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Rhian Nicholson


  • Gartmore confirms flotation plans
    Rhian Nicholson
    20.11.09
    Fund management group Gartmore has confirmed plans to float on the London Stock Exchange at the end of the year in what will be the biggest initial public offering this year.
  • Markets: The week that was (16-20/11/09)
    Rhian Nicholson
    20.11.09
    Markets hit a cold spell last week as profit taking and lower commodity prices spelled the end of the recent rally. Read our round-up of the last five days...
  • The perks of investing
    Rhian Nicholson
    20.11.09
    Everyone likes a freebie, and don't listed companies know it. Rhian Nicholson runs through some of the perks listed firms offer to their shareholders.
  • Retail recovery hopes grow
    Rhian Nicholson
    19.11.09
    Shoppers were starting to loosen their purse strings in October with retail sales growing at their fastest rate for 17 months, official figures showed today.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    19.11.09
    Morrison and Halfords are among the big names updating the market today. Check out what else is in store.
  • ITV's chairman search finally ends
    Rhian Nicholson
    18.11.09
    The search for ITV's new chairman is finally over, with the struggling broadcaster naming Archie Norman as Michael Grade's successor.
  • Lloyds' restructure given European go-ahead
    Rhian Nicholson
    18.11.09
    Lloyds Banking Group can press ahead with plans for the UK's largest ever rights issue after its radical restructuring plans were formally given the go-ahead by the European Commission.
  • Quantitative easing splits MPC
    Rhian Nicholson
    18.11.09
    The multi-billion pound question on the future of quantitative easing heavily split opinion on the Monetary Policy Committee in its November meeting, according to minutes released today.
  • Queen's Speech sets out banking regulations
    Rhian Nicholson
    18.11.09
    Financial stability was at the centre of the Queen's Speech today as the government set out a batch of regulations aiming to keep banks in check and avoid a repeat of the worst financial crisis in decades.
  • Barratt adds to housebuilders' optimism
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.11.09
    Barratt Developments today reinforced the cautiously optimistic mood in the housebuilding sector with higher reservations and a stronger order book.
  • Stockbroker fined for insider trading
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.11.09
    A former Pacific Continental Securities stockbroker has been fined £24,000 for using inside information about an AIM-traded company to encourage his clients to buy its shares.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.11.09
    Budget airline easyJet flies into view on the corporate calendar today, joined by British Land and Burberry, among others. See what else is in store.
  • Persimmon stokes housing market hopes
    Rhian Nicholson
    16.11.09
    Housebuilder Persimmon today stoked hopes of a recovery in the housing market with an improvement in third-quarter trading activity.
  • BA and Iberia agree to merger
    Rhian Nicholson
    13.11.09
    Struggling airlines British Airways and Iberia have agreed the preliminary terms of their merger to create the world's third biggest carrier.
  • Markets: The week that was (09-13/11/09)
    Rhian Nicholson
    13.11.09
    Banks took centre stage again as third-quarter reporting season continued apace this week. Read our round-up of the major market and company news of the past five days.
  • Cost cutting helps BT increase forecasts
    Rhian Nicholson
    12.11.09
    Telecoms giant BT Group today upped its full-year revenue and dividend forecasts amid plans to ramp up its cost-cutting drive by a further £500 million.
  • Rising oil prices could hit demand
    Rhian Nicholson
    12.11.09
    The rising price of oil could take a bite out of global demand with economies of developed countries remaining "fragile", the International Energy Agency has warned.
  • National Express launches £360m cash call
    Rhian Nicholson
    11.11.09
    National Express today announced plans to tap shareholders for £360 million to pay off some of its £1 billion debts and give it extra breathing space on its loan repayments.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    11.11.09
    Supermarket giant Sainsbury's is the big-name firm reporting today, but see what else the corporate calendar has in store...
  • Barclays set to restart dividend payments
    Rhian Nicholson
    10.11.09
    Banking giant Barclays is planning to restart dividend payments next month despite rising bad debts knocking profits in the first nine months of the year.
  • Vodafone to ramp up cost cutting
    Rhian Nicholson
    10.11.09
    Mobile phone giant Vodafone is stepping up its cost-cutting drive after its interim results came in line with expectations.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    10.11.09
    Banking giants Barclays and HSBC are likely to be hogging the headlines today. See what else the corporate calendar has in store for investors today...
  • Yell cries out for cash
    Rhian Nicholson
    10.11.09
    Yellow Pages publisher Yell Group is planning on tapping investors for £660 million to boost its balance sheet and help cut its £3.8 billion debt pile.
  • Cadbury urges Kraft deal "no" vote
    Rhian Nicholson
    09.11.09
    US processed food giant Kraft has launched its hostile bid for UK confectionary giant Cadbury, with the UK firm dismissing the bid as "derisory".
  • Markets: The week that was (02-06/11/09)
    Rhian Nicholson
    07.11.09
    The long wait was finally over this week as shareholders learnt the fate of the part-nationalised banks Lloyds and Royal Bank of Scotland.
  • Bad debts haunt RBS
    Rhian Nicholson
    06.11.09
    Royal Bank of Scotland today revealed heavy third quarter losses with bad debts continuing to plague the part-nationalised bank.
  • UKFI back in the hot seat
    Rhian Nicholson
    06.11.09
    The Treasury Select Committee gave the top dogs at UKFI another grilling after their last showdown in March.
  • What's in store...
    Rhian Nicholson
    06.11.09
    A dramatic week for the markets is unlikely to finish on a quiet note with Royal Bank of Scotland and British Airways both reporting today.
  • BoE boosts quantitative easing by £25bn
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.11.09
    The Bank of England has pumped another £25 billion into its quantitative easing programme and frozen rates at 0.5% in a bid to support the fledgling economic recovery.
  • ITV predicts ad pick-up
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.11.09
    Broadcaster ITV cheered investors with forecasts for a surprise rise in advertising revenue next month.
  • UBS hit with £8m unauthorised trading fine
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.11.09
    Swiss banking giant UBS has been slapped with an £8 million fine for failing to stop four employees carrying out unauthorised trades involving customer cash.
  • Vedanta sees signs of global recovery
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.11.09
    Mining giant Vedanta Resources was today forecasting better times ahead after efforts to ramp up production failed to offset the effect of weak metal prices earlier in the year.
  • What's in store...
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.11.09
    The Bank of England comes back into the spotlight on Thursday with all attention focussed on its next step on the quantitative easing front.
  • High Street points to pick-up
    Rhian Nicholson
    04.11.09
    High street stalwarts Marks & Spencer and Next today pointed to further signs of a retail revival following stronger trading in recent months.
  • Banks to reveal state of play
    Rhian Nicholson
    03.11.09
    It's judgement day for Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds as the banks reveal the outcome of months of negotiations with the Treasury.
  • Barclays revamps its business
    Rhian Nicholson
    03.11.09
    It's all change at the top at Barclays as the banking giant looks to overhaul its structure and the responsibilities of its senior management team.
  • House prices rise further
    Rhian Nicholson
    03.11.09
    House prices continued on their uphill path for the fourth consecutive month in October, according to the latest survey from Halifax.
  • What's in store...
    Rhian Nicholson
    03.11.09
    Today retailers come to the fore with interim results from Marks & Spencer and a trading update from Next.
  • RBS warns of significant asset sell-off
    Rhian Nicholson
    02.11.09
    Part-nationalised group Royal Bank of Scotland today warned it will have to sell off more of its assets than initially planned in return for receiving state aid.
  • Yell creditors back refinancing
    Rhian Nicholson
    02.11.09
    Shares in Yellow pages publisher Yell Group soared by 13% on Monday after the troubled group announced the requisite 95% of lenders had agreed its refinancing plans for its £3.8 billion debt mountain.
  • Barclays facing £130m losses
    Rhian Nicholson
    30.10.09
    Barclays is facing a potential loss of as much as £130 million following an alleged fraud at German fund of hedge funds K1 Group.
  • Markets: The week that was (26-30/10/09)
    Rhian Nicholson
    30.10.09
    London's top index fell back this week, amid a mixed bag of big-name results and cash call rumours for Lloyds. Read our weekly round-up.
  • Media firms enjoy third-quarter boom
    Rhian Nicholson
    30.10.09
    Listed media companies saw a dramatic turnaround in fortunes during the third quarter of 2009 with the value of stocks rising by 33.5%, according to accountants Grant Thornton.
  • National Express drama takes a new twist
    Rhian Nicholson
    30.10.09
    The National Express drama stepped up a gear today after its largest shareholder voiced "serious concerns" about the lack of strategy at the firm.
  • Yell awaits final refinancing approval
    Rhian Nicholson
    30.10.09
    Struggling Yellow Pages owner Yell Group is waiting on two lenders to approve its refinancing plans for its £3.8 billion debt mountain.
  • QinetiQ chief exec departs
    Rhian Nicholson
    29.10.09
    The chief executive of defense firm QinetiQ today became the latest senior figure to leave the group - hot on the heels of a stream of bad news for the firm.
  • US economy pulls out of recession
    Rhian Nicholson
    29.10.09
    The US economy came out of its longest and most severe recession since the 1930s in the third quarter, unofficial figures show.
  • Update: Lloyds soars on fundraising talks
    Rhian Nicholson
    29.10.09
    Shares in Lloyds Banking Group shot up after it confirmed it is in "advanced discussions" over alternatives to its participation in the Asset Protection Scheme.
  • EU approves Northern Rock split
    Rhian Nicholson
    28.10.09
    The European Union gives the go-ahead for plans to split nationalised Northern Rock into a good bank and a bad bank.
  • Santander's UK profits go sky high
    Rhian Nicholson
    28.10.09
    Banco Santander's UK banking operations saw profits more than double for the year to date despite warning that the economy remains "fragile".
  • Barratt warns over mail strike
    Rhian Nicholson
    27.10.09
    Housebuilder Barratt Developments is concerned that the ongoing postal strikes could hit its fundraising efforts.
  • Investors grow more hopeful of Yell debt deal
    Rhian Nicholson
    27.10.09
    Shares in Yell Group recovered much of their lost ground on Tuesday after investors became more optimistic that it will strike a deal to restructure its finances.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    27.10.09
    Oil giant BP and household goods firm Reckitt Benckiser are the two major names releasing trading statements today. See what else is in store.
  • B&B downplays split speculation
    Rhian Nicholson
    26.10.09
    Bradford & Bingley has played down suggestions it is to split into a good bank and a bad bank in the near future.
  • Barclays snaps up Standard Life Bank
    Rhian Nicholson
    26.10.09
    Barclays has snapped up Standard Life Bank in a £226 million cash deal as it looks to beef up its mortgage and savings operations.
  • FTSE 100 bosses carry on earning
    Rhian Nicholson
    26.10.09
    The bosses of FTSE 100 firms are still earning as much as in the pre-recession boom years, as companies raise their salaries to compensate for falling bonuses.
  • Fears over future of BA runway slots
    Rhian Nicholson
    26.10.09
    Shares in British Airways were on the slide today amid concerns it could have to give up some of its prized take-off and landing slots to get approval for its alliance with Iberia and American Airlines.
  • BSkyB AGM pushes the right buttons
    Rhian Nicholson
    23.10.09
    It was a high definition performance from BSkyB at its 21st AGM on Friday. Rhian Nicholson reports from inside the broadcaster's meeting.
  • BSkyB rides out the downturn
    Rhian Nicholson
    23.10.09
    Satellite broadcaster BSkyB has continued to ride high in the downturn, with stronger customer numbers boosting profits in the first quarter of the year.
  • The week ahead...
    Rhian Nicholson
    23.10.09
    The major oil players take centre stage with both BP and Royal Dutch Shell set for trading updates. See what else is in store this week...
  • Banks to draw up 'living wills' by year-end
    Rhian Nicholson
    22.10.09
    Several major UK banks will have drawn up 'living wills' by the end of the year as part of the City watchdog's plans to strengthen the banking sector.
  • Investors cheer Gulf Keystone's discovery
    Rhian Nicholson
    22.10.09
    Investors were today celebrating Gulf Keystone Petroleum's discovery of a "significant" low-gravity oil resource at its Shaikan-1 well in Iraq's Kurdish region.
  • National Express issues profit warning
    Rhian Nicholson
    22.10.09
    Ailing travel group National Express has warned that its full-year profits are likely to miss expectations, as it looks to tap shareholders for extra cash before the end of the year.
  • OFT decision buoys pub groups
    Rhian Nicholson
    22.10.09
    Shares in pub companies recorded double-digit gains after the Office of Fair Trading cleared rules that force tenants to buy supplies from their landlords.
  • Retail sales flat in September
    Rhian Nicholson
    22.10.09
    Shoppers are still keeping their purse strings tight, as figures today show retail sales were flat for the second consecutive month in September.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    22.10.09
    Retail sales and an update from Debenhams bring the high street into focus today, with Anglo American and Petrofac among the other names reporting.
  • Bank could extend QE in November
    Rhian Nicholson
    21.10.09
    The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee could potentially expand its quantitative easing programme further in November, minutes from its October meeting suggest.
  • Cadbury's results put pressure on Kraft
    Rhian Nicholson
    21.10.09
    Chocolate maker Cadbury has piled the pressure on potential suitor Kraft after strong third-quarter trading led it to raise its revenue and margin forecasts.
  • Lloyds in further divestment move
    Rhian Nicholson
    20.10.09
    Lloyds Banking Group has confirmed plans to sell off part of its private client fund management business to Rathbone Brothers in a deal worth up to £35.4 million.
  • Qatari investors to cash in on Barclays
    Rhian Nicholson
    20.10.09
    Shares in Barclays were on the slide as its Qatari investors looked to pocket profits of more than £600 million from selling half of their stake in the banking giant.
  • M&A activity soars in property sector
    Rhian Nicholson
    19.10.09
    Mergers and acquisitions activity in the property sector shot up to the highest point for a year in the third quarter, according to accountants Grant Thornton.
  • Mortgage market set for shake-up
    Rhian Nicholson
    19.10.09
    Lenders will have to carry out tougher checks on borrowers' income including existing loans and spending habits before giving them a mortgage.
  • Stagecoach eyes National Express takeover
    Rhian Nicholson
    19.10.09
    Bus and rail group Stagecoach is eyeing a takeover of rival National Express after its merger talks with the CVC Capital Partners-led consortium collapsed late last week.
  • BoA unveils $1bn third-quarter loss
    Rhian Nicholson
    16.10.09
    Bank of America has cut short the banking sector party with worse-than-expected net losses of $1 billion for the three months to September.
  • Markets: The week that was (12-16/10/09)
    Rhian Nicholson
    16.10.09
    Miners and US banking giants set the tone in this week's trading, with the FTSE 100 topping highs for the year. Read our weekly round-up.
  • National Express deal hits the brakes
    Rhian Nicholson
    16.10.09
    Shares in National Express plummeted today, after the travel group's largest shareholder withdrew its offer for the business.
  • The week ahead...
    Rhian Nicholson
    16.10.09
    It's a busy week on both the companies and economic front, with highlights including Cadbury and Anglo American. See what else is in store this week...
  • Turning a crisis into a drama
    Rhian Nicholson
    16.10.09
    In a first for Interactive Investor, Rhian Nicholson reviews David Hare's take on the financial crisis - The Power of Yes.
  • Housebuilders facing major debt issues
    Rhian Nicholson
    15.10.09
    The UK housebuilding sector is facing a "wall of debt maturities" which could lead to serious problems with refinancing in the next three years, a report from credit agency Fitch has warned.
  • JJB directors set for £4.2m windfall
    Rhian Nicholson
    15.10.09
    Four directors of JJB Sports could be in line for massive share payouts worth up to £4.2 million if they succeed in transforming the struggling retailer's fortunes.
  • Profits up at WH Smith despite sales fall
    Rhian Nicholson
    15.10.09
    WH Smith was winning the fight against falling sales at its travel and high street stores, posting an 8% rise in full-year profit following a good performance from its travel arm.
  • JPMorgan beats third-quarter expectations
    Rhian Nicholson
    14.10.09
    The banking sector is getting back to business with US behemoth JPMorgan Chase surpassing profit expectations for the third quarter of the year.
  • Parkinsons results boost pharma group
    Rhian Nicholson
    14.10.09
    Pharmaceuticals group Phytopharm today saw its shares soar 200% after reporting positive results from the early stages of its trials for Parkinsons drug Cogane.
  • RBS to sell off more than 300 branches
    Rhian Nicholson
    14.10.09
    Royal Bank of Scotland could sell off more than 300 of its branches in England and Wales to meet the demands of the European Commission.
  • Unemployment rises to 2.47m
    Rhian Nicholson
    14.10.09
    Unemployment increased by less than expected in the three months to August, but nevertheless stood at a fresh 14-year high.
  • FSA to investigate Cattles' cash call
    Rhian Nicholson
    13.10.09
    The City watchdog is investigating allegations that the former directors of troubled sub-prime lender Cattles may have deliberately misled investors.
  • Inflation hits five-year low
    Rhian Nicholson
    13.10.09
    The headline rate of inflation in the UK fell to its lowest rate in five years last month, according to official figures.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    13.10.09
    It's a busy day in the corporate calendar today, with Whitbread, BAE Systems and Diageo among a raft of firms updating the market.
  • B&B compensation fight 'will end by June'
    Rhian Nicholson
    12.10.09
    Almost one million former Bradford & Bingley shareholders will learn of the outcome of their fight for compensation by next June at the latest.
  • ITV search for new chairman goes on
    Rhian Nicholson
    12.10.09
    Troubled broadcaster ITV was forced to go back to the drawing board after its long search for new leadership was dealt a fresh blow on Monday.
  • JJB's rights issue back on track
    Rhian Nicholson
    12.10.09
    JJB Sports' £100 million rights issue is back on track after rumours over the personal finances of its executive chairman Sir David Jones led to the deal being postponed on Friday night.
  • RBS shareholders planning £9bn lawsuit
    Rhian Nicholson
    12.10.09
    Disgruntled Royal Bank of Scotland shareholders are planning a potential £9 billion lawsuit against ex-boss Sir Fred Goodwin and other directors of the part-nationalised bank.
  • UK profit warnings fall to six-year low
    Rhian Nicholson
    12.10.09
    UK profit warnings hit a six-year low in the third quarter of the year as the economic recovery takes shape, according to Ernst & Young.
  • Markets: The week that was (05-09/10/09)
    Rhian Nicholson
    10.10.09
    Soaring commodity prices - helped by record highs for gold - sent markets upward this week, while Aviva's intention to list in New York also buoyed investors. Read our round-up of the market and company action this week.
  • Indian firms outperform London markets
    Rhian Nicholson
    09.10.09
    Indian companies listed on the London Stock Exchange have been on stellar form this year - particularly on AIM, according to a recent data release.
  • JJB to launch £100m rights issue
    Rhian Nicholson
    09.10.09
    Struggling retailer JJB Sports is putting the final flourishes to a £100 million cash call to boost its finances and refocus its attention on the higher value end of the sports market.
  • Carphone Warehouse beats forecasts
    Rhian Nicholson
    08.10.09
    Carphone Warehouse today said the demerger of its broadband and retail arms remains on track as it announced expectation-beating second-quarter results.
  • Ladbrokes to tap up shareholders
    Rhian Nicholson
    08.10.09
    Ladbrokes has become the latest London-listed firm to tap shareholders for cash in an attempt to reduce its debt pile.
  • Lloyds mulls record rights issue
    Rhian Nicholson
    08.10.09
    Lloyds Banking Group has been sounding out investors over a rights issue as it looks to withdraw from the government's Asset Protection Scheme.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    08.10.09
    Carphone Warehouse and Vedanta are among the highlights on the corporate calendar today.
  • Aviva to list in New York
    Rhian Nicholson
    07.10.09
    Insurance giant Aviva is to list on the New York Stock Exchange later this month.
  • Revamp to keep banks on their toes
    Rhian Nicholson
    07.10.09
    Banks will need to up their game to attract and retain customers when moves to clean up the current account market come into play, the Office of Fair Trading said today.
  • Revenue rockets at Nighthawk Energy
    Rhian Nicholson
    07.10.09
    Oil explorer Nighthawk Energy today buoyed investors with news it is "in a better financial position than at any time in its history" after notching a threefold increase in revenue.
  • Sainsbury's cautious on progress
    Rhian Nicholson
    07.10.09
    Sainsbury's today predicted a further slowdown in growth as falling inflation takes its toll on the group.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    07.10.09
    Supermarket giant Sainsbury's is the highlight as it updates the market on its second-quarter progress today, but see what else is in store.
  • RBS shareholders set for legal fight
    Rhian Nicholson
    06.10.09
    The Royal Bank of Scotland Shareholders Action Group is holding a public meeting this Saturday in London to discuss its progress in its legal action against the bank.
  • Tesco posts modest profit rise
    Rhian Nicholson
    06.10.09
    Supermarket titan Tesco reassured investors it is "well-placed for the global recovery" after unveiling a modest rise in sales and profit.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    06.10.09
    Food is in focus today as Tesco releases its interim results. Power solutions provider Chloride could also attract its fair share of attention if any bid news is forthcoming.
  • Banks to hold more liquid assets
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.10.09
    Financial institutions will have to hold significantly more in Government bonds and cash under tough new liquidity rules from the City regulator.
  • Nighthawk finds prey on the prairie
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.10.09
    Shares in Nighthawk Energy continued to notch up the gains after making strong progress on its Revere project in the US.
  • UK gets back to business
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.10.09
    The economic recovery is starting to gather pace, fuelling hopes that the UK could have returned to growth in the third quarter of the year.
  • The week ahead...
    Rhian Nicholson
    03.10.09
    Food will be at the forefront of investors' minds next week as Tesco and Sainsbury's update the markets.
  • EU concerns over BA tie-up plans
    Rhian Nicholson
    02.10.09
    Plans for a tie-up between British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia today hit a stumbling block after the European Commission warned that the deal could breach anti-competition rules.
  • House price recovery continues
    Rhian Nicholson
    02.10.09
    House prices are now at the same level as September last year, after the fifth consecutive month of increasing values.
  • Shareholders to 'give more to taxman'
    Rhian Nicholson
    02.10.09
    Shareholders could end up wasting millions more pounds by not taking advantage of the changes to the ISA limits coming in next week.
  • BAE Systems to face SFO investigation
    Rhian Nicholson
    01.10.09
    Defence giant BAE Systems will face a Serious Fraud Office investigation over allegations the firm resorted to bribery to secure a raft of overseas contracts.
  • Banks agree to curb bonuses
    Rhian Nicholson
    01.10.09
    Five of the UK's biggest banks - HSBC, Barclays, RBS, Lloyds and Standard Chartered - have agreed to curb bonuses paid out to high-flying staff.
  • LSE in Turquoise talks
    Rhian Nicholson
    01.10.09
    The London Stock Exchange has entered into exclusive discussions with smaller rival platform Turquoise Trading.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    01.10.09
    Domino's Pizza is the big name reporting today, in what appears to be a quiet day in the corporate calendar.
  • Woolies set for Christmas return
    Rhian Nicholson
    01.10.09
    Collapsed high street chain Woolworths is set to rise from the ashes in all but name in time for Christmas.
  • Losses narrow at Gulf Keystone Petroleum
    Rhian Nicholson
    30.09.09
    Shares in oil and gas explorer Gulf Keystone Petroleum continued on their forward march amid a sharp drop in first-half pre-tax losses.
  • M&S unveils improved figures
    Rhian Nicholson
    30.09.09
    Marks & Spencer fuelled hopes that the worst is over for the High Street, with sales of food and clothing picking up in the last three months.
  • Record quarter from FTSE 100
    Rhian Nicholson
    30.09.09
    The three-month period from July to September saw London's top share index notch up record gains as confidence returned to the markets.
  • Barclays extends its empire
    Rhian Nicholson
    29.09.09
    Barclays is back on the acquisition trail as it cashes in on its rivals' efforts to sell-off their non-core assets.
  • UK second-quarter GDP revised up
    Rhian Nicholson
    29.09.09
    The UK economy contracted by less than previously estimated in the second quarter although the road to recovery remains rocky.
  • Darling cautious on UK economic recovery
    Rhian Nicholson
    28.09.09
    Chancellor Alistair Darling warned it was "too early" to say if the UK had emerged from recession despite signs from forecasters that the recovery is underway.
  • FTSE 100 set for new faces?
    Rhian Nicholson
    28.09.09
    London markets could be in for a flood of new names with a number of well known leisure and retail companies seeking a listing in the coming months.
  • RBS to sell asset management division
    Rhian Nicholson
    28.09.09
    Royal Bank of Scotland is planning on selling putting its £50 billion asset management division up for sale in a bid to cut its dependency on the taxpayer.
  • HSBC boss heads for Hong Kong
    Rhian Nicholson
    25.09.09
    HSBC chief executive Michael Geoghegan is relocating from London to Hong Kong in February as part of the bank's strategy to focus on emerging markets.
  • Losses widen at ailing JJB Sports
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.09.09
    Interim losses widened at troubled JJB Sports after a turbulent six months in which the retailer teetered on the brink of administration.
  • Northern Rock decision looms
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.09.09
    The Treasury and Northern Rock are close to agreeing the details of plans to split Northern Rock into a good and a bad bank.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.09.09
    Sportswear retailer JJB Sports and pub group Mitchells & Butlers are the big-name companies updating the markets today.
  • Banks should get back to basics, says FSA
    Rhian Nicholson
    23.09.09
    Banks could be lower return - but also lower risk - investments in the future, the chairman of the Financial Services Authority has said as he urged them to focus on their core functions.
  • More housebuilders seek cash injections
    Rhian Nicholson
    23.09.09
    Barratt Developments and Redrow are the latest housebuilders to turn to shareholders for extra cash to help cut their debts and take advantage of land-buying opportunities at cheaper prices.
  • JD Sports posts first-half profit
    Rhian Nicholson
    22.09.09
    JD Sports was on recession-beating form in the first half of the year, as the sportswear retailer posted a 14.5% rise in profit.
  • Lloyds in board reshuffle
    Rhian Nicholson
    22.09.09
    Lloyds Banking Group's board has seen an early reshuffle just two weeks in new chairman Sir Win Bischoff's tenure.
  • Miners leading the way in 2009
    Rhian Nicholson
    22.09.09
    Miners have outperformed their rivals in the UK since the start of the year, with the sector benefiting from the strong rally in commodities prices.
  • Trading in line at Imperial Tobacco
    Rhian Nicholson
    22.09.09
    Imperial Tobacco today cheered investors with a short, but upbeat, trading update despite defensive stocks falling out of favour in the burgeoning economic recovery.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    22.09.09
    Sports fashion retailer JD Sports is the big-name draw on the corporate calendar today, but see what else is in store...
  • Business failures fall in August
    Rhian Nicholson
    21.09.09
    Fewer businesses failed in August than at any other time this year, but numbers are still up on a like-for-like basis, according to figures from Experian.
  • ITV rocked by bumper pay demands
    Rhian Nicholson
    21.09.09
    A number of major ITV shareholders have reportedly been left fuming after the frontrunner for the chief executive role rejected a £20m remuneration package for being too low.
  • RBS looks at fundraising options
    Rhian Nicholson
    21.09.09
    Royal Bank of Scotland is looking at alternative ways to raise funds to potentially scale back its involvement in the Government's Asset Protection Scheme.
  • Banks could face 'major restructure'
    Rhian Nicholson
    18.09.09
    Plans for "living wills" to wind down banks if they collapse will lead to major restructuring in some cases, financial services minister Paul Myners has said.
  • British Land in Broadgate sell-off
    Rhian Nicholson
    18.09.09
    British Land has confirmed plans to sell off half its Broadgate Circle office complex to US private equity firm Blackstone to ease its debt burden.
  • Lloyds in talks over APS participation
    Rhian Nicholson
    18.09.09
    Lloyds Banking Group has confirmed it is in talks with the Government over changes to its potential participation in the Asset Protection Scheme.
  • Markets set for triple witching
    Rhian Nicholson
    18.09.09
    Trading on London markets could become more a little more volatile later today with the third triple witching of the year.
  • Balfour Beatty seeks shareholder cash
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.09.09
    The construction and engineering group is planning to tap shareholders for £353 million to fund its purchase of US firm Parsons Brinckerhoff.
  • Further discovery buoys Tullow's shares
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.09.09
    Shares in Tullow Oil were chalking up the gains on Thursday after it announced the discovery of a "significant" oil field in Uganda with the potential to be the largest in the basin.
  • Home improvements boost Kingfisher
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.09.09
    DIY retailer Kingfisher has seen its interim profits soar by a third as more cash-strapped homeowners looking to make improvements to their property rather than move.
  • Barclays' risky assets get restructure
    Rhian Nicholson
    16.09.09
    Banking giant Barclays has announced plans to restructure $12.3 billion of credit market assets by selling them to newly established fund Protium Finance.
  • Tullow boosted by Sierra Leone discovery
    Rhian Nicholson
    16.09.09
    Shares in Tullow Oil soared to the top of the risers' board after announcing that it has struck oil off the coast of Sierra Leone in a joint venture with US group Anadarko Petroleum.
  • Unemployment hits 2.47 million
    Rhian Nicholson
    16.09.09
    The number of people out of work has hit its highest level for 14 years at 2.47 million, official figures today showed.
  • Cost of living falls further
    Rhian Nicholson
    15.09.09
    Inflation fell to its lowest level for more than four-and-a-half years in August amid a dip in food prices and lower utility bills.
  • Cadbury warns against Kraft deal
    Rhian Nicholson
    14.09.09
    Confectioner Cadbury is set to warn major shareholders that an "unappealing" £10 billion tie-up with US food giant Kraft would hinder its growth prospects.
  • House prices set for further falls
    Rhian Nicholson
    14.09.09
    House prices are in for further falls and will not get back to their 2007 peak for another five years, according to the Ernst & Young Item Club.
  • Tories eye up RBS and Lloyds investors
    Rhian Nicholson
    14.09.09
    Private investors could have a chance top up their shareholdings in Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group if the Conservative Party came into power.
  • Tullow tops boardroom pay list
    Rhian Nicholson
    14.09.09
    Oil exploration group Tullow Oil has the best paid boardroom in the FTSE 100, with its 11 directors sharing more than £59 million last year.
  • Commodities woe extends its reach
    Rhian Nicholson
    28.08.09
    Further tales of challenging trading emerged from the oil sector on Friday, as Dana Petroleum became the latest to feel the pinch of lower commodity prices.
  • Economy contracts less than expected
    Rhian Nicholson
    28.08.09
    Revised figures have shown the UK economy shrank less than expected in the second quarter, boosted by energy and manufacturing sectors.
  • Heritage Oil hit by possible merger delay
    Rhian Nicholson
    28.08.09
    Iraq-focused oil explorer Heritage Oil warned today an investigation by the City watchdog could delay its proposed merger with Turkey's Genel Energy International.
  • National Express dismisses takeover
    Rhian Nicholson
    28.08.09
    Transport group National Express has dismissed the £700 million takeover bid tabled by the CVC Capital Partners-led consortium in favour of a potential £350 million rights issue.
  • The week ahead...
    Rhian Nicholson
    28.08.09
    The shortened week brings with it little in the way of company news on the corporate calendar, but see what is in store in the coming week.
  • Company numbers reducing on AIM
    Rhian Nicholson
    27.08.09
    The number of companies moving to London's main market from AIM has been steadily increasing in recent years - and is expected to rise further, according to Deloitte.
  • FSA calls for financial sector tax
    Rhian Nicholson
    27.08.09
    Taxing the financial transactions carried out by the banks could help to prevent excessive bonuses, the boss of the City watchdog claims.
  • National Express takeover edges closer
    Rhian Nicholson
    27.08.09
    Shares in National Express were on flying form today after the consortium circling the transport group swooped in with an improved offer.
  • Lower crude prices knock oil firms
    Rhian Nicholson
    26.08.09
    Slumping crude prices have knocked revenues at oil companies of late, but many should soon feel the short-term benefit as prices move steadily upwards.
  • RBS hit by losses at ABN Amro
    Rhian Nicholson
    26.08.09
    Royal Bank of Scotland was left nursing heavy losses in the first half from the parts of Dutch bank ABN Amro that it owns following its disastrous acquisition.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    26.08.09
    Former penny stock Tullow Oil and miner Antofagasta are among the big-name companies reporting on Wednesday. See what else is in store.
  • Persimmon sees signs of stability
    Rhian Nicholson
    25.08.09
    Housebuilder Persimmon added to hopes of a recovery in the housing sector, reporting stronger sales and stabilising prices in recent months.
  • RBS curbs final salary pension
    Rhian Nicholson
    25.08.09
    Royal Bank of Scotland has scaled back its final salary pension scheme - months after former boss Sir Fred Goodwin walked away with a £342,500 a year pension for life.
  • Venture falls to Centrica
    Rhian Nicholson
    25.08.09
    Centrica has emerged victorious in its bid for North Sea oil producer Venture Production despite strong resistance from Venture's management.
  • Bovis wary of unemployment threat
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.08.09
    Housebuilder Bovis Homes saw further signs of stability return to the housing market in the first half, but warned rising unemployment could unsettle things once more.
  • Lloyds' shares rise on Resolution rumours
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.08.09
    Shares in Lloyds Banking Group soared on Monday amid reports it is in early-stage talks to sell its Clerical Medical business to Clive Cowdery's buyout vehicle Resolution.
  • Markets soar as economies start to recover
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.08.09
    Global markets have rocketed to 10-month highs after some of the world's biggest economies pulled out of recession and the US and UK stand poised to follow their lead.
  • The week ahead...
    Rhian Nicholson
    21.08.09
    Mining and oil heavyweights dominate the headlines this week, while the champagne could be kept on ice at drinks giant Diageo.
  • Sales boost for retailers
    Rhian Nicholson
    20.08.09
    High Street retailers were today celebrating a pick-up in business in July, as consumers continue to loosen their purse strings, according to official figures.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    20.08.09
    Miner Rio Tinto is the stand-out company updating the markets today, while investors will also be readying themselves for July's official retail sales data.
  • Bank split on QE decision
    Rhian Nicholson
    19.08.09
    The governor of the Bank of England wanted to inject a further £75 billion into the quantitative easing scheme in August but he was outvoted by other members of the Monetary Policy Committee.
  • More weak bank results predicted
    Rhian Nicholson
    19.08.09
    Shareholders should brace themselves for more weak banking results as rising impairment charges hit profitability, according to KPMG.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    19.08.09
    Car dealer Lookers follows the footsteps of rival Pendragon as it reports today, while the minutes from the BoE's last interest rate decision may hint at future movements.
  • Northern Rock delays bond payments
    Rhian Nicholson
    18.08.09
    Nationalised lender Northern Rock is putting the brakes on interest payments on a range of bonds as it attempts to rebuild its capital position.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    18.08.09
    British Land is the big name reporting today, while the latest inflation figures also come out.
  • FSA to investigate RBS-ABN Amro deal
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.08.09
    The City watchdog has launched an official review into the ill-fated acquisition of ABN Amro by Royal Bank of Scotland.
  • Bad debts hit Bradford & Bingley
    Rhian Nicholson
    14.08.09
    Nationalised lender Bradford & Bingley plunged £160 million into the red in the first half of the year as bad debts piled up.
  • British Land shares up on bid speculation
    Rhian Nicholson
    14.08.09
    Shares in British Land continued to notch up the gains today amid speculation that it could soon be the subject of a multi-billion pound bid.
  • Pru ups dividend after first-half showing
    Rhian Nicholson
    13.08.09
    Insurer Prudential has rewarded shareholders with a 5% rise in its dividend payment after its first-half performance exceeded expectations.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    13.08.09
    Insurer Prudential and travel operator Thomas Cook update the market today on what looks like a quiet day in the corporate calendar
  • Lloyds to sell fund management arm
    Rhian Nicholson
    12.08.09
    Struggling Lloyds Banking Group is selling its fund management arm Insight to Bank of New York Mellon in a £235 million deal.
  • Markets moving too quick, says BoE
    Rhian Nicholson
    12.08.09
    Stock markets could be getting ahead of themselves in pricing in interest rate hikes too early, the Bank of England has said.
  • UK dividends set to plummet
    Rhian Nicholson
    12.08.09
    Shareholders are set to see their dividend payments from UK-listed firms plunge by 13% this year, as companies hoard their cash.
  • Unemployment continues to rise
    Rhian Nicholson
    12.08.09
    Unemployment has hit its highest level in 14 years, with the recession continuing to force businesses to make cutbacks.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    12.08.09
    The latest Bank of England inflation report is likely to make for bleak reading, while there are also updates from Balfour Beatty, TUI Travel and more...
  • Friends agrees to Resolution deal
    Rhian Nicholson
    11.08.09
    Clive Cowdery's investment vehicle Resolution has made its first acquisition after Friends Provident finally agreed to a £1.86 billion cash and shares deal.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    11.08.09
    Friends Provident updates the market today - could it be its last as an independent firm? See what else is in store today...
  • Friends and Resolution talks back on
    Rhian Nicholson
    10.08.09
    Talks are back on between life insurer Friends Provident and investment buyout firm Resolution after the latter proposed a revised £1.9 billion takeover offer.
  • Lloyds to seek fresh shareholder cash
    Rhian Nicholson
    10.08.09
    Lloyds Banking Group is reportedly looking to tap shareholders for billions of pounds of fresh cash as it seeks to reduce its reliance on the taxpayer.
  • Sports Direct faces stores investigation
    Rhian Nicholson
    07.08.09
    Retailer Sports Direct is facing a full-blown investigation by the competition regulator over its purchase of 31 stores from rival JJB Sports.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    07.08.09
    All eyes turn to Royal Bank of Scotland today - the last of the big banks to report first-half results this week. See what else is in line today.
  • Aviva cuts dividend despite profit jump
    Rhian Nicholson
    06.08.09
    Insurance giant Aviva has slashed its dividend by nearly a third, despite reporting better-than-expected profits for the first half of the year.
  • ITV hit by advertising slump
    Rhian Nicholson
    06.08.09
    Broadcaster ITV slumped to a first-half loss as a sharp contraction in advertising revenue hit the group.
  • Interest rates held as QE is extended
    Rhian Nicholson
    06.08.09
    The Bank of England today pumped more money into its quantitative easing programme as it left interest rates frozen at a record low of 0.5%.
  • Heavy first-half losses at Taylor Wimpey
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.08.09
    Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey was nursing heavy first-half losses despite issuing optimistic reassurances that trading conditions had seen an upturn recently.
  • Lloyds hit by bad debts at HBOS
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.08.09
    Mounting bad debts at HBOS have dragged Lloyds Banking Group to a loss for the first half of the year.
  • Legal & General slashes dividend
    Rhian Nicholson
    04.08.09
    Life insurer Legal & General has slashed its divided by 45% as it seeks cash to maintain the robustness of its balance sheet during the economic downturn.
  • Losses widen at Northern Rock
    Rhian Nicholson
    04.08.09
    Losses widened at nationalised bank Northern Rock in the first six months of the year, after bad debts tripled from the same period last year.
  • Standard Chartered in £1bn fundraising
    Rhian Nicholson
    04.08.09
    Asia-focused bank Standard Chartered surprised the City today with a £1 billion share placing as it unveiled record pre-tax profits for the first half of the year.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    04.08.09
    Asia-focused bank Standard Chartered, insurer Legal & General and bookmaker William Hill are among the companies reporting today.
  • First-half profits halve at HSBC
    Rhian Nicholson
    03.08.09
    HSBC, Europe's biggest bank, saw profits halve to $5 billion in the first six months of the year after bad debts in its European, US and Asian operations soared.
  • Super-mutual set for business
    Rhian Nicholson
    03.08.09
    A new financial services "super-mutual" has formally opened after the FSA confirmed the merger between Co-operative Financial Services and Britannia Building Society.
  • BA announces quarterly loss
    Rhian Nicholson
    31.07.09
    Struggling carrier British Airways continues to be buffeted by "very challenging" trading conditions as it announed its first quarterly loss since privatisation in 1987.
  • Government's banking reforms slammed
    Rhian Nicholson
    31.07.09
    The Government's proposed banking supervision reforms were today slammed by a committee of MPs for failing to address the main weaknesses of the Tripartite system.
  • Markets: The week that was (27-31/07/09)
    Rhian Nicholson
    31.07.09
    Oil giants BP and Shell revealed just how hard hit they have been by falling oil prices, while markets enjoyed a week of mainly gains. Read our round-up.
  • The week ahead...
    Rhian Nicholson
    31.07.09
    The limelight will be on just how bad the debts at Britain's biggest banks in the coming week, with the latest Bank of England interest rate decision also out on Thursday.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    31.07.09
    Ailing airline carrier British Airways and royal rat catcher Rentokil update the markets today, while the numbers are not expected to be pleasant reading at miner Anglo American.
  • BT results beat expectations
    Rhian Nicholson
    30.07.09
    Better-than-expected results at telecoms giant and good progress on its cost-cutting programme cheered investors in BT today.
  • Profits plunge 70% at oil giant Shell
    Rhian Nicholson
    30.07.09
    Second-quarter profits at Royal Dutch Shell plummeted 70%, as the oil titan struggled in the wake of lower oil prices and dwindling demand.
  • Chocolate sales boost Cadbury
    Rhian Nicholson
    29.07.09
    First-half profits at confectionary giant Cadbury were boosted by a 10% in chocolate sales and growth in the UK and emerging markets.
  • UK profits up at Santander
    Rhian Nicholson
    29.07.09
    Banco Santander's UK banking operations saw first-half profits climb 30% amid improving conditions in lending and bad debts, the bank reported today.
  • Bischoff named as new Lloyds chairman
    Rhian Nicholson
    28.07.09
    Sir Win Bischoff has seen off competition from the chairmen of Northern Rock and the London Stock Exchange to succeed Sir Victor Blank at Lloyds Banking Group.
  • Rock shareholders' fight continues
    Rhian Nicholson
    28.07.09
    Former shareholders in Northern Rock are set to take their fight for compensation to the House of Lords after losing their second challenge against Government plans.
  • Shake-up at UKFI as Kingman resigns
    Rhian Nicholson
    28.07.09
    UKFI, which manages the Government's stake in the banks, is set for a new senior management team following chief executive John Kingman's surprise resignation.
  • Small business lending concerns Darling
    Rhian Nicholson
    27.07.09
    Chancellor Alistair Darling has said he is "extremely concerned" that banks may be charging too much for lending to smaller businesses.
  • Stagecoach eyes National Express assets
    Rhian Nicholson
    27.07.09
    Stagecoach is in exclusive talks with National Express bidders CVC Capital Partners and the Cosmen family to buy up certain assets of the business if the proposed deal goes through.
  • Markets: The week that was (20-24/07/09)
    Rhian Nicholson
    25.07.09
    Banks and miners helped maintain a 10-day rally on the FTSE 100, while retailers revealed decent figures this week. Read our weekly round-up.
  • Savers promised better protection
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.07.09
    Investors and small businesses who lose their savings due to an FSA-regulated institution going bust are set for better protection under new rules announced today.
  • UK economic contraction continues
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.07.09
    The UK economy remained mired in recession in the second quarter, although the rate of decline was slower rate than the previous quarter, figures reveal today.
  • Carphone Warehouse demerger plans on track
    Rhian Nicholson
    23.07.09
    Plans to separate Carphone Warehouse's broadband operations from its retail division are steaming ahead with the demerger likely to be completed by March.
  • Retail sales pick up in June
    Rhian Nicholson
    23.07.09
    High street spending picked up in June, official figures show today, while B&Q-owner Kingfisher enjoyed a solid second quarter.
  • FSA fines HSBC firms £3m
    Rhian Nicholson
    22.07.09
    Three HSBC firms have been fined over £3m by the City watchdog for failing to properly protect their customers' confidential details from being lost or stolen.
  • MPC voted 9-0 on quantitative easing
    Rhian Nicholson
    22.07.09
    All nine members of the Monetary Policy Committee voted to keep its quantitative easing programme at £125 billion, minutes from its latest meeting show.
  • Sun shines on Next sales figures
    Rhian Nicholson
    21.07.09
    Summer has put a spring back into the step of retailer Next with warmer weather lifting sales and leading it to revise its profits forecast upwards.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    21.07.09
    Drugs giant GlaxoSmithKline comes into focus as it updates the market today, while minutes from July's MPC meeting could give a clue as to the Bank of England's future plans.
  • City watchdog 'faces chop'
    Rhian Nicholson
    20.07.09
    The Financial Services Authority will be abolished and its powers given to the Bank of England under Conservative plans to strengthen the financial system.
  • British Airways to raise £600m
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.07.09
    Struggling carrier British Airways is looking to raise £600 million as it battles for survival in the recession.
  • Friends turns tables on Resolution
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.07.09
    Life insurer Friends Provident has proposed a merger with Resolution on its own terms after having rebuffed an advance from Clive Cowdery's buyout vehicle earlier this week.
  • Markets: The week that was (13-17/07/09)
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.07.09
    Global markets were given something of a rival by a host of strong results from US banks, but it was a mixed bag on the economy front. Read our weekly round-up.
  • The week ahead...
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.07.09
    A pick 'n' mix group of household names update the market on their progress in these trying times this week, including Vodafone, GlaxoSmithKline and Domino's Pizza.
  • Banks in for boardroom overhaul
    Rhian Nicholson
    16.07.09
    Greater transparency over pay and bonuses and more shareholder involvement were among the actions called for in the Walker report on corporate governance.
  • Pre-tax profits tumble at Sports Direct
    Rhian Nicholson
    16.07.09
    Retailer Sports Direct was left licking its wounds today, as heavy losses from investments and the weak pound sent pre-tax profits tumbling by 91%.
  • AIM activity remains muted
    Rhian Nicholson
    15.07.09
    Activity levels on the AIM remained heavily subdued as the recession rumbled on in the second quarter of the year, figures from Deloitte reveal.
  • Unemployment hits 14-year high
    Rhian Nicholson
    15.07.09
    Unemployment jumped by a record 281,000 to 2.38 million in the three months to May - its highest level since 1995.
  • BA needs "fundamental" change
    Rhian Nicholson
    14.07.09
    British Airways bosses today warned that only "fundamental" change would save the troubled airline as they fought off criticism from shareholders over its cost-cutting plans at its AGM.  
  • Inflation falls to 1.8% in June
    Rhian Nicholson
    14.07.09
    The headline rate of inflation plunged below the Bank of England's 2% medium-term target for the first time in almost two years in June.
  • Friends Provident spurns Resolution bid
    Rhian Nicholson
    13.07.09
    Insurance giant Friends Provident has spurned the advances of investment group Resolution, which offered £1.7bn for the group late last week.
  • UKFI warns on Government bank stakes
    Rhian Nicholson
    13.07.09
    UK Financial Investments today warned the sale of the Government's stake in RBS and Lloyds will be a "challenging" task as they sit on paper losses of £10.9bn.
  • Markets: The week that was (06-10/07/09)
    Rhian Nicholson
    10.07.09
    The Government and Bank of England continued to disagree, while markets across the world slumped on concerns over the economy. Read our weekly round-up.
  • Interest rates kept at 0.5%
    Rhian Nicholson
    09.07.09
    The Bank of England today left interest rates at 0.5% and also maintained its quantitative easing programme at £125 billion.
  • Senior execs charged with $140m fraud
    Rhian Nicholson
    09.07.09
    The founder and senior executives of two brokerage companies previously listed on the AIM have been charged with running a $140 million "trans-Atlantic boiler room scam" in the US.
  • Banking sector set for "super-regulator"
    Rhian Nicholson
    08.07.09
    A new super-regulator will be set up to monitor the banking sector with tougher penalties for misconduct and risk taking, the Government announced today.
  • Darling to unveil financial services revamp
    Rhian Nicholson
    08.07.09
    Health warnings on financial products, bigger capital reserves for the banks and a curb on bankers' pay could be among the proposals in the long-awaited financial services revamp.
  • Friends completes F&C demerger
    Rhian Nicholson
    03.07.09
    Fund management group F&C Asset Management has gained full independence from Friends Provident after the insurer finally offloaded its 52% stake.
  • RBS chief agrees to pay concession
    Rhian Nicholson
    02.07.09
    Royal Bank of Scotland's chief executive Stephen Hester has agreed to a modest concession to his controversial £9.6 million pay package.
  • Cattles turfs out senior managers
    Rhian Nicholson
    01.07.09
    Struggling sub-prime lender Cattles has given several senior managers the boot after an independent investigation into accounting irregularities.
  • National Express loses East Coast franchise
    Rhian Nicholson
    01.07.09
    Shares in transport group National Express took a battering after the Government stepped in to take control of its loss-making East Coast rail line.
  • UK economy suffers sharp contraction
    Rhian Nicholson
    30.06.09
    The battered UK economy suffered its biggest contraction since 1958 in the first quarter of the year, according to revised figures.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    30.06.09
    Music and DVD retailer HMV is among the big names report today, while on the economic front, the latest GDP figures come into focus.
  • Madoff gets 150 years for $65bn fraud
    Rhian Nicholson
    29.06.09
    Fraudster Bernard Madoff was sentenced to 150 years behind bars after swindling thousands of investors out of billions of dollars in Wall Street's biggest ever scam.  
  • Banking system "finding its feet", says BoE
    Rhian Nicholson
    26.06.09
    The banking system is beginning to get back on its feet although it will "remain sensitive to further shocks for some time," the Bank of England says.
  • The week ahead...
    Rhian Nicholson
    26.06.09
    Retailer Marks & Spencer is expected to provide a rare show of resilience on the high street when it reports it first-quarter figures. See what else is in store this week...
  • DSG International posts £140m loss
    Rhian Nicholson
    25.06.09
    Lower levels of consumer spending, restructuring costs and write-downs at its European businesses sent DSG International crashing to a £140.4 million annual loss.
  • Rock failure could have been avoided
    Rhian Nicholson
    25.06.09
    The failure of Northern Rock, which has left thousands of shareholders battling for compensation, could have been avoided, says the Committee of Public Accounts.
  • Economic recovery "uncertain", says King
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.06.09
    The worst of the economic misery may be over but the recovery remains a long and "uncertain" path, according to Bank of England Governor Mervyn King.
  • Kesa lacking spark in recession
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.06.09
    Figures released today by Kesa show it has taken a heavy pounding in the recession, as cash-strapped consumers cut down on electrical products.
  • RBS tops banking losses list
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.06.09
    Royal Bank of Scotland suffered the heaviest losses out of all lenders last year, according to the Banker magazine's Top 1000 World Banks 2008/09 survey.
  • Green shoots may harm regulatory reform
    Rhian Nicholson
    23.06.09
    The green shoots of economic recovery may hamper efforts for properly reforming the financial regulatory and supervisory system, the boss of the FSA has said.
  • Xstrata not giving up on Anglo
    Rhian Nicholson
    23.06.09
    Mining giant Xstrata is not giving up the fight for rival Anglo American, despite the latter's outright rejection of a potential tie-up last night.
  • RBS chief in line for £9.6m pay deal
    Rhian Nicholson
    22.06.09
    RBS boss Stephen Hester will be keeping a closer eye than ever on the bank's share price given the proposed structure of his new £9.6 million pay deal.
  • Markets: The week that was (15-19/06/09)
    Rhian Nicholson
    19.06.09
    Disputes over the regulation of banks, rights issues and retailers were the dominant stories in a week that saw markets slump before recovering. Read our weekly round-up.
  • Taylor Wimpey cheers investors
    Rhian Nicholson
    19.06.09
    Taylor Wimpey shareholders are hoping for a reversal of the housebuilder's fortunes amid "ongoing stability" in the housing market and a healthier order book.
  • Banking reforms a must, says King
    Rhian Nicholson
    18.06.09
    Tension mounted between the Alistair Darling and Mervyn King last night, as the two presented contrasting views on the future of the regulatory system.
  • Sir Fred finally shreds pension
    Rhian Nicholson
    18.06.09
    Amid threats of legal action, former Royal Bank of Scotland boss Sir Fred Goodwin has finally bowed to pressure to cut the size of his pension pot.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    18.06.09
    Another quiet day in store according to the corporate calendar today, but Cadbury's update and retail sales figures will punctuate the inertia.
  • Comeback kings return to FTSE 100
    Rhian Nicholson
    10.06.09
    London Stock Exchange, 3i Group and Wolseley are all set for a comeback to the FTSE 100, just one quarter after being relegated.
  • Rock investors fight on as Treasury mulls sale
    Rhian Nicholson
    10.06.09
    Northern Rock shareholders are stepping up their fight against the Government's compensation scheme amid rumours the Treasury is planning to sell the lender.
  • Heritage to step up to FTSE 100?
    Rhian Nicholson
    09.06.09
    Investors in Heritage Oil were today cheering its likely promotion to the FTSE 100 following news of its proposed merger with Turkish exploration group Genel.
  • Barclays' BGI sell-off gathers pace
    Rhian Nicholson
    08.06.09
    Barclays' plans to sell off its fund management arm, Barclays Global Investors, are steaming ahead following discussions with "a number of parties".
  • Shareholders snap up Lloyds' offer
    Rhian Nicholson
    08.06.09
    Shareholders came out in force for Lloyds Banking Group's recent rights issue with 87% choosing to take-up new shares.
  • Lloyds chairman apologises to shareholders
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.06.09
    Lloyds chairman Sir Victor Blank today issued yet another apology - this time saying to sorry to his shareholders for the financial losses they've suffered.
  • Rio ditches $19.5bn Chinalco deal
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.06.09
    Shareholders in Rio Tinto were today celebrating after the miner ditched a $19.5bn deal with Chinalco to launch an iron ore joint venture with rival BHP Billiton.
  • British firms slash staff pensions
    Rhian Nicholson
    04.06.09
    A rash of British companies have imposed further cutbacks on staff pensions in the wake of plunging investment markets and mounting fears of huge shortfalls.
  • Interest rates kept at 0.5%
    Rhian Nicholson
    04.06.09
    As expected, the Bank of England has opted to keep interest rates frozen at 0.5% for the third successive month.
  • Fears grow over banking rally as Barclays falls
    Rhian Nicholson
    03.06.09
    Shares in Barclays continued to fall on Wednesday amid fears that the end of the bank rally is nigh after one of its Middle Eastern investors looked to sell some of his holdings.
  • BoE should be given more power
    Rhian Nicholson
    02.06.09
    The Bank of England should be given greater powers after the "tripartite" system of financial governance failed to spot the financial, peers have said.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    02.06.09
    Retailer Kingfisher and waste management firm Pennon are the big names breaking up a quiet day in the corporate calendar today.
  • What's in store...
    Rhian Nicholson
    02.06.09
    Online sports betting firm Sportingbet and Northumbrian Water are among those reporting today.
  • FSA bonuses increase by 40%
    Rhian Nicholson
    01.06.09
    Staff at the Financial Services Authority pocketed £20m in bonuses in April - 40% more than the previous year.
  • B&B leaves more out of pocket
    Rhian Nicholson
    28.05.09
    After the furore over shareholders being left out of pocket by Bradford & Bingley, those set for interest from its subordinated bonds are set to follow suit.
  • Investors flee ailing Jessops
    Rhian Nicholson
    27.05.09
    Investors in camera retailer Jessops were running for the door after it warned shares are likely to be worthless as hefty debts and falling sales take their toll.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    27.05.09
    Northern Foods and Topps Tiles are among the reporting highlights on a quiet day on the reporting front.
  • RBS execs set for £5m bonus
    Rhian Nicholson
    26.05.09
    Four senior executives at Royal Bank of Scotland are in line for share awards worth £5m if they meet unspecified performance targets in the next three years.
  • The week that was (18-22/05/09)
    Rhian Nicholson
    22.05.09
    Corporate results were coming through thick and fast last week - although many left a lot to be desired as the recession took a hefty bite out of profits.
  • What's in store...
    Rhian Nicholson
    20.05.09
    Another brisk day on the reporting front sees the likes of British Land, Scottish & Southern Energy and Daily Mail & General Trust in the spotlight.
  • MPs blame bank bosses for crisis
    Rhian Nicholson
    15.05.09
    Banking bosses have been told they are as much to blame as the bonus culture for the downfall of some of the UK's biggest financial institutions by a committee of MPs.
  • Sainsbury's beats Q1 expectations
    Rhian Nicholson
    13.05.09
    Supermarket chain Sainsbury's today attributed its better-than-expected profits to its high profile "Switch and Save" campaign to pull in cash strapped shoppers.
  • Barclays receives more iShares bids
    Rhian Nicholson
    11.05.09
    Barclays is considering other offers for its iShares business, despite last month entering into a £3 billion deal with CVC Capital Partners.
  • HSBC unveils strong first-quarter results
    Rhian Nicholson
    11.05.09
    Banking giant HSBC today fuelled hopes of a financial sector recovery with improved first-quarter profits and record results in its global banking arm.
  • RBS hit by soaring debts
    Rhian Nicholson
    08.05.09
    Soaring bad debts dealt Royal Bank of Scotland a heavy blow in the first quarter of the year, as it posted a loss of £44 million.
  • Taylor Wimpey in £510m cash call
    Rhian Nicholson
    08.05.09
    Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey is tapping up shareholders to the tune of £510m to help cut its £1.53bn debt pile.
  • The week ahead...
    Rhian Nicholson
    08.05.09
    Another week, another smattering of blue chip companies come to the fore to update recession-ravaged investors on the state of things.
  • US banks need more money
    Rhian Nicholson
    08.05.09
    Half of the US banks that underwent financial stress-testing collectively need $74.6 billion to battle a worsening economic climate.
  • Lloyds hit by impairment charges
    Rhian Nicholson
    07.05.09
    Shares in Lloyds Banking Group tumbled today amid a huge rise in impairment charges during the first quarter, with more losses on the cards.
  • Rates held amid £50bn economy boost
    Rhian Nicholson
    07.05.09
    Interest rates have been frozen  at 0.5% amid plans to reinvigorate the recession battered economy with a further £50 billion injection.
  • Stellar first quarter for Barclays
    Rhian Nicholson
    07.05.09
    A sterling performance from Barclays' investment banking arm offset rising bad debts of more than £2 billion in the first quarter.
  • Next upbeat on High Street recovery
    Rhian Nicholson
    06.05.09
    Fashion retailer Next revealed a better-than-expected picture of life on the struggling High Street after revising up its first-half sales and profit guidance.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    06.05.09
    British American Tobacco, easyJet and Sage are among the highlights from the corporate calendar today.
  • Standard Chartered hits 2009 highs
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.05.09
    Shares in Asia-focused bank Standard Chartered were soaring on Tuesday after it reported "record levels of income and profit" in the first quarter.
  • "Bankers to blame" for financial mess
    Rhian Nicholson
    01.05.09
    Bonus-chasing bankers and the failure of the supervisory system are to blame for the meltdown of the financial system, the Treasury Select Committee has said.
  • The week ahead...
    Rhian Nicholson
    01.05.09
    Banks are back in the spotlight in the coming week, as Barclays, Lloyds and Royal Bank of Scotland report.
  • Fundraising plans lift DSG
    Rhian Nicholson
    30.04.09
    Shares in retailer DSG International were flying after it confirmed plans to raise £310.6 million through a deeply discounted rights issue and share placing.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    30.04.09
    Drugs Goliath AstraZeneca and broadcaster BSkyB are among the big names reporting today...
  • Santander still riding high
    Rhian Nicholson
    29.04.09
    Waves of turbulence are still rolling through the financial sector but Banco Santander is riding out the storm better than most.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    29.04.09
    Oil giant Shell will be the centre of attention today as it follows hot on the heels of rival BP's results.
  • Government to hand back Rock by Christmas
    Rhian Nicholson
    27.04.09
    Nationalised Northern Rock could be back in private hands by Christmas as the Government looks to claw back some of its investment in the banking sector.
  • JJB Sports' creditors back deal
    Rhian Nicholson
    27.04.09
    JJB Sports escaped administration today after creditors voted almost unanimously to accept the new payment terms set out in the Company Voluntary Arrangement.
  • Over 65s most at risk of fraud
    Rhian Nicholson
    27.04.09
    People aged over 65 are most at risk of being targeted by con artists, as the recession sees a hike in the level of fraud in the UK.
  • Boiler room fraud on the up
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.04.09
    Boiler room fraudsters luring private investors with the promise of high returns in difficult times, the City of London Police warned today.  
  • The week ahead...
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.04.09
    A lull in the corporate results season comes to an end in the coming week with FTSE 100 heavyweights BP and Shell reporting.
  • Barclays confirms second-half dividend
    Rhian Nicholson
    23.04.09
    Barclays' shareholders were given reason to smile today after it confirmed dividend payments will be making a return in the second half of the current year.
  • Northern Rock suffers in housing slump
    Rhian Nicholson
    23.04.09
    More households are over three months behind with their mortgage repayments at Northern Rock, as problems in the housing and credit markets persist.
  • Carphone Warehouse to demerge
    Rhian Nicholson
    22.04.09
    Telecoms firm Carphone Warehouse is ploughing ahead with plans to demerge its broadband business from its retail arm when the credit markets pick up.
  • High earners hit by tax rise
    Rhian Nicholson
    22.04.09
    High earners on more than £150,000 a year were today dealt a further blow with the top rate of income tax due to rise to 50% from April.
  • Small businesses given lifeline
    Rhian Nicholson
    22.04.09
    Small businesses have been given more help to ride out the recession, in today's Budget including an extension to the lifeline for loss-making companies.
  • Tesco posts record £3.13bn profit
    Rhian Nicholson
    21.04.09
    Supermarket giant Tesco has bucked the recessionary gloom with a record £3.13 billion profit - the highest ever posted by a UK retailer.
  • AIM activity shrivels up
    Rhian Nicholson
    20.04.09
    Activity on the Alternative Investment Market shrivelled up in 2009 with the first quarter of the year, according to Deloitte.
  • Budget 2009: Media expectations
    Rhian Nicholson
    20.04.09
    As the tension mounts ahead of Wednesday's Budget, the media has already begun to unveil what it expects to see.
  • Budget 2009: What the experts want
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.04.09
    With the Budget just around the corner, here's what the experts would like to see from Alistair Darling this year.
  • FSA accused of ignoring warnings
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.04.09
    A whistleblower has accused the Financial Services Authority of "apathy and complacency" over its monitoring of building societies.
  • Markets: The week that was (13-17/04/09)
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.04.09
    The FTSE 100 crept forward in the shortened week, while big-name US firms announced decent results. Read our weekly market round-up.
  • Dividends on the up in FTSE 100
    Rhian Nicholson
    15.04.09
    Almost half of the 47 FTSE 100 companies which have reported results so far this year have upped their dividend payments by more than 10%, according to M&G.
  • Markets: The week that was (16-20/03/09)
    Rhian Nicholson
    20.03.09
    Banks were back on their rollercoaster rise and the economic picture was growing steadily gloomier last week, sending the markets all of a jitter.
  • The week ahead...
    Rhian Nicholson
    20.03.09
    This week's results from three of the biggest names in retail will shed some light on just how bad things are in the struggling sector.
  • Results round-up (19-03-09)
    Rhian Nicholson
    19.03.09
    Thursday saw better-than-expected results from insurer Prudential, reassurances from Thomas Cook and a rights issue from Inchcape.
  • FSA proposes "major changes"
    Rhian Nicholson
    18.03.09
    The City watchdog has proposed "major changes" in global banking regulation to help prevent a repeat of the crisis that brought many financial institutions to their knees.
  • Banks give JJB Sports debt extension
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.03.09
    Struggling retailer JJB Sports has been given more breathing space on its £60 million debts amid ongoing talks over the sale of its fitness clubs.
  • Madoff bail revoked on guilty plea
    Rhian Nicholson
    12.03.09
    US financier Bernard Madoff, the perpetrator of the world's biggest Ponzi scheme, is facing a life in jail after pleading guilty to 11 charges linked to the $65bn fraud.
  • Morrison bucks recessionary gloom
    Rhian Nicholson
    12.03.09
    Supermarket giant WM Morrison today bucked the recessionary gloom with a 7% rise in profits and plans to take the chain from "national to nationwide".
  • BoE launches quantitative easing
    Rhian Nicholson
    11.03.09
    Efforts to get the economy back on track stepped up a gear today with the launch of the Bank of England's radical quantitative easing plans.
  • Results round-up (11-03-09)
    Rhian Nicholson
    11.03.09
    Tullow Oil reports its "best ever year", while Johnson Press and Savills saw profits tumble. Read our coverage of the firms reporting today.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    11.03.09
    Oil giant Tullow is expected to announce a healthy set of results, with PartyGaming, Costain and Johnston Press also reporting today.
  • Results round-up (10-03-09)
    Rhian Nicholson
    10.03.09
    Miner Antofagasta, baker Greggs, engineer Weir, and asset management group F&C are among those reporting today.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    10.03.09
    Miner Antofagasta, engineer Weir and baker Greggs all report, as well as the latest retail figures.
  • Markets: The week that was (02-06/03/09)
    Rhian Nicholson
    06.03.09
    Amid all the rights issues, rate cuts and weak corporate results, there was a fair amount of volatility on the FTSE 100 this week...
  • British Airways set for more losses
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.03.09
    Further losses are on the cards for British Airways with revenues expected to dive 5% in the coming financial year as fewer premium passengers take to the skies.
  • Glaxo proposes pay shake-up
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.03.09
    GlaxoSmithKline is proposing to revamp its executive pay structure and bring in a claw back mechanism for bonuses.
  • Interest rates cut to all-time low
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.03.09
    The Bank of England today cut interest rates to a record low of 0.5% and embarked quantitative easing to bolster the economy.
  • ITV in cost-cutting drive
    Rhian Nicholson
    04.03.09
    Broadcaster ITV is pulling out all the stops in its cost-cutting measures after making a £2.7 billion loss last year.
  • Results round-up (04-03-09)
    Rhian Nicholson
    04.03.09
    Broadcaster ITV posts a £2.7bn loss for 2008, while insurer Old Mutual cuts its dividend after a hefty drop in profits.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    04.03.09
    Big companies reporting today include broadcaster ITV and wealth management firm Old Mutual...
  • Question time for UKFI bosses
    Rhian Nicholson
    03.03.09
    UKFI boss John Kingman and chairman Glen Moreno floundered under pressure from the Treasury Select Committee.
  • Bad loans rise at Allied Irish
    Rhian Nicholson
    02.03.09
    Irish banking sector woes took a turn for the worse on Monday after Allied Irish Banks wrote-off €1.8 billion of bad loans in 2008, linked to the collapse of the property market.
  • Results round-up (02-03-09)
    Rhian Nicholson
    02.03.09
    Today's results include huge losses from banking giant HSBC, while publisher Pearson enjoyed a considerably better 2008.
  • Markets tumble as optimism fades
    Rhian Nicholson
    27.02.09
    London markets were a sea of red on Friday, as yesterday's optimism over the Government's banking sector insurance scheme faded amid worse-than-expected results from Lloyds.
  • The week ahead...
    Rhian Nicholson
    27.02.09
    All eyes turn to HSBC's results this week, while there's also the Bank of England's rate decision.
  • Asset Protection Scheme launched
    Rhian Nicholson
    26.02.09
    The Government has thrown a further lifeline to banks with the launch of an insurance scheme for their riskiest assets.
  • RBS posts record loss
    Rhian Nicholson
    26.02.09
    Royal Bank of Scotland has posted the biggest annual loss in UK corporate history of more than £24 billion.  
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    26.02.09
    Focus will again be drawing sharply on banks today, as RBS unveil what is expected to be grim results, while the Bank of England bosses face a public grilling.
  • FTSE 100 pushes forward on Wednesday
    Rhian Nicholson
    25.02.09
    London markets finished up on Wednesday, buoyed by a rally in financials as nationalisation fears eased, but miners tumbled on demand concerns.
  • News in brief: Police raid Anglo Irish HQ
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.02.09
    Police swoop on Anglo Irish's HQ, AIG seeks further Government aid Lloyds Banking Group could be released from Government interest charge, and more...
  • Profits tumble at Redrow
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.02.09
    Falling sales and lower prices have seen revenues and profits at Redrow plummet during the latter half of 2008.
  • RBS and Rock to unveil business revamps
    Rhian Nicholson
    23.02.09
    Beleaguered banks Royal Bank of Scotland and Northern Rock are set to reveal radical revamps of their business models to get their operations back into the black.
  • Cattles' shares dive on profit warning
    Rhian Nicholson
    20.02.09
    Shares in doorstep lender Cattles nosedived by as much as 60% on Friday after it warned that bad debts will take a hefty chunk out of full-year profits.
  • Recession fears lead FTSE below 4000
    Rhian Nicholson
    20.02.09
    Fears over the effect of the recession saw a turbulent week for financial stocks, leading the FTSE 100 to close the week below the 4000 mark.
  • The week ahead...
    Rhian Nicholson
    20.02.09
    Annual results from Lloyds and RBS will be sure to dominate the news this week, while the Treasury Select Committee also gets back in action.
  • JJB's LifeStyle arm in administration
    Rhian Nicholson
    19.02.09
    JJB Sports has put its 77-store LifeStyle arm into administration after attempts to find a last-minute buyer proved unsuccessful.
  • London markets nudge forward
    Rhian Nicholson
    19.02.09
    London markets nudged forward  amid weak mortgage lending data and worries over the UK's growing debt burden as the Government tries to spend its way out of the recession.
  • London markets hit by global gloom
    Rhian Nicholson
    18.02.09
    Grim warnings from the European banking sector and further aid requests from the US carmakers weighed heavily on global markets on Wednesday.
  • Shareholder puts RBS in the dock
    Rhian Nicholson
    18.02.09
    Royal Bank of Scotland is being hauled before a small claims court by a disgruntled former QC who accuses it of being insolvent when it sold him shares last year.
  • L&G lifted by credit reserve boost
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.02.09
    Legal & General shares received a welcome boost in morning trading after the life insurer announced plans to double its credit default reserves to £1.2 billion.
  • News in brief: Inflation falls to 3%
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.02.09
    Inflation falls to 3%, Land Securities taps investors for more cash, Laura Ashley issues profits warning, Treasury jobs for ex-bankers, and more...
  • Government reassurances lift Lloyds
    Rhian Nicholson
    16.02.09
    Shares in Lloyds Banking Group recovered from early losses on Monday, amid reassurances there are no current plans for nationalisation.
  • All change at the top of the LSE
    Rhian Nicholson
    13.02.09
    Former Lehman Brothers executive Xavier Rolet is to replace Clara Furse as boss of the London Stock Exchange.
  • Banks come to the fore once more
    Rhian Nicholson
    13.02.09
    Banks dominated the market headlines last week, as former and present bosses were grilled by MPs, and the US unveiled a $1.5 trillion stimulus plan for the sector.
  • Lloyds hit by £10bn HBOS loss warning
    Rhian Nicholson
    13.02.09
    Shares in Lloyds Banking Group haemorrhaged more than a third of their value on Friday after it warned of £10 billion of pre-tax losses at HBOS on Friday.
  • Rock shareholders lose High Court battle
    Rhian Nicholson
    13.02.09
    Former shareholders in Northern Rock have been left heavily out of pocket after losing their High Court battle against the Government's proposed compensation scheme.
  • BT shares hit new lows
    Rhian Nicholson
    12.02.09
    Shares in telecoms giant BT hit a historic low on Thursday after pre-tax profits for the final three months of 2008 tumbled 81%.
  • Brown blames business model for HBOS demise
    Rhian Nicholson
    12.02.09
    Gordon Brown claimed today that it was HBOS' business model that led to its downfall rather than alleged problems raised by whistleblower Paul Moore.
  • Bankers grilled (Part II)
    Rhian Nicholson
    11.02.09
    The banking bonus culture came under fire in round two of the Treasury Select Committee's grill-a-banker as the current bosses of the nation's biggest banks faced the music.
  • Markets inch forward on US banking plan
    Rhian Nicholson
    11.02.09
    London markets made little impact on in the black on Wednesday, as scepticism over the latest bank rescue plan from the US knocked investor confidence.
  • FTSE down on US stimulus delay
    Rhian Nicholson
    10.02.09
    Concerns over the lack of progress for the US bank rescue plan sent London markets heading south on Tuesday.
  • Leading bankers express regret
    Rhian Nicholson
    10.02.09
    Sorry was the word of the day, as former bosses of HBOS and RBS faced the scrutiny of MPs over their roles in the banking crisis.
  • Barclays' bonuses drop as profit falls
    Rhian Nicholson
    09.02.09
    Falling profits have led banking giant Barclays to waive bonuses for executive directors and scrap its dividend for shareholders.
  • Bonus backlash prompts review
    Rhian Nicholson
    09.02.09
    The Government has unveiled a year-long review into rewards for bankers amid reports that part-nationalised RBS is to pay out almost £1bn to staff.
  • Banks and rates dominate the markets
    Rhian Nicholson
    06.02.09
    Banking sector bonuses and another interest rate cut from the BoE whipped up discontent among shareholders and savers this week.
  • Barclays and Lloyds in bonus furore
    Rhian Nicholson
    06.02.09
    Barclays and Lloyds are poised to follow the lead of RBS in paying bankers and traders hundreds of millions of pounds in bonuses despite their precarious financial positions.
  • Interest rates cut to historic low
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.02.09
    Interest rates were slashed by another 50 basis points to a historic low of 1% on Thursday, as the BoE battles to stem the deepening recession.
  • Financial media faces grilling
    Rhian Nicholson
    04.02.09
    Senior figures from the financial media faced MPs over their role in the banking crisis on Wednesday.
  • Interest rates set for record low
    Rhian Nicholson
    04.02.09
    Interest rates are set to reach another historic low on Thursday when the Monetary Policy Committee announces the outcome of its latest meeting.
  • Markets buoyed by surging miners
    Rhian Nicholson
    04.02.09
    London markets pushed forward on Wednesday, buoyed by miners ahead of the latest interest rate decision from the MPC.
  • BP profits hit in fourth quarter
    Rhian Nicholson
    03.02.09
    Falling oil prices and unexpected losses at its joint Russian venture took a bite out of final quarter profits at oil giant BP.
  • News in brief: Bank bosses face grilling
    Rhian Nicholson
    03.02.09
    Banking chiefs face MPs over their role in the banking crisis, AIM saw no new admissions in January, construction industry shrinks again, and more...
  • RBS chief stands down early
    Rhian Nicholson
    03.02.09
    The chairman of troubled banking giant Royal Bank of Scotland, Sir Tom McKillop stepped down two months ahead of schedule today.
  • Banks weigh on FTSE
    Rhian Nicholson
    02.02.09
    The FTSE 100 was snowed under by a poor performance from the banking stocks on Monday.
  • Barclays knocked on rating downgrade
    Rhian Nicholson
    02.02.09
    Barclays saw its shares slide after its credit rating was downgraded amid fears further losses could be on the cards.
  • Banking rally can't stop market blues
    Rhian Nicholson
    30.01.09
    Banks rallied in the week, buoyed by Barclays' move to reassure investors, but markets were struggling despite the wave of relief.
  • Banks and autos send FTSE 100 down
    Rhian Nicholson
    29.01.09
    London markets were on a downhill slope on Thursday, as the banking and auto sectors relinquished some of their recent gains.
  • Cookson turns to shareholders to cut debt
    Rhian Nicholson
    29.01.09
    Engineering group Cookson has joined the growing list of companies tapping shareholders for cash in a battle to reduce its £732 million debt in the fraught economic climate.
  • FSA bans two directors over mis-selling
    Rhian Nicholson
    28.01.09
    Two directors at notorious stockbroker Pacific Continental Securities have been fined and banned from top-level roles in the financial services industry by the financial regulator.
  • Rio Tinto rights issue on the cards?
    Rhian Nicholson
    28.01.09
    Mining heavyweight Rio Tinto has admitted a rights issue could be on the cards as it grapples with $39 billion worth of debt.
  • Banks hold onto gains
    Rhian Nicholson
    27.01.09
    London markets were on a downhill slope despite banking giants holding onto yesterday's impressive gains.
  • Hedge fund profits as investors lose out
    Rhian Nicholson
    27.01.09
    A US hedge fund has been making millions from falling bank share prices as many smaller private UK investors watch the value of the holdings plummet.
  • News in brief: Car industry lifeline
    Rhian Nicholson
    27.01.09
    The UK car industry gets a lifeline, the pound rallies, private sector pension schemes reveal heavy deficits, and more...
  • Barclays moves to reassure investors
    Rhian Nicholson
    26.01.09
    Efforts from banking giant Barclays to reassure investors over its financial health provided a much needed boost to its share price on Monday.
  • Markets given boost by banking rally
    Rhian Nicholson
    26.01.09
    London markets recovered from a shaky start to steam forward on Monday, boosted by a welcome rally from banking shares.
  • Plunging profits send Wolseley south
    Rhian Nicholson
    26.01.09
    Plunging profits and rising debts resulting from a deteriorating housing market and the turmoil in the financial markets took their toll on building materials firm Wolseley on Monday.
  • Markets flat as recession confirmed
    Rhian Nicholson
    23.01.09
    London markets were dragging their feet on Friday, as official figures revealed the UK hit recession in the fourth quarter of the year.
  • RBS and recession fears rock the markets
    Rhian Nicholson
    23.01.09
    Exasperation, disbelief and confusion ruled supreme on the markets last week, with the troubles at RBS setting the tone and official data confirming a UK recession.
  • UK officially in recession
    Rhian Nicholson
    23.01.09
    The UK ploughed headlong into recession in the fourth quarter of the year - its first since the early 1990s, official figures revealed today.
  • Investors shun BT
    Rhian Nicholson
    22.01.09
    Shares in BT were losing ground after multimillion-pound charges in its struggling Global Services division.
  • Barclays shares hit 24-year low
    Rhian Nicholson
    21.01.09
    Barclays shareholders were nursing heavy losses on Wednesday, after shares in the beleaguered bank plunged to their lowest level for 24 years.
  • Banks battered by RBS fears
    Rhian Nicholson
    20.01.09
    The turbulence continued in the financial sector today, amid fears that the likes of Barclays and Lloyds could have to go cap in hand to the Government once more.
  • Battered banks drag markets down
    Rhian Nicholson
    20.01.09
    London markets slump back into the red on Tuesday as fears over the health of the banking sector weigh heavily on investors.
  • Inflation falls to 3.1%
    Rhian Nicholson
    20.01.09
    Falling petrol prices, heavy discounting from retailers and the VAT reduction slashed consumer price inflation to 3.1% in December, official figures show.
  • Banks thrown fresh £300bn lifeline
    Rhian Nicholson
    19.01.09
    Banks have been thrown a fresh £300 billion lifeline from the Government in a desperate bid to get them lending to businesses and consumers again.
  • Barclays fails to recover lost ground
    Rhian Nicholson
    19.01.09
    Barclays' bid to reassure investors over its profit expectations failed to recover the ground lost in Friday's dramatic share price fall.
  • RBS shares plummet 70%
    Rhian Nicholson
    19.01.09
    Shares in Royal Bank of Scotland have plunged amid news it is set to reveal the biggest loss in UK corporate history.
  • Ailing retailers slow down markets
    Rhian Nicholson
    16.01.09
    A wave of disappointing Christmas sales figures from the retail sector, combine with steep US banking losses to batter markets last week.
  • Anglo Irish nationalised
    Rhian Nicholson
    16.01.09
    Trading in struggling Anglo Irish Bank was today suspended on the London and Irish Stock Exchanges after it was nationalised last night.
  • Are you ready for your self-assessment?
    Rhian Nicholson
    15.01.09
    Collective fines of more than £470 million are looming if taxpayers fail to meet the 31 January online self-assessment deadline or file incorrect information. Are you ready?
  • Discounting fails to stop retailers' slide
    Rhian Nicholson
    15.01.09
    Despite a wealth of discounts across the retail sector, consumers refused to play into the hands of shops, as more figures reveal the mire engulfing retailers.
  • Economy fears see markets extend losses
    Rhian Nicholson
    15.01.09
    London markets were languishing in the red on Thursday, as fears over the deepening global downturn following more weak figures from Japan and the US unsettled investors.
  • January key to the year's fortunes
    Rhian Nicholson
    15.01.09
    January is the all-important month for determining how shares perform for the remainder of the year, according to the Halifax.
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    15.01.09
    More festive trading results from the retailers will flood the market today, with High Street brands Carphone Warehouse, DSG International and HMV among those facing the music.
  • Banks send markets plummeting
    Rhian Nicholson
    14.01.09
    Banking shares weighed down the FTSE 100 on Wednesday, with fears over the health of HSBC scaring off investors.
  • HSBC shares tumble to seven-year low
    Rhian Nicholson
    14.01.09
    Shares in banking behemoth HSBC plunged to seven-year lows on Wednesday, after analysts warned a cash call could be on the cards.
  • News in brief: China on the rise
    Rhian Nicholson
    14.01.09
    China moves up the rankings, Citigroup and Morgan Stanley to join forces, Man Group planning legal action against Madoff, and more...
  • What's in store today...
    Rhian Nicholson
    13.01.09
    Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey and supermarket giant Tesco are both back in the spotlight today as they release their latest trading updates.
  • Land of Leather in administration
    Rhian Nicholson
    12.01.09
    Retailer Land of Leather today announced it has called in the administrators after suspending its shares in late morning trading.
  • The week in words
    Rhian Nicholson
    09.01.09
    The Bank of England's record-breaking interest rate cut was the talk of the week. Here's what the experts had to say...
  • News in brief: Pound in biggest jump vs euro
    Rhian Nicholson
    07.01.09
    Pound sees biggest jump against the euro, US likely to remain in recession throughout 2009, new car sales plunge in UK, Bank of America seeks funding, and more...
  • Shoppers give retailers a headache
    Rhian Nicholson
    07.01.09
    Reticent shoppers proved a major headache for the High Street over the usually lucrative Christmas trading period with sales from major retailers reporting this week down on 2007.
  • Markets stride forward on Tuesday
    Rhian Nicholson
    06.01.09
    Markets pushed forward on Tuesday as slightly better than expected figures from High Street stalwarts gave investors a glimmer of hope.
  • Short-selling ban to be lifted
    Rhian Nicholson
    06.01.09
    The temporary ban on short-selling financial shares will be lifted in mid January, the City watchdog says.
  • Markets stumble into the black
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.01.09
    London markets recovered to end Monday in the black, as the UK Government mulled over further support for the beleaguered banks.
  • Shareholders to be left in the dark?
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.01.09
    Shareholders in UK companies could be left in the dark after the ABI made it doubly easy for companies to plough ahead with cash calls without their approval.
  • 2009: The experts' views
    Rhian Nicholson
    31.12.08
    With so much happening to a crumbling global economy in 2008, here's the experts' views for 2009.
  • Banks dive as recession looms: A 2008 review
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.12.08
    It was a year that made bankers cry, traders weep and private investors hang their heads in despair. Here's a reminder of how it went so wrong in the banking sector.
  • Housing data drags back markets
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.12.08
    There was no Santa rally on the London markets ahead of the Christmas break with yet more weak housing data coming from the US and the UK.
  • Market madness: A 2008 review
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.12.08
    It was a year that will stick in investors minds' for all the wrong reasons. Here's a brief reminder of the carnage that was 2008.
  • Taylor Wimpey shares tumble
    Rhian Nicholson
    23.12.08
    Shares in Taylor Wimpey fell by 15% on Tuesday despite the housebuilder saying it is likely to reach an agreement with lenders over its debt by the end of the year.
  • UK economy shrinks even further
    Rhian Nicholson
    23.12.08
    The UK economy shrank by its largest amount since 1990 between July and September, according to the latest revised figures from the Office for National Statistics.
  • £6.4bn bonuses for City bankers
    Rhian Nicholson
    22.12.08
    City bankers at four big name firms are to share in £6.4 billion worth of bonuses this year, despite the worst year in banking for almost 80 years.
  • Fund managers see 2009 market recovery
    Rhian Nicholson
    19.12.08
    Almost two thirds of fund managers believe that the stockmarket is set to rise in 2009, according to the latest research from the Association of Investment Companies.
  • Madoff's alleged fraud adds to market drama
    Rhian Nicholson
    19.12.08
    The markets took a turn for the worse this week, despite interest rate cuts in the US and Japan, as Bernard Madoff's alleged $50bn fraud was uncovered.
  • US Government bails out carmakers
    Rhian Nicholson
    19.12.08
    The US Government has stumped up more than $17 billion dollars in loans to support the Big Three in its struggling carmaking industry.
  • Retailers on downhill slope
    Rhian Nicholson
    18.12.08
    Shares in many retailers were on a downhill slope on Thursday after the latest snapshot of life on the High Street revealed deteriorating conditions in the all important festive period.
  • UK rates likely to continue falling
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.12.08
    UK interest rates are likely to come down further in the New Year, after the latest minutes from the MPC revealed all nine members voted for the latest 100 basis point cut.
  • Banks hit by $50bn Madoff fraud
    Rhian Nicholson
    15.12.08
    Beleaguered Royal Bank of Scotland has joined the growing list of institutions affected by the $50 billion alleged fraud of US hedge fund boss Bernard Madoff.
  • B&B shareholders to recoup money?
    Rhian Nicholson
    12.12.08
    Bradford & Bingley shareholders may be able to claw back some of the money they lost following the nationalisation of the bank in September.
  • Last gasp fear strikes markets
    Rhian Nicholson
    12.12.08
    Fear enveloped the markets late last week, after the US Senate's rejection of a $14 billion bail-out for the ailing car industry sent markets south.
  • US carmakers on brink of collapse
    Rhian Nicholson
    12.12.08
    US carmakers are teetering on the brink of collapse following the demise of the proposed $14 billion lifeline for the struggling sector.
  • News in brief: Lloyds-HBOS deal "not unlawful"
    Rhian Nicholson
    11.12.08
    Lloyds and HBOS merger deemed "not unlawful", Woolworths could see some of its stores shut, Carphone Warehouse's David Ross resigns from Big Yellow Group...
  • Cost cutting plans boost Rio Tinto
    Rhian Nicholson
    10.12.08
    Shares in Rio Tinto have soared following plans to cut thousands of jobs and reduce net debt by $10 billion.
  • Markets continue to rally
    Rhian Nicholson
    09.12.08
    Markets built on Monday's gains amid hopes that further Government action will help to bring stability back to the global economy.
  • News in brief: Commercial property woes
    Rhian Nicholson
    08.12.08
    Commercial property on a downhill slope, the fight to keep HBOS independent hits the Competition Appeal Tribunal, oil prices rally and more...
  • UK shareholders "at risk"
    Rhian Nicholson
    08.12.08
    Thousands of UK shareholders could be targets by scammers after a database containing their details was found by Canadian authorities.
  • US plans boost markets
    Rhian Nicholson
    08.12.08
    Plans for a massive public works package in the US and a $4 billion rescue deal in India lifted global markets on Monday.
  • FTSE 100 in reshuffle
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.12.08
    Platinum mining group Lonmin and transport firm Stagecoach are among the FTSE 100 companies likely to be relegated to the second tier index next week.
  • News in brief: Oil prices "could plummet"
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.12.08
    Analyst Merrill Lynch says oil prices "could plummet", construction sector hit by economic downturn, homeowners to miss out on rate cut, and more...
  • Rate reduction can't ease the gloom
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.12.08
    Despite another interest rate cut from both the BoE and ECB, the markets failed to weather the financial storms.
  • Secret HBOS dossier comes to light
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.12.08
    A secret HBOS dossier, reportedly outlining how close the bank was to collapsing before Lloyds stepped in, has been unveiled in the appeal against the merger.
  • The week ahead...
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.12.08
    The economic picture could get a whole lot bleaker next week, as more data and retail figures are released.
  • BoE slashes interest rates to 2%
    Rhian Nicholson
    04.12.08
    Interest rates have been slashed to 2% in a desperate attempt to ward off the worst of the imminent recession.  
  • More pressure on housing market
    Rhian Nicholson
    04.12.08
    The housing market came under further strain in November, with prices suffering their sharpest drop since the crash of the early 1990s.
  • New Star shareholders set to miss out
    Rhian Nicholson
    04.12.08
    Shareholders in ailing fund mangement group New Star are set to be left with next to nothing under plans to dramatically restructure the firm.
  • Banking reforms outlined
    Rhian Nicholson
    03.12.08
    Tougher legislation to "improve the resilience of the financial sector" and ensure banking customers are treated more fairly was at the heart of the Queen's speech today.
  • Where next for banking regulations?
    Rhian Nicholson
    02.12.08
    Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Edward Leigh, has raised the question: what has the credit crunch done for regulating banks and businesses?
  • Fresh bid to block HBOS-Lloyds merger
    Rhian Nicholson
    01.12.08
    HBOS shareholders and banking customers have joined forces with Scottish businessmen in a fresh bid to block the planned HBOS merger with Lloyds TSB.
  • Pressure on BoE to cut rates once more
    Rhian Nicholson
    01.12.08
    The pressure is on the Bank of England to cut interest rates to as low as 2% on Thursday, after more negative economic data showed the country is heading full steam towards recession.
  • Shares in New Star plunge
    Rhian Nicholson
    01.12.08
    Shares in troubled UK fund manager New Star dived by more than 65% in early morning trading on Monday, with the group locked in talks with lenders.
  • Budgeting for the ailing economy
    Rhian Nicholson
    28.11.08
    Alistair Darling's bid to stimulate the economy in his pre-Budget report came too late for some High Street retailers.
  • News in brief: JD Sports mulls JJB bid?
    Rhian Nicholson
    28.11.08
    JD Sports reportedly mulls a bid for JJB Sports, oil prices dip ahead of the OPEC meeting, Spain unveils its rescue package for the economy and more...
  • Taylor Wimpey shares soar
    Rhian Nicholson
    28.11.08
    Shares in Taylor Wimpey have soared more than 200% in the past two days over rumours that the struggling housebuilder could strike an equity deal with its lenders.
  • High Street woes continue
    Rhian Nicholson
    27.11.08
    The nightmare on the High Street continued today, with two big name retailers going into administration and more tales of falling sales from the owners of B&Q and Currys.
  • House price falls slow
    Rhian Nicholson
    27.11.08
    House prices continued to fall in November, albeit at a slower rate than the previous month.
  • News in brief: UK economy shrinks 0.5%
    Rhian Nicholson
    26.11.08
    UK economy shrinks by 0.5%, EC pushes huge rescue plan, oil lifts amid Russian speculation, China cuts rates again, and more...
  • Rio Tinto dismisses debt concerns
    Rhian Nicholson
    26.11.08
    Mining heavyweight Rio Tinto has shrugged off concerns over its debt position, after rival BHP Billiton pulled the plug on its $66 billion takeover plans.
  • FTSE 100 inches forward at close
    Rhian Nicholson
    25.11.08
    London markets crawled forward on Tuesday, as investors digested the contents of Chancellor Alistair Darling's spend now, pay later pre-Budget report.
  • Fed's $800bn boost to mortgage industry
    Rhian Nicholson
    25.11.08
    The Federal Reserve swooped to bolster the flagging US economy with a further $800bn rescue package for the failing mortgage industry on Tuesday.
  • Government set for 58% stake in RBS
    Rhian Nicholson
    25.11.08
    The UK Government is likely to take a 58% stake in RBS after the bank's £15bn share offer expired today, with shares well below the 65.5p offer price.
  • News in brief: UK set for "severe" recession
    Rhian Nicholson
    25.11.08
    UK set for "severe" recession, BoE governor Mervyn King calls for more rate cuts, mortgage lending slumps, BHP Billiton pulls out of Rio Tinto bid, and more...
  • 2008 pre-Budget report round-up
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.11.08
    There were few surprises in the Chancellor's speech, as his pre-Budget speech sought the answers to the ease pressure on the country's finances.
  • Citigroup gets Government bail-out
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.11.08
    Ailing bank Citigroup has become the latest financial institution to receive an emergency cash injection to stave off a collapse that would have wreaked havoc around the globe.
  • High earners better off in UK than in US
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.11.08
    High earners on six-figure salaries in the UK would still pay less tax than their counterparts in Germany and the US if the top rate of personal income tax was raised to 45%.
  • Small business boost
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.11.08
    Chancellor Alistair Darling has attempted to smooth over the damage the credit crisis has wreaked on smaller businesses
  • Barclays receives L&G backing
    Rhian Nicholson
    21.11.08
    Barclays received a boost on Friday after major shareholder Legal & General Investment Management reluctantly gave its backing to the proposed Middle Eastern deal.
  • Markets nosedive as economic woe grows
    Rhian Nicholson
    21.11.08
    Doom-mongers around the world were having a field day last week, as more tales of economic woe saw markets drown in a sea of red.
  • Shake-up at New Star
    Rhian Nicholson
    21.11.08
    Fund management group New Star is shaking up its UK equity team and simplifying its fund range in a bid to breathe new life into its struggling business.
  • The week in words
    Rhian Nicholson
    21.11.08
    A week in which markets and economies headed south gave plenty of people the opportunity to have their say...
  • RBS shareholders agree to bail-out
    Rhian Nicholson
    20.11.08
    RBS shareholders agree to accept the Government's £20bn bail-out, while the bank's chairman apologises for the ailing institution's current difficulties.
  • Santander shareholders miss out
    Rhian Nicholson
    20.11.08
    UK shareholders in Spanish bank Santander will miss out on the chance to take part in its €7 billion rights issue.
  • Shares in Woolworths suspended
    Rhian Nicholson
    19.11.08
    Shares in ailing high street chain Woolworths were suspended on Wednesday morning after the group confirmed it is in talks with restructuring firm Hilco.
  • Banks overhaul bonus system
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.11.08
    Swiss banking giant UBS has followed the lead of other banks in radically overhauling its pay and bonus system as the credit crisis continues to bite.
  • Hope grows for Taylor Wimpey
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.11.08
    Shares in housebuilder Taylor Wimpey lifted by as much as 18% on Monday, amid speculation that the struggling group has attracted the eye of US private equity firms.
  • UK economy set for sharp contraction
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.11.08
    The UK economy is set for its sharpest contraction in almost 20 years, according to the Confederation of British Industry.
  • FTSE pushes forward on Friday
    Rhian Nicholson
    14.11.08
    The FTSE 100 put a poor week of trading behind it on Friday, as higher metal prices helped to lift key indices ahead of the G20 economic summit this weekend.
  • Government agency will not run banks
    Rhian Nicholson
    14.11.08
    The new Government agency set up to oversee the £37 billion taxpayer stake in three of the UK's banks will not play a part in the day-to-day running of the banks.
  • Markets ridden with recession fears
    Rhian Nicholson
    14.11.08
    Fears over the looming recession once again dominated investors' actions, while economic data provided further gloom.
  • The week in words
    Rhian Nicholson
    14.11.08
    Recession fears gripped investors, while an unexpected twist in the HBOS-Lloyds saga provided plenty of opportunity to comment.
  • Dramatic changes to US bail-out
    Rhian Nicholson
    13.11.08
    The US Treasury Secretary, Henry Paulson, has announced a dramatic change in plans to salvage the beleaguered banking sector.
  • Barclays facing shareholder revolt
    Rhian Nicholson
    12.11.08
    Barclays is facing a shareholder revolt after choosing Middle Eastern investors over support from the UK Government in its fundraising efforts.
  • Chinese move boosts markets
    Rhian Nicholson
    10.11.08
    More bad news from the financial sector curbs positive sentiment over  the $600 billion Chinese economic boost.
  • HSBC plagued by bad debt
    Rhian Nicholson
    10.11.08
    Bad debt charges from the US housing market continue to plague HSBC, taking its losses since the start of the credit crisis to around $23 billion.
  • Opposition grows over HBOS-Lloyds deal
    Rhian Nicholson
    10.11.08
    Opposition to the merger between HBOS and Lloyds reached fever pitch, as two of Scotland's most senior bankers to keep HBOS as a standalone institution.
  • Airline profits tumble
    Rhian Nicholson
    07.11.08
    Airlines are feeling the pinch as higher fuel costs and falling passenger numbers hit the profits of big and small airlines alike.
  • Markets remain stalked by recession fears
    Rhian Nicholson
    07.11.08
    Barack Obama's ascension to President wasn't enough to quell recession fears on the markets, but the BoE's surprise rate cut could offer some respite.
  • The week in words
    Rhian Nicholson
    07.11.08
    It was the dawning of a new era in America last week, while the Bank of England introduced a surprise rate cut. There was plenty to say on these and more...
  • BoE slashes interest rates to 3%
    Rhian Nicholson
    06.11.08
    The Bank of England exceeded expectations today, as it announced a 1.5 percentage point cut in interest rates.
  • RBS chief gets bumper pay deal
    Rhian Nicholson
    05.11.08
    Shareholders in RBS may be mourning the loss of their dividend payments, but chief exec Stephen Hestor is laughing all the way to the bank.
  • RBS investors blast accounting change
    Rhian Nicholson
    04.11.08
    Investors today blasted the accounting changes which allowed Royal Bank of Scotland to slash its reported write-downs for third-quarter trading.
  • London markets soldier on
    Rhian Nicholson
    03.11.08
    London markets struggled on Monday, as investors awaited the outcome of the US Presidential race and the MPC's vote on interest rates.
  • Barclays seeks Middle Eastern boost
    Rhian Nicholson
    31.10.08
    Barclays is turning to Middle Eastern investors to raise £7.3 billion without the need for Government intervention
  • FTSE finishes the week on a high
    Rhian Nicholson
    31.10.08
    The FTSE 100 recovers from early losses and seeing big hitters Barclays and BT suffer on Friday to finish the week on a high.
  • Markets recover from shaky start
    Rhian Nicholson
    31.10.08
    Investors saw another volatile week on the markets end on a high, despite gloomy outlooks in the UK and US.
  • The week in words
    Rhian Nicholson
    31.10.08
    Another rollercoaster week provided plenty of opportunity for comment. Here's our round-up of what's been said.
  • FTSE checks gains on Thursday
    Rhian Nicholson
    30.10.08
    London markets drove forward on Thursday, but later found itself stuttering despite interest rate cuts from the US and China.
  • Oil giants continue to soar
    Rhian Nicholson
    30.10.08
    Soaring third quarter results from oil giants BP and Shell were lifted by lower oil prices and have got investors busily trading.
  • Crisis hits banks to tune of $2.8 trillion
    Rhian Nicholson
    28.10.08
    The credit crisis has cost global financial institutions $2.8 trillion, according to the Bank of England as it calls for an overhaul of the worldwide banking system.
  • Markets on the front foot
    Rhian Nicholson
    28.10.08
    European shares pushed forward onTuesday, as strong UK company results helped calm nervy investors.
  • Pubs suffer as beer sales tumble
    Rhian Nicholson
    27.10.08
    Breweries and pub chains are sobering after news that beer sales hit a decade low in the third quarter.
  • Volatile Monday on the markets
    Rhian Nicholson
    27.10.08
    European shares rallied from steep falls on Monday, as worries about the looming global recession had investors rattled.
  • Recession looming as GDP goes negative
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.10.08
    The UK is on the brink of recession after the economy contracted for the first time in 16 years, figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal.
  • The week in words
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.10.08
    Having started the week serenely, recession fears sparked life into the markets - and into the mouths of many.
  • Woe for retailers
    Rhian Nicholson
    23.10.08
    With falling sales, come falling profits, as retailers reassess their expectations for this year. But is it really that bad?
  • Housebuilders stage mini-recovery
    Rhian Nicholson
    22.10.08
    Shares in housebuilders staged their own mini-rally following weeks of poor performance on the back of the ailing housing market.
  • Markets struggle on Wednesday
    Rhian Nicholson
    22.10.08
    Fears of a UK recession hit the FTSE 100 on Wednesday, with global markets also performing sluggishly.
  • Global banking support stepped up
    Rhian Nicholson
    21.10.08
    France and Japan have stepped up their efforts to bail out their beleaguered banking sectors, while the IMF is to aid others.
  • Monday rally on markets
    Rhian Nicholson
    20.10.08
    Economic woes in the UK and China weren't enough to stop the markets rallying on Monday.
  • UK economy "in recession"
    Rhian Nicholson
    20.10.08
    The UK is already in recession after economic conditions in the UK declined dramatically over the last three months, according to a think tank.
  • FSA says banks are past the worst
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.10.08
    The beleaguered banking system has passed the point of meltdown but the economic consequences of the credit crisis still have to be dealt with, according to the head of the FSA.
  • The week in words
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.10.08
    In yet another volatile week on the markets, there was more than enough to get people talking.
  • Banks reveal further losses
    Rhian Nicholson
    16.10.08
    Bad debts continued to take a bite out of banks in the third quarter, with Citigroup and Merrill Lynch revealing further losses on Thursday.
  • Recession fears plague markets
    Rhian Nicholson
    16.10.08
    The woe continued for markets on Thursday as the prospect of a looming recession sent investors running for the door.
  • Lloyds shareholders set for dividends?
    Rhian Nicholson
    15.10.08
    Lloyds TSB shareholders could still receive dividends payments while the bank benefits from the Government's $500 billion rescue package.
  • Recession fears and miners weigh on markets
    Rhian Nicholson
    15.10.08
    Fears of a global recession and plunging miners weighed heavily on the markets on Wednesday, denting hopes the credit crisis was heading to its finale.
  • Cost of living rises further
    Rhian Nicholson
    14.10.08
    The cost of living rose at its highest level for 16 years in September following a sharp jump in energy bills, official figures have revealed.
  • Global efforts boost markets
    Rhian Nicholson
    14.10.08
    The FTSE 100 continued to notch up the gains as banking sector bail-outs lifted investor confidence.
  • US pumps $250bn into banks
    Rhian Nicholson
    14.10.08
    Nine of the biggest US banks are to share a $250 billion cash injection as part of a part-nationalisation program.
  • Banks take Government lifeline
    Rhian Nicholson
    13.10.08
    Three of the UK's biggest banks will be part-nationalised as they fight for survival in the credit crisis.
  • News in brief: Morgan Stanley sells 21% stake
    Rhian Nicholson
    13.10.08
    Japanese bank seal deal for part of Morgan Stanley, more Governments across the world guarantee bank deposits, Iceland plans to sue the British Government, and more...
  • Barclays to tap markets for cash
    Rhian Nicholson
    10.10.08
    Shares in Barclays lost further ground on Friday after the group confirmed it is looking to the markets to raise extra capital to boost its balance sheet.
  • Brown calls for world to follow UK's lead
    Rhian Nicholson
    10.10.08
    Prime Minister Gordon Brown is calling for Governments around the world to take action to support their ailing banking sectors as they teeter on the brink of collapse.
  • Banking sector enjoys mixed day
    Rhian Nicholson
    09.10.08
    Plans of an initial £50 billion rescue package boosted most of the banks, but Barclays was knocked by reports it is to offer preference shares before using Government aid.
  • House prices continue to plummet
    Rhian Nicholson
    09.10.08
    House prices continued to slide during September, taking the annual rate of decline to its worst point since the Halifax survey started in 1983.
  • Markets fall back on recession fears
    Rhian Nicholson
    09.10.08
    Global markets sank back into the red on Thursday, after concerns about a looming global recession outweighed positive sentiment over the UK banking sector rescue plans.
  • British banks to be part-nationalised
    Rhian Nicholson
    08.10.08
    The UK's biggest banks are to be part-nationalised through a £50 billion rescue package in a bid to restore order to the struggling banking sector.
  • Central banks cut interest rates
    Rhian Nicholson
    08.10.08
    Central banks around the world have cut interest rates by 50 basis points in a further move to breathe new life into the money markets.
  • FTSE slumps despite rate cuts
    Rhian Nicholson
    08.10.08
    Global rate cuts by central banks and plans to rescue UK banks failed to revitalise a flagging global markets on Wednesday.
  • Banking crisis sparks top level talks
    Rhian Nicholson
    07.10.08
    The Prime Minister is meeting with senior officials over the turmoil in the financial sector as bank shares slump further.
  • News in brief: Landsbanki nationalised
    Rhian Nicholson
    07.10.08
    Iceland's second largest bank has been nationalised, IMF says economy is slowing, Australia cuts interest rates to 6%, and more...
  • UK "already in recession"
    Rhian Nicholson
    07.10.08
    The UK is already in recession as the pressure from the credit crisis mounts and confidence plummets, according to the British Chambers of Commerce.
  • News in brief: Government to back banks
    Rhian Nicholson
    06.10.08
    Alistair Darling pledges to support banks, Iceland's own banks announce a financial resuce plan, BNP Paribas buys part of Fortis, and more...
  • Banking shares bolstered by double boost
    Rhian Nicholson
    03.10.08
    Banking shares got a welcome boost on Friday after the Government upped savers' protection and the BoE said it would accept a wider range of collateral in exchange for loans.
  • FSA raises compensation limit to £50,000
    Rhian Nicholson
    03.10.08
    Savers can sleep a little easier at night after the Financial Services Authority raised the compensation limit for bank deposits to £50,000.
  • Markets prosper on wave of good news
    Rhian Nicholson
    03.10.08
    Markets pushed forward as Wells Fargo bought Wachovia and the BoE protected more of savers' money ahead of the Congress vote on the revised US $700 billion rescue plan.
  • Europe seeks its own rescue solution
    Rhian Nicholson
    02.10.08
    European leaders are set to gather in Paris this weekend to talk through possible damage limitation schemes for the failing financial sector.
  • Irish look to extend guarantee to foreign banks
    Rhian Nicholson
    02.10.08
    Plans to extend a controversial new Irish law, guaranteeing all banks deposits to foreign-owned banks with a large retail presence in the country, are underway.
  • Markets down despite US plan approval
    Rhian Nicholson
    02.10.08
    London and US markets followed Asian markets into negative territory on Thursday despite the US Senate approving the banking sector rescue.
  • Lonmin flounders as Xstrata pulls deal
    Rhian Nicholson
    01.10.08
    Mining giant Lonmin lost more than a quarter of its value on Wednesday, after potential partner Xstrata pulled the plug on a £5 billion offer due to the credit crisis.
  • Irish banks get Government guarantee
    Rhian Nicholson
    30.09.08
    Market meltdown has forced the Irish government to guarantee all deposits at six banks after the Irish Stock Exchange suffered its worst ever day of trading on Monday.
  • FTSE dives on battered financials
    Rhian Nicholson
    29.09.08
    The FTSE 100 slumped into the red on Monday, as financial institutions were brought to their knees by the credit crisis.
  • Shares in B&B 'extinguished'
    Rhian Nicholson
    29.09.08
    Shares in troubled mortgage lender Bradford & Bingley have been cancelled following its nationalisation.
  • US bail-out plans settled
    Rhian Nicholson
    29.09.08
    Plans for a $700 billion rescue package for the beleaguered banking sector are finally ready to face the House of Representatives after days of debate.
  • Bush expects bail-out to be passed
    Rhian Nicholson
    26.09.08
    George Bush has said legislators will "rise to the occasion" and pass the $700bn Wall Street rescue package.
  • Credit crisis comments
    Rhian Nicholson
    26.09.08
    It's been another tumutluous on the markets, increasing the pressure on the powers that be. Here's a selection of what some had to say.
  • WaMu becomes largest US bank failure
    Rhian Nicholson
    26.09.08
    US bank Washington Mutual has become the latest - and largest - victim of the credit crisis chaos after regulators closed the bank on Thursday.
  • B&B shares hit record low
    Rhian Nicholson
    25.09.08
    Shares in beleaugered mortgage lender Bradford & Bingley hit a record low following the unveiling of cost-cutting plans.
  • Brown backs bank bail-out
    Rhian Nicholson
    25.09.08
    Gordon Brown has backed the US Government's bail-out plan to calm the turbulent markets.
  • FTSE closes up, US opens strongly
    Rhian Nicholson
    25.09.08
    The FTSE 100 closed up almost 2% on Thursday, while the US market started early trade well on hopes of the bank bail-out plans.
  • Pleas for firms to join ban ignored
    Rhian Nicholson
    25.09.08
    Pleas from companies outside the financial sector wanting to be included in the short-selling ban have fallen on deaf ears.
  • FBI investigates fraud in US crisis firms
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.09.08
    Four of the US institutions brought to their knees by the credit crisis are being investigated by the FBI for fraud, the US media reports.
  • London markets see marginal slide
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.09.08
    London markets closed just under 1% of the opening mark on Wednesday, as the US Government bank bail-out hit problems in Congress.
  • PM hints at short-selling ban
    Rhian Nicholson
    24.09.08
    Short-selling shares could soon be permanently banned in the UK, PM Gordon Brown has said, as hedge funds feel investors' wrath.
  • HBOS shares tumble
    Rhian Nicholson
    23.09.08
    HBOS shares tumbled again on Tuesday amid fears that the Lloyds TSB takeover will not solve its funding problem or its slowing growth as the mortgage market dwindles.
  • Markets limp through Tuesday
    Rhian Nicholson
    23.09.08
    London and Asian markets were hit on Tuesday, as concerns grew that the US Government's bail-out plan may not be enough to revive the economy.
  • Curtain falls on US investment banking era
    Rhian Nicholson
    22.09.08
    The final curtain has fallen on investment banking on Wall Street, after the last two independent banks standing agreed to become regulated by the Federal Reserve.
  • FTSE treads water on Monday
    Rhian Nicholson
    22.09.08
    The FTSE slipped back into the red as investors awaited further news on the US government's proposed $700 billion bank bail-out.
  • Global markets power ahead
    Rhian Nicholson
    19.09.08
    London markets recorded their biggest ever one day gain on Friday as the temporary ban on shorting financial shares came into effect.
  • Investors cheer shorting ban
    Rhian Nicholson
    19.09.08
    Investors are cheering the temporary ban on shorting financial stocks which came into play on Friday morning.
  • US considers "bad bank" plan
    Rhian Nicholson
    19.09.08
    The US government is considering creating a "bad bank" to rescue the beleaguered financial system.
  • Financial fears plague markets
    Rhian Nicholson
    18.09.08
    The FTSE 100 lost ground once again despite central banks injecting billions of dollars into the money markets.
  • AIG saved by US Government
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.09.08
    Ailing insurer AIG has been saved from the brink of collapse by a multibillion-dollar rescue package from the US government.
  • Barclays seals £1bn Lehman deal
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.09.08
    Banking giant Barclays has confirmed that it is to purchase some of the assets from stricken US investment bank Lehman Brothers.
  • FTSE hits three-year low
    Rhian Nicholson
    17.09.08
    London markets fluctuate wildly and ultimately plummet, as confirmation of the HBOS and Lloyds TSB merger adds to the drama.
  • How long left for AIG?
    Rhian Nicholson
    16.09.08
    Troubled insurer AIG sees its share price plunge further on funding concerns, while it has been claimed it has just one day to fund the requisite funds to stay afloat.
  • Lehman Brothers collapses
    Rhian Nicholson
    15.09.08
    Lehman Brothers is filing for bankruptcy after potential takeover talks collapsed at the weekend.
  • Markets engulfed by banking crisis
    Rhian Nicholson
    15.09.08
    Global markets were plunged into chaos on Monday following Lehman Brothers' collapse and Merrill Lynch's takeover.
  • Now AIG takes its cap to the Fed
    Rhian Nicholson
    15.09.08
    Insurance giant AIG is the latest firm to be teetering on the brink, leading it to turn to the Federal Reserve and ask for $40bn.
  • FTSE finishes on a high
    Rhian Nicholson
    12.09.08
    The FTSE 100 closed up on Friday, as miners climbed on higher metal prices and travel groups benefitted from the collapse of XL Leisure Group.
  • Lehman's future hangs in the balance
    Rhian Nicholson
    12.09.08
    Troubled US investment bank Lehman Brothers is reportedly seeking potential buyers after further doubts were cast over its ability to survive independently.
  • FTSE down on economy fears
    Rhian Nicholson
    11.09.08
    London markets lost further ground on Thursday, after more tales of woe from the high street added to negative sentiment over the health of the economy.
  • ITV faces the chop in FTSE reshuffle  
    Rhian Nicholson
    11.09.08
    Changes are afoot in the FTSE 100 with big names ITV and Carphone Warehouse set for relegation in the latest quarterly reshuffle.
  • Lehman Brothers shares dive 40%
    Rhian Nicholson
    11.09.08
    Further bad news hit US investment bank Lehman Brothers and its investors today, as shares plunged on doubts over the firm's future.
  • Investor ire as Barratt axes divi
    Rhian Nicholson
    10.09.08
    The iii.co.uk discussion boards were fevered on Wednesday, after news that Britain's biggest housebuilder - Barratt Developments - axed its final dividend payment.
  • Lehman Brothers loses $4bn in Q3
    Rhian Nicholson
    10.09.08
    Poorly-judged gambles on the mortgage market badly hit Lehman Brothers, as the US investment bank lost $4 billion in the third quarter.
  • London markets relinquish gains
    Rhian Nicholson
    09.09.08
    Falling metal prices and a poor opening on Wall Street weighed heavily on the London markets during the afternoon's trading.
  • The secret is all in the timing
    Rhian Nicholson
    18.04.08
    When markets are volatile, drip-feeding over the course of the year can make more sense than putting in one lump sum, writes Rhian Nicholson.
  • The leaders of the UK pack
    Rhian Nicholson
    31.03.08
    Our fund managers have stayed out of the slow lane in spite of gloomy global markets. Rhian Nicholson updates those in the UK with a podium finish.
  • The leaders of the global pack
    Rhian Nicholson
    31.03.08
    In the second part of our round-up, Rhian Nicholson looks at the leading fund managers in global markets.
  • Be sure to get your fair share
    Rhian Nicholson
    23.09.07
    Rhian Nicholson explains how to reclaim national insurance contributions when a partner dies.