double quotation markThe tug of war for investors remains much the same: strong corporate earnings and AI-led optimism are still doing plenty of heavy lifting, but elevated bond yields, firm oil prices, and uncertainty over the path for interest rates are keeping a lid on the enthusiasm.<\/p>\n
Share<\/a>easyJet shares surge 11% after attracting takeover interest<\/p>\n UK airline easyJet has hit out at private credit firm Castlelake for considering a \u2018highly opportunistic\u2019 takeover bid.<\/p>\n On Friday, Castlelake said it was in the \u201cearly stages of considering a possible offer\u201d for easyJet, but had not approached to the company\u2019s board.<\/p>\n This morning, easyJet told the City that it would consider a proposal, and be \u201cespecially mindful of its valuation and deliverability\u201d.<\/p>\n The airline added:<\/p>\n double quotation markValuation: the Board notes the highly opportunistic timing when easyJet\u2019s share price is temporarily depressed due to the current situation in the Middle East and its impact on customer confidence and jet fuel prices.<\/p>\n Deliverability: the Board notes the considerable regulatory, financial and other execution challenges associated with a potential takeover of easyJet.<\/p>\n Shares in easyJet have jumped by 11% at the start of trading to 442p, their highest level in three months.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n The 0.6% drop in UK house prices last month is the biggest decline since June 2025, Nationwide\u2019s data shows.<\/p>\n Economists polled by Reuters had expected a smaller drop, of 0.2%. [corrected].<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a003.13 EDT<\/p>\n UK house prices fall: What the experts say<\/p>\n Here\u2019s some snap reaction to the news that UK house prices dropped last month for the first time this year<\/a>:<\/p>\n Tom Bill, head of UK residential research at Knight Frank:<\/p>\n double quotation mark\u201cThis is further evidence that the housing market slowed down at precisely the time of year when you would expect momentum to be building. There won\u2019t be a cliff-edge moment, but the impact of higher borrowing costs will erode spending power and squeeze house prices this year as mortgage rates agreed before the Middle East conflict gradually disappear.<\/p>\n With the Bank of England likely to sit on its hands for the foreseeable future, we expect minimal house price growth in 2026, with uncertainty around the Budget and ideological direction of the government likely to keep a lid on activity.\u201d<\/p>\n Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, comments:<\/p>\n double quotation mark\u201cStable house prices will be welcomed by many buyers and sellers looking for greater certainty in the market after a prolonged period of economic volatility. Buyers who need to move are continuing to act decisively, particularly where mortgage rates have stabilised, and supply levels remain constrained.<\/p>\n \u201cMany households are continuing to carefully assess affordability before making decisions, particularly as mortgage costs remain higher than many borrowers have become accustomed to over recent years. However, steady pricing can help support confidence and encourage more balanced negotiations between buyers and sellers.\u201d<\/p>\n Amy Reynolds, head of sales at Richmond estate agency Antony Roberts:<\/p>\n double quotation mark\u201cDespite concerns about the conflict in the Middle East, demand continues to hold up for well-priced, high-quality homes and the closer the asking price is to true market value, the greater the likelihood of securing a successful sale. Buyers are not stretching to make offers they don\u2019t believe will be accepted \u2013 they are simply choosing alternative properties.<\/p>\n In certain price brackets, buyers have the luxury of choice and vendors need to be mindful of this. While the wider economic backdrop may temper the pace of growth, we are seeing a more price-sensitive market where realism and accurate positioning are key.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Nationwide\u2019s Robert Gardner also predicts that the UK housing market could pick up strrength if the Middle East crisis eases:<\/p>\n double quotation markHousing affordability had been improving steadily in recent years due to a combination of income growth outpacing house price growth by a wide margin and a modest decline in borrowing costs.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile market interest rates have risen in recent months, the impact on affordability has so far been modest. Indeed, swap rates, which underpin fixed\u2011rate mortgage pricing, remain well below the highs reached in 2023 and are broadly in line with levels prevailing in 2024, implying only a partial reversal of earlier gains.<\/p>\n \u201cThis provides some confidence that, if the latest shock passes relatively quickly, and energy prices normalise in the quarters ahead, any near-term softening in the housing market will also prove short lived.\u201d<\/p>\n Photograph: NationwideShare<\/a><\/p>\n This chart shows how UK house prices have now dipped back from their record high:<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/439.png\")
Photograph: Nationwide<\/p>\n