OK, it's not quite two weeks since the interest rate cut and already The Guardian says the housing market is showing signs of 'recovery'. That's clearly great news for estate agents and sellers, but recovery from what exactly? Houses were already overpriced relative to inflation and key workers were unable to afford homes; further increases, frankly, won't be all that welcome universally, and if people are basing a major purchasing decision that will last them 25 years on a short term rate cut that could be reversed any time then that may not be such a good thing.
End of sermon. The Guardian also notes that sales in London are falling after the bombs, as does the BBC, although none of them mention the recent 60 per cent increase in congestion charge as a factor, which BBC London (the radio station) certainly did yesterday. The BBC also has more on the role Internet auction companies are having on the economy, something to which I alluded a few days ago.
The Times is still following the oil price story, and speaking of costly liquids a lot of publicans will be following the late drinking legislation controversy with interest.
You might remember last week I noted that the WEEE directive on recycling had been delayed in the UK; The Independent reports that our nation might now end up in court as a result and carries a strong opinion piece on the subject. Speaking of Europe, the Daily Telegraph has a story of textile importing difficulty that might lead to a shortage of bras for smaller retailers - you can fill in the business 'support' gag of your choice for that one, it's a little early for me...
