Cracker Barrel, a U.S. restaurant chain, decided to keep its old logo after facing negative reactions to a new design. The company acknowledged customer feedback as a reason for reverting to the previous logo, which features traditional Southern imagery. Their shares dropped by about 7% after the rebranding announcement.
Key Facts
Cracker Barrel is a U.S. restaurant chain known for Southern-style food.
The company originally planned to change its logo by removing the "Old Timer" image.
The new logo faced criticism for moving away from its traditional brand image.
President Donald Trump voiced support for the company returning to its old logo.
After listening to customer feedback, Cracker Barrel decided to keep the original logo.
Cracker Barrel has more than 600 locations across the U.S.
Shares of Cracker Barrel fell by about 7% following the logo change announcement.
The company emphasized its focus on traditional Southern hospitality in a public statement.
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Cracker Barrel is changing back to its old logo after facing criticism from some customers, including supporters of former President Trump. The company's stock initially dropped but went up 7% after announcing the return to the original logo.
Key Facts
Cracker Barrel decided to stop using its new logo and go back to the old one.
The decision followed negative feedback from customers, including MAGA supporters.
Former President Trump commented on the issue, urging the chain to revert to the original logo.
The restaurant chain made a public statement thanking customers for their feedback.
Cracker Barrel shares fell after the backlash started but rose 7% after the announcement.
The company is based in Lebanon, Tennessee.
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Energy prices in the UK are expected to rise slightly this autumn and winter, as predicted by analysts ahead of Ofgem's announcement of the new energy price cap. The cap for October to December will impact gas and electricity prices for millions of households. Government support measures are in place to assist vulnerable households during this period of increased costs.
Key Facts
Ofgem will announce the new energy price cap that sets the maximum cost per unit for gas and electricity in England, Scotland, and Wales.
Analysts expect a 1% annual increase in energy prices from October 2023.
The typical household energy bill is predicted to rise by £17 to £1,737 per year.
The price cap change takes effect at the start of October and lasts for three months.
Vulnerable households receiving benefits will automatically get a £150 Warm Home Discount.
All energy bill payers contribute to funding extra support measures for vulnerable households.
Energy price increases reflect wholesale market costs and added government support measures.
Some consumer groups suggest looking for fixed-price deals, while noting potential exit fees.
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Adam Frisby, the founder of In The Style, started the online fashion brand with £1,000 in 2013 and grew it to a £100m valuation before it was eventually sold for £1.2m after financial troubles. Frisby left the company due to personal and professional struggles, including a legal battle and abuse from shareholders. Despite these challenges, he states he has no regrets about his decision to leave.
Key Facts
Adam Frisby founded In The Style in 2013 with £1,000.
The company was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2021 with a valuation of over £100m.
In The Style was delisted and sold for £1.2m, with the company recording a loss of £8.4m.
Frisby experienced personal attacks, including death threats and accusations of idea theft.
The company faced reduced interest after the COVID pandemic and rising costs due to the Ukraine conflict.
Frisby won a legal case against claims he stole the business idea.
In The Style was embroiled in a social media controversy with influencers claiming unpaid partnerships.
Frisby has announced his complete departure from In The Style and now expects a child with his partner through surrogacy.
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Americans feel less confident about the U.S. economy due to a slowing job market. The consumer confidence index dropped this month, and more people are worried about job availability and their future income.
Key Facts
The consumer confidence index fell to 97.4 in August from 98.7 in July.
People are concerned about the availability of jobs; this sentiment has decreased for eight months.
U.S. employers added only 73,000 jobs in July, less than the 115,000 expected.
The unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.2% from 4.1%.
Job openings decreased from 7.7 million in May to 7.4 million in June.
References to high prices and inflation went up, often linked to tariffs.
There was a rise in the number of people expecting a recession in the next year.
More people plan to buy a car, but plans to buy appliances or go on vacation dropped.
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Consumer confidence in the U.S. fell slightly in August due to increasing worries about the job market and tariffs. The decline was anticipated by economists and was reflected in the Conference Board's report. Job growth was lower than expected, and concerns about a potential recession increased.
Key Facts
U.S. consumer confidence index decreased by 1.3 points to 97.4 in August.
The index measuring expectations for income and jobs fell to 74.8.
U.S. employers added 73,000 jobs in July, below the expected 115,000.
Previous job figures for May and June were revised downward by 258,000 jobs.
The unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.2%.
There were 7.4 million job vacancies in June, a decrease from May's 7.7 million.
Concerns about inflation and tariffs are linked to increasing prices.
The percentage of consumers fearing a recession rose to its highest level since April.
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The United States is ending a rule that allowed low-value imports to avoid tariffs, as part of efforts to rely less on foreign goods. Starting this week, packages worth $800 or less will face import taxes, impacting small businesses and online shoppers. This change is affecting international shipping, with several countries pausing shipments to the U.S.
Key Facts
The U.S. will no longer allow low-value imports (under $800) to enter the country duty-free.
This change is part of a move to decrease dependency on foreign goods and adjust global trade.
Previously exempt small packages will now have to pay tariffs based on their origin country’s rate.
For the next six months, there is an option for a flat duty rate of $80 to $200 on these packages.
Many national postal services in various countries, including Japan and the U.K., are temporarily halting shipments to the U.S.
The "de minimis" exemption started in 1938 to avoid tariffs on imports valued at $1 or less.
Over the years, the limit increased to $800, and last year, 1.36 billion such packages entered the U.S.
The exemption is seen by some as a loophole exploited by foreign businesses and for illegal goods.
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The energy price cap in England, Wales, and Scotland limits the highest price suppliers can charge for each unit of energy. This cap affects around 21 million households and is reviewed every three months. Starting October 1, prices are expected to rise slightly from the previous drop in July.
Key Facts
The energy price cap limits how much suppliers can charge for energy units, but actual bills depend on usage.
As of July, the annual bill for a typical household on a dual-fuel direct debit plan was £1,720.
From July to September 2025, gas is capped at 6.33p per kWh, and electricity at 25.73p per kWh.
Prepayment meter users paid slightly less than direct debit users, with an annual typical bill of £1,672.
The cap does not apply in Northern Ireland, which has its own energy market.
Taking a meter reading when the cap changes can help avoid charges based on incorrect estimates.
Fixed-price energy deals are not influenced by the cap but can have penalties for early withdrawal.
Standing charges are daily fees to maintain gas and electricity connections and slightly differ by region.
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A new report shows that pay increases for people who switch jobs are now similar to those for employees who stay in the same job. This change is due to a slowing job market, which gives employers more control over salaries.
Key Facts
People who change jobs now receive an average wage increase of 4.3%, similar to those who stay in their jobs.
Historically, job switchers received bigger pay raises than those who stayed put.
During the Great Resignation, job switchers saw large pay increases, sometimes over 20%.
Employers are hiring less due to a slower job market and effects related to tariffs.
The power to set salaries is shifting back to employers rather than employees seeking new positions.
Bank of America's internal data shows job movers received a median pay raise of 7%.
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Poundland, a budget retailer, may run out of money by the end of the week if a restructuring plan is not approved. The company is asking a High Court judge to approve a plan that would provide it with more cash to avoid going into administration. Poundland has about 800 stores and employs 14,700 people.
Key Facts
Poundland has asked for a court-approved restructure to avoid running out of money by 7 September.
The company announced plans to close 68 stores, affecting around 1,000 jobs.
A cash injection of £60 million is part of the plan, in addition to £30 million already provided.
Poundland was sold for £1 to a private equity firm subsidiary, Peach Bidco.
The company reported a £35.7 million loss in the last financial year.
Poundland will stop selling products online, leading to 350 warehouse job losses.
The company's debt repayment of £276.5 million is due by 1 September but could be delayed by three years with the restructuring.
Many Poundland stores are unprofitable due to high rent costs.
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Wall Street calmed down after initial reactions to President Trump's announcement that he plans to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. This move by Trump is causing concern as it could affect the independent nature of the Federal Reserve and may lead to legal challenges. Global markets mostly fell after the announcement, with notable declines in Europe and Asia.
Key Facts
President Trump announced plans to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.
Wall Street futures for major indices dropped slightly after the announcement.
Trump cited mortgage fraud allegations linked to a regulator he appointed as the reason.
Lisa Cook said she does not plan to resign from her position.
Trump's action could lead to legal proceedings and affect the Fed's independence.
Global markets, including those in Germany, France, and Japan, experienced declines.
Traders widely expect the Federal Reserve to cut its benchmark interest rate soon.
Boeing disclosed a substantial deal with Korean Air amid little change in its share price.
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The article addresses advice specifically aimed at women over 40 related to personal finance topics like childcare and pensions. Martin Lewis, a financial expert, shares this advice.
Key Facts
Martin Lewis gives advice on personal finance.
The advice is aimed at women over 40.
Key topics include childcare and pensions.
The information is available in a full episode on BBC Sounds.
Martin Lewis is a recognized financial expert.
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Mozambique is hosting its annual Maputo International Trade Fair to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth. The event emphasizes Mozambique's resources and the need to support local businesses through initiatives like a new $40 million fund to assist small and medium enterprises. The government aims to leverage its natural resources and improve economic conditions amid various challenges.
Key Facts
Mozambique is holding the 60th annual Maputo International Trade Fair with over 3,000 exhibitors from nearly 30 countries.
The country promotes its resources, such as arable land and natural gas, for foreign investment.
A $40 million Mutual Guarantee Fund is launched to finance small and medium businesses, focusing on women and young entrepreneurs.
The fund aims to overcome high interest rates that hinder small business growth.
President Daniel Chapo stresses the importance of creating a good environment for investors and supporting local economic independence.
Mozambique's projected GDP growth for 2025 is 3 percent, down from 5.4 percent in 2023.
The country faces economic challenges, including past corruption scandals and slow recovery from them.
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Home insurance costs are increasing in areas prone to extreme weather due to climate change, according to a new analysis. The national average for annual home insurance premiums rose by 9% since 2023, with states like Nebraska, Louisiana, and Florida seeing particularly high rates. Lawmakers in Florida are making efforts to reduce costs, even as climate impacts continue to affect insurance availability and affordability.
Key Facts
The national average for annual home insurance premiums is $2,470 as of July 2023.
Nebraska, Louisiana, and Florida have much higher than average premiums due to extreme weather risks.
For example, homeowners in New Orleans spend about 17.5% of their median income on home insurance.
Higher incomes in some areas, like Denver, can offset high insurance costs relative to income.
Florida has seen a 9% decrease in home insurance costs from 2023 to 2025.
Climate change is causing insurers to non-renew policies or leave high-risk markets.
Many factors influence actual home insurance costs, including credit scores and home materials.
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Investment in U.S. renewable energy projects has decreased significantly, while global investment in renewable energy has reached a new high. This decline in the U.S. is linked to changed federal support and uncertainties related to government policies and tariffs. Meanwhile, investment in renewable energy projects is growing in Europe.
Key Facts
Global renewable energy investment reached a record high in early 2025.
U.S. investment in renewable energy fell by $20.5 billion, or 36%, from late 2024 to early 2025.
The decrease is attributed to changes in U.S. government support and uncertainty over tariffs, especially affecting wind energy.
The European Union saw an increase in renewable energy investment.
The U.S. was not among the top-five wind energy markets for the first time since 2016.
The first half of 2025 saw $386 billion invested globally, mostly in wind and solar energy.
There are fresh U.S. government constraints on wind and solar projects and potential new tariffs on wind components.
Some other countries, like China and Spain, also faced investment declines due to challenges like negative power prices.
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Norway's $2-trillion wealth fund, the largest in the world, has stopped investing in US company Caterpillar and five Israeli banks. This decision is due to concerns that these companies contribute to rights violations in Gaza and the West Bank. The fund's ethics council recommended the divestment, citing Caterpillar's equipment use in property destruction and the banks' roles in funding settlements.
Key Facts
Norway’s wealth fund is the biggest worldwide, managing $2 trillion.
The fund divested from Caterpillar, a US construction equipment company, over rights violation concerns.
Caterpillar's equipment is reportedly used by Israel in destroying Palestinian property.
The fund also divested from five Israeli banks due to their financial support of settlements.
Norwegian central bank mentioned a risk of these companies violating rights in war zones.
The International Court of Justice has criticized Israeli settlements as illegal.
The divestment includes bank stakes totaling $661 million.
The ethics council indicated Caterpillar has not acted to prevent its equipment use in rights violations.
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Food prices in the UK have hit an 18-month high due to rising costs of items like chocolate, butter, and eggs. The British Retail Consortium reported a food inflation rate of 4.2% this month, with poor cocoa harvests and increased operational costs contributing to the increase. Inflation in the UK, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, has also risen, impacting overall living costs.
Key Facts
Food price inflation in the UK reached 4.2% in August.
Rising prices for chocolate, butter, and eggs drove the increase.
Poor cocoa harvests were caused by climate issues and crop diseases.
Cheaper clothing, books, and stationery offered relief for parents.
Global supply costs and weather conditions contributed to food inflation.
UK inflation, measured by CPI, rose to 3.8% in July.
Over five years, food prices have increased by about 37%.
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Councils in the UK are selling public buildings, like schools and sports clubs, to pay off debts that have reached £122 billion. The government is working on reforms to help fix the funding problems causing these high debts. Many councils are even given special permission to sell properties to cover everyday expenses.
Key Facts
UK councils have accumulated £122 billion in debt.
Public buildings, including schools and sports clubs, are being sold to reduce these debts.
The Public Works Loans Board provided most of the low-interest borrowing for councils.
30 councils received special permissions in 2023 to sell assets to fund daily operations.
Croydon council's debt is at £1.5 billion, even after selling £210 million worth of property.
Councils can borrow to fund improvements or make income-generating investments.
Since 2010, councils have invested in shopping centers and solar farms using borrowed funds.
Government acknowledges the current funding system for councils is broken and is planning reforms.
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