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Your lookahead horoscope: August 31, 2025

  IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY The message of your birthday chart is that you must know your own mind and follow what it tells you to the letter. Ignore those who complain about your aims, because there is nothing they can do to hinder you – and they certainly won’t help! Aries (March 21 - April 20): Someone who is important to you on both a personal and a professional level will be difficult to get through to over the next few days. It’s no big deal though, so don’t panic. They will be back on the same wavelength before the end of week. Taurus (April 21 - May 21): Although your financial situation may not be as bad as you fear you have been a bit too free and easy with your cash in recent weeks. Cut back on your spending over the next few days – make it essentials only from now on. Gemini (May 22 - June 21): You may be of a mind to give up on a project that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere but don’t be hasty. While Saturn is going through its retrograde phase it may seem as if you a...
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UK Grocery Inflation Hits 18-Month High, Squeezing Household Budgets

 

Grocery price inflation in the UK surged to 5.2% in the four weeks leading up to July 13, marking the highest rate since January 2024. The increase, up from 4.7% the previous month, is expected to add an average of £275 to annual household grocery bills.

What's Driving the Rise?

  • Retailer costs: Rising staff wages, increased National Insurance contributions, and regulatory expenses are being passed on to consumers.
  • Commodity pressures: Global supply chain issues continue to affect food prices.
  • Consumer behavior: Nearly two-thirds of UK households report being “very concerned” about grocery costs.

How Shoppers Are Adapting

  • Switching to own-label products: Sales of supermarket-branded items rose by 5.6%, outpacing branded goods at 4.9%.
  • Simpler meals: About 70% of dinners now include fewer than six ingredients, reflecting budget-conscious cooking habits.

Winners and Losers in Retail

SupermarketSales GrowthMarket Share
Ocado+11.7%2.0%
Lidl+11.1%8.3%
Tesco+7.1%28.3%
Sainsbury's+5.3%15.1%
Asda-3.0%11.8%
Co-op-3.7%5.2%

Discount retailers like Lidl and Aldi are gaining ground as shoppers seek value, while Asda and Co-op saw declines.


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