The British Bankers’ Association said its members gave the green light to 44,657 mortgages in January, up from 43,581 in December and the highest number since January last year, when 45,794 were granted. The BBA said low mortgage rates were also driving strong interest from existing home-owners in remortgaging. Source: Reuters
Russia’s largest aluminum producer Rusal (0486.HK) said on Monday it has not received a formal resignation from director Oleg Deripaska, and reiterated that its business and prospects may be affected by U.S. sanctions. Source: Reuters
The US treasury secretary announced that a looming trade war has been put “on hold.” But European officials are worried that a new trade deal between the US and China could come “at the expense of Europe.” Source: Deutsche Welle
The European Union is not doing enough to preserve the benefits for Iran from the 2015 international nuclear pact following the withdrawal of the United States, Iran’s foreign minister told the EU’s energy chief on Sunday. Source: France24
