IMF Raises UK Growth Forecast; Kingfisher Names New CEO

The IMF, an international organisation that watches the world's economies, has raised its growth forecast for the UK. This is seen as positive news for the UK chancellor, the government minister in charge of money and taxes. A higher forecast means the IMF now expects the UK economy to grow faster than it previously thought.

In separate business news, Kingfisher, the company that owns the DIY retailer B&Q, has appointed a new chief executive. The new boss is Sebastian Gundel, who will take over the top job at the company. Gundel was most recently the chief executive of OBI, a German home improvement company similar to B&Q.

Gundel's new role at Kingfisher will begin on 1 February 2027. His experience running a major home improvement chain in Germany is expected to be useful in his new position leading Kingfisher, which operates stores across the UK and other countries.

Both stories were part of a live blog covering economic and financial news, which also included other topics such as oil prices and inflation. The IMF's updated forecast will likely be welcomed by the government, as stronger economic growth is generally seen as good for a country's finances and for voters' confidence in the economy.