内容摘要：Mr Stults adds: "They're already expensive and the potential is that they will get more expensive."

Mr Stults adds: "They're already expensive and the potential is that they will get more expensive."

But the dampening impact of uncertainty regarding whether US tariffs will materialise or not remains.The bottom line is that many economists think trade will still be very badly affected this year.

"Trump's trade war is not over – not by a long shot," is the verdict of Grace Fan of the consultancy TS Lombard.A Bruce Springsteen superfan who told the music legend he should play in Liverpool says he is looking forward to the star's first performances in the city this week.Phil Beard, 72, says he has spent "many, many, many thousands of pounds" travelling the world to watch the singer perform at about 75 gigs since 1981.

On meeting the star at a US book-signing in 2016, he urged him to consider playing in his home city of Liverpool. He also encouraged Springsteen's E Street Band guitarist Stevie Van Zandt at two meetings, with the latter having since performed at the city's Cavern Club.Mr Beard has now booked tickets for both of Springsteen's concerts at Anfield stadium on Wednesday and Saturday.

Mr Beard says he became "hooked" on the star's rock music, after first hearing it in 1976.

He said he found the music "resonates" because of "the story in the songs - his truthfulness, the power, the rock and roll".The money will also pay for improving the venue's reception area, refurbishing toilets and creating a more attractive entrance.

Originally a Civic Hall built in 1973, The Beacon now has a theatre, dance studio and three function rooms.The improvements are the second phase of an action plan - and the council said it had already done things like start National Theatre Live screenings and re-introduce a cafe.

Councillor Helen Pighill said the authority had to balance The Beacon's "dual role" as an entertainment venue, aiming to be more commercial, and the "valuable public service" it offered for things like training and education.She said: "The first phase action plan for the Beacon, adopted in February 2024, laid the groundwork for improvements and this next phase addresses outstanding actions, while introducing a comprehensive set of new initiatives."