Boutique lenders, buoyed by post-pandemic optimism, are driving a surge in blank-cheque SPAC deals worth $9bn so far this year, with investors anticipating more lenient oversight coupled with renewed enthusiasm for these specialised investment vehicles.

Pharmaceutical group Novo removed its leader following a steep drop in share value, increasing competition in the obesity drug market, and reduced profit forecasts, raising concerns about the firm’s future performance.

Economic growth has reached its fastest pace in a year, buoyed by strong services performance and offering a brief boost for Labour, yet economists caution that forthcoming tariffs on international trade could temper any further expansion.

Post-Brexit negotiations have stalled over fishing rights and youth mobility, prompting EU demands for fresh concessions and rising Tory alarm about further rule-taking.