China Q3 GDP beats forecasts at 4.5%, retail sales grow at fastest pace since March

John Doughty explores the findings of the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA’s) Pure Protection Market Study and the challenges facing the industry in closing the protection gap, drawing on insights from his recent conversation with Vikki Jefferies, market development director at Legal & General (L&G). The FCA recently published the final report of its Pure…

“There’s a difference between compromising and settling,” he said. “Buyers are identifying what matters most and where they have room to be flexible.” Affordability ranked as the dominant search criterion, cited by 60% of respondents, with neighbourhood safety second at 47%. Top sacrifices Canadians would make to afford a home, REMAX Canada 2026 Fall Housing…

Soaring swap rates caused a small fixed rate mortgage increase this week, according to Moneyfacts, with more hikes expected. The average two-year fix is now 5.6%, up from 5.59% a week ago, while the typical five-year fix also rose by 1bps, to 5.64%. Moneyfacts personal finance analyst Caitlyn Eastell said: “While mortgage rate activity remained…

Russia says it struck vessels and military facilities supporting Ukraine in Odesa, Mykolaiv

The law requires landlords to post the pet policy on the property’s website, include it in digital advertisements they control, and provide it to residential rental search engines. Third-party platforms are covered only “to the extent that the third party permits the inclusion of a hyperlink or other electronic access.” The landlord is not liable…