Here are the business stories making the headlines across Aberdeen, Scotland and the UK this morning.
Higher mortgage rates inflict ‘pain’ on UK housing market
House sales, prices and demand all fell in September after benchmark mortgage rates surged to their highest level in three years, squeezing household finances and inflicting fresh “pain” on the UK property market.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) said on Thursday that its measure of buyer enquiries fell to minus 22 in September from minus 18 in August.
Agreed sales slipped to minus 18 from minus 16 over the same period, while the measure for house prices dropped to minus 32 last month from minus 28 in August, according to the closely watched survey.
Click here to read more in the FT.
Centrica strikes 20-year Canadian gas deal as North Sea projects remain in limbo
British energy giant Centrica has struck a 20-year deal to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Canada, even as major North Sea developments remain in limbo awaiting decisions from the UK Government.
The owner of British Gas has signed a preliminary agreement to purchase one million tonnes of LNG annually from the proposed Ksi Lisims export facility in British Columbia, underlining the continued importance of natural gas to Britain's long-term energy security.
The agreement comes as projects including Rosebank and Jackdaw remain caught in regulatory uncertainty, despite the UK facing decades of continued demand for oil and gas.
Click here to read more
Iran war blows near-£12bn hole in Britain’s public finances
The war in Iran has blown a near-£12billion hole in Britain’s public finances, with soaring borrowing costs and inflation estimated to have halved Chancellor John Healey’s fiscal headroom from £23.6billion in March to around £12billion, according to the Financial Times.
Higher interest payments on government debt account for approximately £10billion of the deterioration, increasing pressure on the Chancellor ahead of the October 28 Budget.
Healey is expected to prioritise support for households facing rising energy bills and help for businesses, but may need further tax rises and spending cuts to fund those measures while maintaining the confidence of financial markets.
Click here to read the full story.
Caravan park near Trump golf resort approved despite road safety concerns
Plans for a new caravan park and glamping development near Donald Trump's Aberdeenshire golf resort have been unanimously approved by councillors despite objections from local residents.
The development at Leanach, near Whitecairns and Balmedie, will include 10 motorhome pitches, eight glamping pods, a reception building and toilet and shower facilities.
Six objections were submitted to Aberdeenshire Council, raising concerns about increased traffic, road safety and disruption to the surrounding rural area.
However, council planners recommended approval, with roads officials concluding that the additional traffic would not create significant problems.
Click here to read the full story in the Press & Journal