PwC Predicts a Turning Point for the UK

In a nuanced economic landscape, PwC’s 2024 forecast offers a beacon of hope for the UK, anticipating an upturn from the challenges of the post-pandemic era. Despite a dip in M&A activity in 2023, the projection outlines a positive shift with improvements in household finances, real incomes, and regional growth. The corporate sector, however, faces a potential rise in insolvencies, particularly affecting smaller businesses. Global defense orders surge amidst geopolitical tensions, adding a layer of complexity to economic predictions. Market dynamics, including a strengthened pound and energy price fluctuations, further contribute to the intricate economic tapestry awaiting the UK in the upcoming year.
Analysis: Private equity’s swoop on listed European firms runs into rising execution risks

European listed companies have not been this cheap for more than a decade, yet for private equity firms looking to put their cash piles to work, costlier financing and stronger resistance from businesses are complicating dealmaking.