Interest rates will rise ‘in coming months’ as inflation set to reach 5% in spring

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Huw Pill said with inflation approaching five percent this spring, it would be “necessary over coming months” to increase the base rate to suppress the soaring cost of living. The base rate is at a record low of 0.01 percent.

Mr Pill told the Confederation of British Industry he was preparing to vote in favour of a hike in rates on December 16 if the potential hit to the economy was minimal.

But Michael Hewson, at CMC Markets, said the new Covid variant gave the Bank of England “wriggle room” over a rise next month.

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Second-gen Kia Niro revealed

Kia has unveiled the second generation of its Niro crossover at the Seoul motor show 2021 featuring a bold new design.

The design draws inspiration from the 2019 HabaNiro concept with more rugged design cues, contrast finished C-pillar with boomerang shaped tail-lights and the latest version of Kia’s trademark grille. Inside the cabin, the asymmetrical centre console design falls in line with other newer Kia models sporting other significant changes, including an electronic gear-shift dial and ambient mood lighting. Kia also says it has used recycled material in elements such as the headlining and seats.

Like its predecessor, the new Niro will be offered with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric power-trains. However, unlike the company’s bespoke ‘EV’ badged models, the Niro will not be underpinned by the purpose built E-GMP platform. The all-electric model is expected to use an evolution of the current e-Niro’s single-motor, front-wheel-drive powertrain.

Efficiency and performance boosts are expected across the range with Kia already confirming that the plug-in hybrid car now uses data from the navigation system to switch between combustion and EV power. The 1.6-litre petrol engine currently used in the combustion-powered Niro variants is also likely to be carried over.

Jio announces up to 21% hike in tariffs from December 1

Airtel and Vodafone Idea last week had announced up to 25% hike in their prepaid plans tariffs

After Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, India’s largest mobile operator Reliance Jio on Sunday announced up to 21% hike in its prepaid tariffs from next month.

The tariff hikes entail JioPhone Plan, Unlimited Plans, and data add on, and range between 19.6% and 21.3%.

"In line with its commitment to further strengthen a sustainable telecom industry, where every Indian is empowered with a true digital life, Jio today announced its new unlimited plans. These plans will provide the best value in the industry," Reliance Jio said in a statement.

The statement further said: "Upholding the Jio promise of providing the best-quality service at the lowest price globally, Jio customers will continue to be the biggest beneficiaries".

The new unlimited plans will go-live on December 1, 2021, and can be opted from existing touchpoints and channels.

Airtel and Vodafone Idea last week had announced up to 25% hike in their prepaid plans tariffs to improve financials.

COVID-19: Cardiff Rugby team unable to leave South Africa after suspected Omicron case

Cardiff Rugby are unable to leave South Africa following two positive COVID cases – one of which is thought to be the new Omicron variant.

The team are now isolating at their hotel.

They had been due to take part in the United Rugby Championship on South African soil this weekend, but all four of the tournament’s games were postponed.

Broncos vs. Chargers live blog: Real-time updates from the NFL Week 12 game at Empower Field at Mile High – The Denver Post

Live updates, tweets, photos, analysis and more from the Broncos game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Nov. 28, 2021.

Mobile users, if you can’t see the live blog, tap here.

Happy holidays, switch off and lose that work stress

SINGAPORE – What an exhausting year.

At this time in a typical year, many Singapore workers would have gone overseas for a holiday or be preparing their dresses for year-end parties.

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‘The joy of giving’- Budgets to be exceeded for Christmas gifts this year, M&S study finds

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Reasons include 44 percent wanting to make up for last year’s pandemic-hit festive season and 37 percent trying to make this Christmas extra special. Another 41 percent are likely to set a budget but exceed it – with one in three of 2,000 adults polled admitting they leave their shopping to the last minute.

But 54 percent keep a note of what they are planning to buy people for Christmas throughout the year, to make things easier when it happens.

Paul Stokes, from M&S Credit Cards, which commissioned the study, said: “There is nothing like a bit of Christmas shopping to get you in the festive spirit.

“Buying presents for loved ones brings so much joy to millions, it’s no wonder people love to get out and about shopping early.”

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