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Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

Sunday newspaper round-up: Saudi oil output, Asos, 35-year mortgages

(Sharecast News) - Saudi unveiled plans at the weekend to reduce its oil output by 1m barrels per day in a surprise unilateral decision. The move was to take effect from July. The decision came as Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, was due to travel to Saudi Arabia over the following week. It also followed a meeting between members marred by disagreements, although the Russian and UAE energy ministers denied talk of any split with Saudi. OPEC+ meanwhile did agree to prolong the voluntary cuts announced in April until the end of 2024. The cartel and its allies were to meet again in November and plans might change. - The Sunday Telegraph Asos received a £1bn takeover offer from Turkish rival Trendyol in late December, according to City sources. Among the Turkish outfit's backers was Chinese online retailing giant Alibaba. The offer would have valued Asos at £10-12 per share, against a closing price last Friday of £3.5. There were however no live talks and both companies declined to commit. Recently, leading credit insurers had demured from providing cover for its suppliers or reduced the same. a decision that could squeeze its cash flow. - The Sunday Times

A record proportion, or 19%, of first-time homebuyers were taking out 35-year mortgages and more in the wake of soaring costs. That was the highest share since 2005, when records began, and twice the 9% seen in December 2021. The average age of a first time buyer was now 32, according to Halifax, meaning that many persons' intention was to continue borrowing until the end of their work life and even into retirement. - The Sunday Telegraph

Sky's UK boss believes the country is entering a 'golden age' of film and television. Spend on both combined hit a record £6.2bn in 2022, which was £1.83bn more than before Covid. Furthermore, just last month ministers promised additional support as part of a strategy to add over 1m jobs in creative industries over the next decade. - The Financial Mail on Sunday

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Monday newspaper round-up: Zuber Issa, Thames Water, BAE Systems
(Sharecast News) - There is "no route to net zero" that ignores the real concerns of businesses, a cabinet minister has warned, as the government prepares to reduce financial penalties handed to carmakers not selling enough electric cars. Ministers are also looking at how cheaper loans could be introduced to help people buy an electric vehicle (EV), after a wave of job losses and closures in which carmakers blamed the onerous fines they were facing. - Guardian
Jefferies upgrades Anglo American to 'buy'
(Sharecast News) - Jefferies upgraded Anglo American to 'buy' from 'hold' on Friday and lifted its price target to 2,850p from 2,500p following the recent share price decline.
Friday newspaper round-up: House sales, fuel prices, The Telegraph
(Sharecast News) - House sales are expected to accelerate over the next four months as buyers seek to benefit from tax breaks that are due to run out in April 2025, according to the online property website Zoopla. The number of home sales increased across the UK this year, pushing up prices by 1.5% in the year to October. Next year prices are expected to rise by 2.5% and transactions will jump by 5%, the website said. - Guardian
Friday newspaper round-up: House sales, fuel prices, The Telegraph
(Sharecast News) - House sales are expected to accelerate over the next four months as buyers seek to benefit from tax breaks that are due to run out in April 2025, according to the online property website Zoopla. The number of home sales increased across the UK this year, pushing up prices by 1.5% in the year to October. Next year prices are expected to rise by 2.5% and transactions will jump by 5%, the website said. - Guardian

Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

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