As Trump and Xi Meet in China, Why Typical Displays of Cultural Exchange Won’t Be on Show

13 May 2026 at 23:00

Past meetings between the presidents of the U.S. and China have involved friendly displays of cultural exchange. Those gestures have largely dried up.

New free financial advice plan aims to help Britons build savings

The Guardian World news

By: Rupert Jones

2 May 2026 at 07:00

‘Targeted support’ means certain banks and financial institutions can offer free extra help with investments and pensions

Many Britons are daunted by the world of investing, but new City rules mean certain banks and financial institutions can offer free extra help with investments and pensions.

Last month marked the launch of “targeted support”, a new regulated service that permits companies to suggest investments and pension products to customers that might provide a better return.

City firms bank on ‘savvy squirrel’ advertising campaign to push Brits towards investing

The Guardian World news

By: Kalyeena Makortoff Banking correspondent

23 April 2026 at 07:36

The campaign is part of government initiative to boost financial risk taking, amid fears UK growth is being stymied

Nils Pratley: the ‘Savvy Squirrel looks a hit too tame’

City firms are pinning their hopes on a government-endorsed advertising blitz fronted by a finance “savvy” CGI squirrel to encourage cautious British savers to shift out of cash and start investing.

The long-awaited retail investment campaign, which will cost up to £50m, is part of the chancellor Rachel Reeves’ nationwide push to encourage more financial risk taking, amid fears risk-averse consumers are losing out and ultimately stymying UK growth.

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