Sunday Business round-up - 15/6/08

Politics has taken over the news agenda this week - even the fuel crisis is seen through a political lens. And yet the economic news is nothing short of grim - I have never known it like this in my 33 years. Very few sectors are unaffected, as can be seen from the selection of stories below:

Nuclear Fallout - British Energy wants too much money and the bidding war has fallen apart. Glad I sold this of my portfolio out a few weeks ago. Even in an oil crisis, we are still struggling to get Nuclear going!

Staglfation - A view on whether we can avoid this ...have the horses already bolted though?

Energy costs surge - On the theme of trying to keep inflation down, firms might get hit with 100% energy cost rises.

Housebuilding slump - Very few new homes started, despite the overall shortage of property.

Short Selling - All the rage this week is criticism of short-selling, here is a good article explaining it all.

Estate agent news - Not only are the agents in trouble but their omniscient private equity backers - perhaps some good news after all!!

RBS sale gets going - Angel trains finally sold and the rights issue complete. £16 billion banked to pay the sub-prime debts.

Barclay's Rights Issue off - The bandwagon has gone, perhaps more sovereign wealth involvement will be required?

BP on the run - The Russians are coming for their oil. Another share I am glad I ditched a couple of weeks ago.