experts have warned that Labour’s ambition to raise workers’ wages risks fueling inflation – meaning interest rates and mortgage costs could remain higher for longer.
Economists at HSBC said forcing companies to spend more on wages could push up prices.
Become an influencer with Brewdog’s founder: the app promises cash rewards
The founder of BrewDog is launching an influencer app with the help of his TV personality girlfriend.
James Watt stepped down as CEO of the craft beer giant a month ago.
London regains the crown from Paris: British stock market again the largest
London has regained its crown as Europe’s largest stock market after political unrest in France sent shares in Paris tumbling.
In a major boost for the city, data collected by Bloomberg showed that UK shares are valued at £2.51 trillion.
UBS takes £700m hit after promising to repay 90% of Greensill losses
UBS is set to take a £700 million hit after offering to repay investors involved in the collapse of finance company Greensill Capital.
The Swiss banking giant has offered to pay former Credit Suisse clients 90 percent of the value of funds linked to Greensill.
Labor promises 350 banking hubs for towns where branches have closed
More cities in Britain will get a banking center under a Labor government.
It has pledged to roll out 350 banking centers in towns and cities across Britain over the next five years.
The FTSE 100 index opened at 8142.15
The pound at 8am was at $1.2698, up from $1.2685 at the previous close.
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