Well, on the one hand The Guardian reports a record profit for HSBC, but on the other hand the bank is making extra provision for credit losses, so the pressure for a rate cut in two days' time is still considerable. And the same paper confirms that manufacturing is down, adding to the ammo. The Independent has a piece analysing consumer debt and its effect on the economy. We'll see.
On the positive front, the Daily Telegraph reports that there are moves from the Government to at least listen to concerns over red tape, although if you've been flouting any environmental regulations you can expect to be rapped on the knuckles fairly soon.
The Times and others report on oil price increases following the death of King Fahd of Saudi Arabia yesterday; presumably things will settle, but transport-based businesses can expect a rough time for a while.
Oh, and yesterday I mentioned the apparent rescue plan for Red Letter Days - whoops. Looks like a lot of companies will be looking for new ways to motivate employees...
