Nationwide

Nationwide has warned the government to act "urgently" as people living in the UK are "ignoring" the need for a more formal retirement savings facility.

FINANCIAL ADVISER firm Chase de Vere is reported to be up for sale because its parent group no longer believes the firm will make money, this morning's Sun newspaper reports.

ONE in three cash machines now charges consumers for withdrawing their own money, reports this morning's Scotsman newspaper.

Parents are prepared to pay an average 25 basis points, or 0.25% more for a house if their child stands a chance of entering a primary school with a 1% better pass rate on Key Stage 2 exams.

House prices rose just a fraction in August however recent pressure on energy prices may contribute to a further slowdown in the housing market, suggest economists at Nationwide Building Society.

UK consumers are not worried they will not be able to manage their debt situation despite household debt having exceeded the £1trn mark, says Nationwide.

Consumer confidence in the UK property market has dropped for the second month in a row on expectations this week will see further interest rates rises, says the Woolwich.

Property prices went up by 2.1% on average in the past month, taking the annualised rate above 20%, and forcing Nationwide to up its full-year 2004 forecast just as economists got the news personal debt has topped the £1trn mark.

A warning from Bank of England governor Mervyn King last month suggesting house prices might fall has slashed consumer confidence in the housing market, says Nationwide Building Society.

Another indication of the pricking of Britain's house price bubble has been published today in the form of Nationwide's latest index figures suggesting price rises in June slowed by nearly half on the previous month.