Good article by Simon English. Seems sensible to wait and see whether the economy strengthens before committing to cutting rates. Note that the RICS housing survey overnight showed a material rise in agreed sales, buyer enquiries and instructions to sell.

If that's what the Duke and Duchess Désirée...

This will be interesting. It always is. The Association for Corporate Growth economic and political outlook for 2020 conversation with David J. Chmiel + Philip Shaw Investec + David Laws GK Strategy Free to attend, at @CRS_lawyers on 12 February. Come along! acg.org/uk/events/econ…

The bounce in Jan’s UK Composite PMI to 52.4 takes it to its highest level since Sep 2018, just after the MPC raised rates to 0.75% in Aug. Not saying that’s on the cards again, but it should be enough to help persuade the committee not to cut next week.

Very much agree. Class show with great presenters. Mickey in particular has been brilliant for a number of years. Really sad.

Lots of people saying you can't exclude a party, i.e. Sinn Féin, that has a quarter of the vote from power. Not saying you should, but just for historical, comparative context, the Italian Communist Party was excluded and at or above that level for the whole postwar period.

BBC News - Ireland elections: Busting five myths bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-…

Literally not a spare seat for the #Economic & #Geopolitical Outlook with our fantastic panel ⁦Philip Shaw⁩, David Laws ⁦⁦GK Strategy⁩, David Chmiel Global Torchlight & ⁦Stuart Rock⁩ #midmarket #MandA

"We don't have any hope if this virus is not sorted out." New story for CBC News about the impact of the #coronavirus on #tourism in #Europe. cbc.ca/news/world/cor…

I'm back to the office now to prepare for @SkyIanKingLive - back in its old slot of 1830 for one night only. A big thank you to all at Investec, especially Philip Shaw & Victoria Clarke, for their hospitality during #BudgetSpeech2020

With the Fed's emergency action last night, it wasn't exactly a quiet last day at the BoE for Mark Carney. Good luck to his successor Andrew Bailey. uk.reuters.com/article/uk-bri…

At midday today we’ll publish results of a coronavirus scenario illustrating the possible effects on the economy and public finances of a 3-month shutdown and the Government’s policy responses. This is *not* a forecast, just 1 scenario of many that could unfold. #OBRcovidscenario

OBR Coronavirus scenario envisages UK GDP falling by 35% in Q2 and public borrowing rising to £273bn (14% of GDP) in 2020/21. Recovery in H2 ‘limits’ 2020 fall in GDP to 12.8%, surges back by 17.9% in 2021.

While Toilet Duck and Dettol are trending, here's a reminder of the word 'ultracrepidarian': one who consistently offers opinions and advice on subjects way beyond their understanding.

Great effort Ronan and many congratulations! Not least for getting to grips with the volatility of Irish GDP!!

Donald J. Trump Will you be showing this chart?

thetimes.co.uk/article/no-baw… The article talks about the PM being an unorthodox player. Indeed. He seems to be playing with a wooden racket!

Thanks to all at Professional Liverpool and @promanchester for hosting and attending the event. I hope to be able to be in the Northwest in person to speak to you next time!

Second patient to get the COVID jab at University Hospital Coventry - would you believe it....William Shakespeare from Warwickshire

Amid Covid gloom here, note that the daily infection rate in Israel has reversed sharply since the New Year - 14% of its population has now been vaccinated. This may give some clues to trends in the UK and elsewhere. Graphics are courtesy of the FT.