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UK retail sales increased by 1.1 per cent year-over-year in February, slightly lower than January's figures but still above the 12-month average. Improved online non-food sales, strong food purchases, and Valentine's Day spending supported the slight growth despite continued economic uncertainty affecting larger purchases.

A study by Barnett Waddingham reveals concerning trends among disabled employees in the UK, with high rates of burnout, health issues, and feelings of inadequacy compared to their non-disabled counterparts. This highlights the urgent need for employers to provide better support and adjustments, including paid mental health leave, flexible work options, and regular mental health check-ins.

The US's decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum has sparked international backlash, with the UK considering retaliatory measures while the EU has already announced countermeasures. The situation has created uncertainty for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic, with the UK government committed to negotiating a new economic pact with the US while reserving the right to retaliate if necessary.

The cryptocurrency market is experiencing mixed signals, with Bitcoin and Ethereum struggling to maintain gains while XRP rallies on optimism over the SEC potentially closing its case against Ripple. Despite these challenges, some analysts remain optimistic about Bitcoin's future, predicting it will reach $200,000 by the end of 2025.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is unlikely to approve or reject any new crypto ETFs until its new leadership is confirmed, delaying decisions on spot ETFs for several cryptocurrencies. Despite the delays, analysts estimate a high probability of approval for some altcoin ETFs by the end of the year, with Polymarket data showing a 76% chance for a Litecoin ETF and an 88% chance for a Solana ETF.