Business & Economy

Tokyo / Financial Desk — February 9, 2026 Japanese stocks stormed to fresh record highs on Monday as investors responded with enthusiasm to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s historic election victory, with the benchmark Nikkei 225 surging more than 5 per cent and broader equity indexes rallying broadly across Tokyo and Asian markets. Takaichi’s landslide win and her ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s supermajority removed political uncertainty and fuelled optimism about fiscal...

Published: 06 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. In an unprecedented shift within Norway’s automotive market, petrol car sales collapsed to just seven vehicles in January, underscoring the dramatic rise of electric vehicle adoption across the Scandinavian nation and beyond. The astonishingly low petrol car tally juxtaposed against thousands of battery electric vehicles highlights a transformation once seen as distant now unfolding at full speed. The...

Published: 06 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. UK home price reached a record £300,077 in January, Halifax confirmed, highlighting rising housing costs. This milestone comes as property values climbed 0.7% month on month, marking the fastest growth since November 2024. Annual house price growth was 1%, showing the housing market recovering steadily after a slower period before Christmas. While Halifax reported the £300,000 benchmark, Nationwide...

Published: 06 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. Barclays has reportedly ended its relationship with Global Counsel following mounting scrutiny around the firm’s co-founder Peter Mandelson. The decision comes after renewed attention on Mandelson’s past connections with Jeffrey Epstein triggered political and corporate concern across Britain. The Global Counsel matter has rapidly shifted from a reputational issue into a wider governance debate among major UK institutions....

In a major boost for the nation’s defence education and skills pipeline, the UK government has announced £80 million in funding aimed at supporting students pursuing studies in the defence sector. The initiative, unveiled on Thursday by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), is designed to strengthen the country’s long-term security capabilities by investing in the next generation of engineers, scientists, and technical specialists. According to officials, the funding will be...

An iconic and historic ferry crossing, a staple of Britain’s maritime heritage for over a century, has been officially put up for sale, sparking both public interest and concern over its future. The announcement was made on Thursday by the ferry’s operating company, which cited financial pressures and changing transportation patterns as reasons for the decision. The ferry, which has served commuters and tourists alike since the late 19th century,...

Published: 04 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online At the Singapore Airshow, where the global aviation industry gathers to showcase its latest ambitions, familiar giants dominate much of the floor. Scale models of the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX sit beneath gleaming lights, surrounded by mock cockpits, immersive simulations and promises of greater efficiency. Yet amid these established heavyweights, one stand has been drawing particular...

Published: 03 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. The Reserve Bank’s cash rate decision has sent mortgage holders across Australia into immediate concern, as borrowing costs are set to rise sharply. The RBA increased the cash rate to 3.85%, up from 3.6%, marking the first rate hike in more than two years and signalling potential further increases if inflation remains elevated. This rate adjustment reflects the...

Published: 03 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. The European Union has shown an open mind on UK customs union discussions, signalling potential for closer trade ties. In comments to the BBC, EU economy commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis confirmed the bloc was ready to engage constructively with the UK, highlighting the possibility of a customs union as part of broader economic discussions. The focus on a customs...

Published: 03 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. The latest Riverford sales figures show strong growth as the UK organic food sector records its biggest expansion in twenty years. Riverford sales increased by six percent over the past financial year, reflecting changing consumer habits and rising trust in organic suppliers. The employee-owned delivery company reported higher customer demand, larger basket sizes, and steady repeat orders across...