Lets hope its a "normal" recession
According to Shona Dobbie, head of Alliance Trust research centre: "The view that we are facing a ‘normal' recession in the UK has probably become our best case scenario."
''There doesn't really appear to be any upside alternative while the interbank market remains blocked, mortgage applications are down to a quarter of the level seen at the peak of the market, house price growth is plummeting and the labour market is weakening. Unfortunately, against this poor background, we also have to give at least some consideration to the possibility that this turns into a sustained and deeper recession.
"We have to hope that the government's attempt to bail out the banking sector does eventually work - the problem is that until we get to that point, the economy continues to slow as liquidity dries up. Interest rate cuts have come too late to prevent a recession, but at least these are now in place and there could be more to come. If these are delivered speedily and appropriately and timed to have maximum impact on consumer confidence, then this will help to underpin and boost activity once the upturn emerges."
- Scots paying off debt but not saving
- The squeeze on mortgage lending continues
- Protecting Icesave depositors, was it a mistake?
- Equity release up and lead time down at Newcastle Building Society
- LLoyds TSB and HBOS deal renegotiated
- The Treasury says it is implementing support for the banking system
- Are lenders treating customers in arrears fairly?
- Nearly half feel savings becoming less safe
- Want to know why we are on the edge?
- Credit unions members reassured
- Details of £37 bn bank bailout announced
- Brilliant Loans signs deal with Financial
- RBS and Lloyds TSB / HBOS to lend at 2007 levels again
- CML questions wisdom of returning lending to 2007 levels






