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Web searches feed health fears
Health information online is breeding a generation of cyberchondriacs, say researchers.
(Dec 1 2008) HIV legacy
What impact has the virus had on attitudes in the US? (Dec 1 2008) Cheap sex - the credit crunch is biting under the sheets
As the credit crunch hits, Britons may turn to sex as a cheap way to pass the time a charity survey suggests. (Dec 1 2008) Blood brothers
Transplant first for boys with rare gut disease (Dec 1 2008) Saving lives
How a new trolley may breathe life into resuscitation (Nov 30 2008) Health legacy
Can early treatment fight a family disease? (Nov 29 2008) Whooping cough vaccine call
Vaccinating parents of newborns against whooping cough could prevent fatal infections in babies, say doctors. (Nov 28 2008) Measles cases reach 13-year high
The number of measles cases in England and Wales has topped 1,000 in a year for the first time since 1995, figures show. (Nov 28 2008) Extreme gamblers
Pioneering NHS clinic offers help for gamblers (Nov 28 2008) Social care ratings mask problems
Record-high scores for adult social services are being called into question as councils are limiting the people who can get access to them. (Nov 27 2008) Legal bid over research regulator
Campaigners are seeking permission to launch a High Court test case over the way controversial research is regulated. (Nov 26 2008) Young unaware of junk food impact
Most young people in the UK are unaware of the serious damage junk food can do to their health, a survey suggests. (Nov 26 2008) WHO suggests universal HIV tests
Universal testing for HIV, followed by immediate treatment could cut full-blown Aids cases by up to 95%, a study says. (Nov 26 2008) R u there Dr?
Texts and emails could play a big role in the future NHS (Nov 26 2008) Author heading dementia campaign
Author Terry Pratchett will hand a petition to 10 Downing Street calling for an urgent increase in funding into dementia research. (Nov 26 2008) Ban on calling old patients love
Nurses will be told by new guidelines to stop calling older patients "love" and "dearie". (Nov 26 2008) Rise in UK HIV numbers continues
Health protection experts estimate there are now more than 77,000 people with HIV in the UK. (Nov 25 2008) Genetic disease testing advance
A blood sample taken from a pregnant woman could reveal whether her baby has a wide range of genetic diseases, researchers claim. (Nov 25 2008) Bad bosses may damage your heart
Inconsiderate bosses can not only make work stressful, they may also increase the risk of heart disease for their employees. (Nov 25 2008) Life saver
Watch emergency angioplasty operation (Nov 24 2008) That telegram from the Queen is no guarantee of happiness
It may bring a telegram from the Queen but reaching 100 is no guarantee of happy old age, US research suggests. (Nov 24 2008) Fresh look at arthritis drugs use
The NHS drugs advisory body is to reconsider guidance limiting use of new rheumatoid arthritis drugs. (Nov 24 2008) Acute hospitals fail hygiene test
Spot checks suggest 90% of acute hospital trusts in England do not meet hygiene standards aimed at reducing infections. (Nov 24 2008) Change to GP dispensing opposed
Patients oppose plans to reduce the ability of rural GPs in England to provide drugs directly to their patients, a poll suggests. (Nov 23 2008) Tough decisions
Who gets what drugs and at what cost (Nov 23 2008) Light-wave implant hope for deaf
An implant which works by firing infrared light into the inner ear is being investigated by US researchers. (Nov 22 2008) NHS surplus
What should happen to the £1.8bn spare cash? (Nov 21 2008) Hairspray linked to birth defect
Boys born to women exposed to hairspray in the workplace may have a higher risk of being born with a genital defect. (Nov 21 2008) War wounds
How conflict has driven medical advance (Nov 21 2008) Asbestos pay-out ruling due
A ruling is expected later that could have profound implications for asbestos-related cancer victims and their families. (Nov 21 2008) Walking tall
Help pounding Big Apple pavements (Nov 20 2008) Over-the-counter Viagra bid ends
The makers of the anti-impotence drug Viagra have withdrawn an application for the medicine to be available without a prescription. (Nov 20 2008) Deal reached on NHS drug prices
The government has struck a deal on the cost of drugs which should save the NHS in the UK £400m a year. (Nov 19 2008) Not so easy
How airline almost stopped windpipe transplant (Nov 19 2008) Technology to eradicate malaria
Emerging technologies could boost supplies of essential plant-based drugs to combat and ultimately help eradicate malaria, says a report. (Nov 19 2008) Hidden dangers
How seagulls may contaminate your kitchen (Nov 19 2008) Windpipe transplant breakthrough
Doctors in Spain give a woman a new windpipe with tissue grown from her own stem cells, avoiding the need for anti-rejection drugs. (Nov 19 2008) Nurses warn over needle injuries
Nurses are calling for safer needles to be used after a poll suggested nearly half have been accidentally jabbed. (Nov 19 2008) Lung disease diagnosis confusion
Most GPs have difficulty differentiating chronic severe lung disease from asthma, a survey finds. (Nov 19 2008) Addicted doctors
A specialist service set up to offer much needed help (Nov 18 2008) Drug-resistant ward bug concern
Hospitals need to be vigilant against an emerging drug-resistant bacterium, warn infection control experts. (Nov 18 2008) Pupils targeted in superbug fight
Schools are being urged to teach pupils about infection control as experts step up the fight against superbugs. (Nov 18 2008) Motor neurone disease clue found
Scientists have identified a molecule which could be key to understanding the cause of motor neurone disease. (Nov 18 2008) Unlicensed tanning drug use rises
A growing number of people in the UK are injecting themselves with an unlicensed tanning drug, a BBC investigation finds. (Nov 17 2008) Periods of healthy old age vary
The health of older people varies widely between European countries, even in those with longer life expectancies, a report claims. (Nov 17 2008) Parents at last
The Barretts have a daughter after years of despair (Nov 16 2008) Healthy option
Chef now cooks up healthier menu after his stroke (Nov 15 2008) Warning over MP3 volume levels
Listening to an MP3 player for an hour a day at high volume could lead to music fans damaging their hearing and a condition that leaves people with ringing in their ears. (Nov 14 2008) School risk for diabetes children
The health of many children with type 1 diabetes is threatened due to poor care in primary schools, say campaigners. (Nov 14 2008) Breast drug failure cause found
Scientists have identified a key reason for the drug tamoxifen failing to help some women with breast cancer. (Nov 13 2008) Ministers agree food colour ban
Ministers have agreed six artificial food colourings should be phased out after research found a link with hyperactivity in children. (Nov 12 2008) Men warned over counterfeit drugs
Men are being warned they could be "gambling with their lives" if they buy fake medicines online. (Nov 12 2008) Child protection
How one doctor approaches the work (Nov 12 2008) Customer care?
Chief medic on what High Street can teach the NHS (Nov 12 2008) Call to raise sperm donor limit
The limit on the number of pregnancies that can be created from the sperm of a single donor should be raised, say experts. (Nov 12 2008) Animal research
Inside the controversial new Oxford lab (Nov 11 2008) Right to decide
Can children turn down life-saving treatment? (Nov 11 2008) Small hours heart risk peak clue
US scientists may have uncovered a reason why heart attacks and strokes occur most often in the early hours. (Nov 11 2008) Taking a chance
The risks of opting for an untested remedy (Nov 10 2008) Gene test hope for hidden killer
Genetic differences which may make people more vulnerable to potentially lethal strokes have been discovered by scientists. (Nov 10 2008) Exercise therapy
Doing yoga helped heal my broken back (Nov 9 2008) Science or sham?
Does cognitive behavioural therapy work? (Nov 8 2008) Surgery beneficial in heartburn
People with chronic heartburn should be considered for early surgery to prevent a lifetime of popping pills, NHS research suggests. (Nov 8 2008) Injuries link to ADHD diagnosis
Injuries in very young children may be indicative of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, UK research suggests. (Nov 7 2008) Bullies may be hard-wired to be nasty
Youths with a history of aggression and violence may enjoy inflicting pain on others, US research suggests. (Nov 7 2008) Missing out
UK cancer patients must travel abroad for proton therapy (Nov 7 2008) Insurance firms eye top-up market
Insurance firms see a lucrative market opening up to sell policies to NHS patients after the decision to lift the top-ups ban. (Nov 7 2008) From BBC Health
The mysteries of the ageing process (Nov 6 2008) Cancer genetic blueprint revealed
Scientists say they have worked out the complete genetic blueprint of a cancer for the first time. (Nov 6 2008) Cash for alcohol black spot areas
The 20 areas in England most blighted by alcohol problems are to be targeted as part of a £7 million initiative. (Nov 5 2008) Oliver warns over unhealthy diets
The economic downturn could lead to people eating more unhealthy food, TV chief Jamie Oliver says. (Nov 5 2008) Safety fears over nanocosmetics
Cosmetics containing tiny "nano" particles are being used widely despite unresolved safety concerns, a watchdog warns. (Nov 5 2008) NHS top-ups
How simple will it be to implement the new plans? (Nov 5 2008) TV shows link to teen pregnancies
Teenage girls who watch lots of TV shows with a sexual content are twice as likely to become pregnant, research suggests. (Nov 4 2008) Landmark NHS top-ups decision due
Patients in England are to hear later whether they will be able to top up NHS care by paying for drugs privately. (Nov 4 2008) Rainfall autism theory suggested
Increased rainfall - or something linked to it - may be connected to the development of autism, scientists claim. (Nov 4 2008) Baby model
Meet Gertrude - the lifelike doll helping train medics (Nov 3 2008) Lithium tested for impact on MND
A new trial will assess the impact of anti-depressant drug Lithium as a treatment for motor neurone disease. (Nov 3 2008) Tougher mental health rules begin
A controversial reform of mental health laws allowing compulsory treatment in the community has been launched. (Nov 3 2008) Brain receptor schizophrenia clue
Scientists say they may have found why people with schizophrenia have abnormal electrical waves in their brains. (Nov 3 2008) Cut caffeine call to pregnant women
Pregnant women are advised to cut their caffeine intake after a study linked it to low birth weight. (Nov 3 2008) Patients win drug funding victory
Patients with a rare blood disorder welcome a Department of Health decision to fund their expensive treatment. (Nov 2 2008) | | Mortgage approvals still falling
Mortgage approvals drop again in October, official figures show, suggesting that house sales and prices have further to fall. (Dec 1 2008) Record decline in manufacturing
British manufacturing shrank in November at the fastest rate since the series began in 1992, new figures show. (Dec 1 2008) Land of Leather is in offer talks
Land of Leather shares soar on news of early interest in buying the furniture retailer. (Dec 1 2008) Bank forced into administration
London Scottish Bank goes into administration after the Financial Services Authority steps in. (Dec 1 2008) Merkel defies calls for tax cuts
German chancellor Angela Merkel rules out further tax cuts before elections in September next year saying she has doubts over their impact. (Dec 1 2008) Ryanair in new Aer Lingus offer
The budget airline Ryanair makes a fresh 748m euro ($950m; £619m) takeover offer for the Irish flag-carrier Aer Lingus. (Dec 1 2008) Bargain hunt
US foreclosure sales see popularity surge (Dec 1 2008) Action needed
Sir Evelyn de Rothschild on the economy (Dec 1 2008) Depressing times
What is deflation and could we see it again? (Dec 1 2008) Lower VAT rate comes into force
The temporary change in VAT is now in place but businesses say it has cost them money to implement the cut. (Dec 1 2008) RBS delay in pursuing customers
The Royal Bank of Scotland will allow defaulting customers six months before taking any legal action against them. (Dec 1 2008) US holiday sales make solid start
The US holiday shopping season gets off to an encouraging start, with sales on the day after Thanksgiving up 3% on last year. (Nov 30 2008) Opec refuses oil production cuts
Opec leaders decide to leave oil production quotas unchanged after a brief meeting in the Egyptian capital. (Nov 30 2008) VAT rise for 180,000 small firms
There will be a surprise rise in VAT for some small businesses on Monday as the Revenue changes the flat-rate scheme. (Nov 28 2008) Online movie sales jump in the UK
The number of people buying films via online download in the UK has jumped hugely in the past year, according to Screen Digest. (Nov 28 2008) EU calls for aid to poor nations
The European Commission calls for more aid for developing countries as a major aid summit opens in Doha. (Nov 28 2008) US stores lure hard-up shoppers
US stores open early and offer steep discounts, as a worker dies in the crush as the Christmas shopping season kicks off. (Nov 28 2008) GM tires to block tracking of its private jets after Washington flap
General Motors asks the US aviation authorities not to track its private jets after being criticised for extravagance as it asked for government help. (Nov 28 2008) Hopes rise for deep ECB rate cut
A steep fall in eurozone inflation and a rise in the jobless rate raises hopes that the ECB will cut rates sharply next week. (Nov 28 2008) Oil falls ahead of Opec meeting
Opec leaders gather in Cairo, as oil prices remain below
$55 a barrel on fears that global demand is set to fall further. (Nov 28 2008) Government to own majority of RBS
The government is to own nearly 58% of Royal Bank of Scotland after existing shareholders snubbed its £15bn share offer. (Nov 28 2008) Mortgage mission
Trying to sell things that keep being withdrawn (Nov 28 2008) Tobacco firm wins ruling on tax
British American Tobacco (BAT) says it may get £1.2bn of tax back after a High Court judge ruled it had overpaid. (Nov 28 2008) Texas ponders
How will US fare with European-style economics? (Nov 28 2008) Driving force
Motor bosses gather to call for industry help (Nov 28 2008) Builders and carmakers seek help
Senior officials from the car and construction industries have met ministers to appeal for government assistance. (Nov 27 2008) Mutual savers retain extra cover
Merged building societies can keep, for the time being, double the normal level of saver protection against insolvency. (Nov 27 2008) Nokia to end phone sales in Japan
Finish mobile phone giant Nokia says it will stop selling handsets in Japan after struggling to grow its market share there. (Nov 27 2008) Spain unveils 11bn euro stimulus
Spain launches an 11bn euros (£9.2bn) economic boost plan aimed at creating 300,000 jobs in 2009. (Nov 27 2008) ArcelorMittal looks to cut jobs
Steel giant ArcelorMittal is to offer voluntary redundancy to up to 9,000 employees, around 3% of its total workforce. (Nov 27 2008) France to offer credit insurance
The French government is set to provide state-backed insurance to companies who offer credit to the businesses they trade with. (Nov 27 2008) Eurozone confidence falls
Confidence among consumers and businesses in the eurozone has fallen to a 15-year low in November, figures indicate. (Nov 27 2008) B&Q owner hit by weak DIY sales
Sales fall 9% in the third quarter at Kingfisher amid slowing demand for home improvement products. (Nov 27 2008) Woolworths enters administration
Administrators move into UK retailer Woolworths as it collapses under the weight of its debt, threatening 30,000 jobs. (Nov 27 2008) House prices fall but pace eases
House prices fell 0.4% in November from a month earlier, according to the latest figures from the Nationwide. (Nov 27 2008) PC World owner reports £30m loss
The owner of Currys and PC World, DSG International, reports a half-year loss of £29.8m, blaming "tough and volatile" trading. (Nov 27 2008) Panasonic slashes profit forecast
Japanese electronics goods maker Panasonic cuts its annual profit forecast by 90% because of the global economic downturn. (Nov 27 2008) Siberian freeze
Coping with the downturn in frosty Russia
(Nov 27 2008) Cash Trawl
The taxman starts the search for hidden offshore bank accounts (Nov 27 2008) Sofa So Bad
MFI customers give their experiences of the store (Nov 26 2008) Woolworths to go into administration
UK retailer Woolworths is to go into administration, with tens of thousands of jobs under threat, the BBC learns. (Nov 26 2008) Administrators called in at MFI
Furniture retailer MFI has entered administration citing falling demand for big ticket items and cash-flow woes. (Nov 26 2008) Rock increases new mortgage rates
Northern Rock raises the cost of most of its new mortgages despite substantial Bank of England rate cuts. (Nov 26 2008) Ex-Fed chief named Obama adviser
Barack Obama names former Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker to chair a panel advising him on the economy. (Nov 26 2008) Porsche set to delay VW takeover
The German luxury carmaker, Porsche, pushes back its planned takeover of Volkswagen due to falling sales. (Nov 26 2008) Why changes to gym contracts might make joining less painful
Gym operator Fitness First rewrites contracts following complaints that the ill could not cancel membership. (Nov 26 2008) African hopes
Will the World Cup boost African businesses? (Nov 26 2008) Big drop in US consumer spending
US consumer spending fell 1% in October, the largest decline since September 2001, in a further sign of the economic downturn. (Nov 26 2008) Clothes, holiday spending down
Figures show UK families had started to spend less on package holidays and clothing before the credit crunch took hold. (Nov 26 2008) Oil rises as Russia threatens cut
Oil prices rise after Russia said it might join Opec in cutting output, and following a fall in the US dollar. (Nov 26 2008) Iceland inflation soars to 17.1%
The annual rate of inflation in Iceland escalates to a record high of 17.1% as the country battles the worst financial crisis in its history. (Nov 26 2008) Data confirms economy shrinking
The UK economy did indeed shrink 0.5% between July and September, the Office for National Statistics confirms. (Nov 26 2008) Woolworths shares suspended
Shares in troubled retailer Woolworths are suspended as the firm continues talks to rescue the business. (Nov 26 2008) Credit card chiefs in rates talks
The government is due to meet credit card bosses later to discuss whether the firms should cut their interest rates more. (Nov 26 2008) Turnover dip at French Connection
Fashion retailer French Connection warns that its turnover has been hit by the wider fall in consumer spending. (Nov 26 2008) Europe to set out economic plans
EU member states are being urged to sign up to an economic recovery plan proposed by the European Commission. (Nov 26 2008) Haven or Hell?
The UK government reviews offshore banking (Nov 26 2008) Spending spree
Can the EU manage a stimulus package across 27 nations? (Nov 26 2008) Winners & losers
The pre-budget debate continues to rage (Nov 25 2008) Retailers prepare for the VAT cut
Not all retailers will be ready to implement the cut in VAT by Monday, the BBC is told. (Nov 25 2008) Ex-UBS bosses forgo $27.7m pay
Three former bosses at Swiss bank UBS are to forgo 33m Swiss francs in salary and other payments. (Nov 25 2008) Meat inspectors call off strike
Hundreds of British meat inspectors have called off a strike that could have disrupted meat deliveries in the run-up to Christmas. (Nov 25 2008) Hot air
Controversial changes to air passenger duty (Nov 25 2008) Brand Beckham
The footballer helps one phone firm to crack new markets (Nov 25 2008) US Fed announces $800bn stimulus
The Federal Reserve is to pump an additional $800bn (£526.8bn) into the markets in another bid to deal with the financial crisis. (Nov 25 2008) Direct debit bills to be probed
Regulator Ofgem is to investigate rising direct debit demands from energy companies, the BBC has learned. (Nov 25 2008) Data shows sharper US contraction
The US economy shrank at an annual pace of 0.5% from July to September, against an initial contraction estimate of 0.3%. (Nov 25 2008) Lost its sparkle?
Why is popular lager Cobra Beer up for sale? (Nov 25 2008) Consumer confidence up in Germany
German consumer sentiment rises slightly for the third month in a row despite the country being in a recession, a survey says. (Nov 25 2008) Credit crunch hits Paragon profit
Buy-to-let mortgage lender Paragon Group reports a 43% fall in annual profits following the credit market turmoil. (Nov 25 2008) BHP Billiton abandons Rio offer
Mining giant BHP Billiton calls off its bid for Rio Tinto, blaming falling commodity prices and demands that it sell assets. (Nov 25 2008) Tough trading hits Clinton Cards
Clinton Cards reports a 6% fall in sales over the past 16 weeks, blaming the "harsh economic conditions" on the High Street. (Nov 25 2008) Citigroup deal helps Asian shares
Stock markets in Asia see strong gains following the Citigroup bail-out and big rises in US and European shares. (Nov 25 2008) Laptop sales jump helps HP profit
Hewlett-Packard reports a 21% jump in sales of laptops and a 99% rise in revenue from technology services. (Nov 25 2008) Time called
What can be done to save struggling rural pubs? (Nov 25 2008) Breathing space
After the cuts, get ready for serious tax hikes (Nov 25 2008) Pledge on national savings scheme
The government has pledged to add 50p to every £1 saved in a national scheme encouraging the poorest to save. (Nov 24 2008) Business reaction
Business leaders at the CBI welcome the PBR (Nov 24 2008) Lenders to face mortgage scrutiny
A review panel will be set up to monitor lending to householders and businesses, the chancellor says in the pre-Budget report (Nov 24 2008) Obama names his US Treasury team
President-elect Barack Obama names his top economic advisers to oversee a huge economic stimulus package. (Nov 24 2008) Shares 10% up on crisis measures
Shares rally worldwide after the US bail-out of Citigroup and an economic stimulus package in Britain. (Nov 24 2008) Oil price crawls back above $50
Oil prices rise slightly above $50 a barrel after hitting their lowest level in three and a half years at the end of last week. (Nov 24 2008) Spend or save?
Should we splash our cash to rescue the economy? (Nov 24 2008) Winning contracts
If you want a bite of World Cup 2010 go to Johannesburg (Nov 24 2008) Sharp rise in silent call gripes
Complaints from UK householders about silent calls from call centres have more than tripled, says regulator Ofcom. (Nov 24 2008) Standard in £1.78bn rights issue
Banking group Standard Chartered announces plans to raise £1.78bn through a share issue, as it tries to strengthen its balance sheet. (Nov 24 2008) Call for Woolworths to delay sale
The largest shareholder of troubled retailer Woolworths calls on the firm to delay plans to sell the business for just £1. (Nov 24 2008) German business confidence dives
Business confidence in Germany falls in November to the lowest level since 1993, the key Ifo index shows. (Nov 24 2008) US rescues ailing Citigroup bank
The US government announces a rescue plan for banking giant Citigroup after its shares plunge by more than 60%. (Nov 24 2008) CBI details 10-step economy plan
The CBI urges immediate government action to help struggling firms and outlines a plan to boost business. (Nov 24 2008) Barclays set for fundraising vote
Barclays is set to face a vote from shareholders on Monday over its controversial £7bn capital raising plan. (Nov 23 2008) Sorting Sellafield
International nuclear firms land huge UK contract
(Nov 23 2008) Party over?
Cuts in finance jobs in Singapore is set to hit service firms (Nov 23 2008) RBS lending pledge to small firms
The Royal Bank of Scotland is to guarantee overdraft rates and contracts for its business customers for at least a year. (Nov 23 2008) Talks continue to save Woolworths
Talks continue between struggling High Street chain Woolworths and its banks in the hope of avoiding administration. (Nov 22 2008) Financial test
The challenge of a pre-Budget report in hard times (Nov 21 2008) Catalogue sales face PPI checks
The sale of payment protection insurance alongside goods sold in catalogues should be restricted, says the Competition Commission. (Nov 21 2008) Meat inspectors vote for strike
Meat hygiene inspectors across the UK vote in favour of strike action in a row over work patterns and overtime payments. (Nov 21 2008) EU warns against car subsidy race
EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes tells France and Germany not to start a "subsidy race" to save the car industry (Nov 21 2008) Property sales rise in October
Property sales rose by 8% in October, according to the latest figures from HM Revenue & Customs. (Nov 21 2008) Gap profits higher than expected
American clothes retailer Gap defies Wall Street forecasts and reports higher-than-expected third quarter net profits. (Nov 21 2008) Repossession of homes up by 12%
The number of properties repossessed by mortgage lenders rose by 12% to 11,300 in the third quarter of the year. (Nov 21 2008) Honda Swindon closing for 50 days
Honda is to cut production in Japan and Europe and close its Swindon plant in the UK in February and March next year. (Nov 21 2008) BBC local video scheme rejected
The BBC Trust rejects controversial plans to launch a £68m network of local news websites with video content. (Nov 21 2008) Oil price up as Asian stocks rise
Oil prices bounce back from a three-and-a-half year low, tracking Asian stocks higher, but are still below $50 a barrel. (Nov 21 2008) Fullers upbeat amid downturn
Fuller, Smith & Turner says it is confident it will "cope well" even though the UK economic outlook did "not look good". (Nov 21 2008) Italian telecoms talks collapse
Hutchison Whampoa subsidiary 3 Italia fails to reach a merger agreement with Telecom Italia because of price disagreements. (Nov 21 2008) Tread carefully
Employers cannot just sack staff they disagree with (Nov 21 2008) Aid request
The CBI wants the chancellor to help small firms (Nov 21 2008) Dell sees quarterly profits slip
US computer maker Dell sees its quarterly profits fall as customers around the world buy fewer computers. (Nov 21 2008) No agreement for US car bail-out
US politicians say there is no agreement on a rescue plan to help the crisis-hit "Big Three" carmakers. (Nov 20 2008) Oil price goes below $50 a barrel
Oil prices have fallen below $50 a barrel amid growing fears over a global recession and lower demand for oil. (Nov 20 2008) Revenue in new offshore tax trawl
Offshore tax dodgers will be facing a second round of investigations by HM Revenue & Customs next year. (Nov 20 2008) Santander snubs UK shareholders
The giant Spanish bank Santander has excluded 1.8 million UK shareholders from taking part in a new share issue. (Nov 20 2008) Mothercare sees its profit double
Baby goods retailer Mothercare says it is well-placed for Christmas as strong growth in its international and online business helps boost profits. (Nov 20 2008) Discount delight
Boost for budget supermarkets as slowdown deepens (Nov 20 2008) Russia pushes Ukraine on gas debt
Russia demands Ukraine to repay a $2.4bn gas debt, raising fears of a renewed dispute which could disrupt supplies to Europe. (Nov 20 2008) Peugeot Citroen cuts 2,700 jobs
French car company Peugeot Citroen announces plans to shed 2,700 jobs because of falling demand in Europe. (Nov 20 2008) Gangmaster has licence revoked
A gangmaster at the centre of the biggest human trafficking raid by police in the UK has had its licence revoked. (Nov 20 2008) Mortgage lending picks up
Mortgage lending rose by nearly 7% between September and October, figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders show. (Nov 20 2008) National Grid profit rises in US
UK utility National Grid reports a 4% rise in half-year profit and gave a positive forecast. (Nov 20 2008) AstraZeneca axes jobs and plants
Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca says it will cut 1,400 jobs by 2013 and close three European factories in a cost-cutting effort. (Nov 20 2008) Recession fears hit stock markets
European and Asian markets fall sharply amid growing concerns that the world economy will enter a protracted slump. (Nov 20 2008) Rolls-Royce plans 2,000 job cuts
Aircraft engine maker Rolls-Royce says it plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs in 2009, including 140 in the UK. (Nov 20 2008) IMF approves $2.1bn Iceland loan
The International Monetary Fund approves a $2.1bn (£1.4bn) loan for Iceland, after its banking system collapsed in October. (Nov 20 2008) RBS shareholders vote on bail-out
Shareholders of the Royal Bank of Scotland will vote later on Thursday on whether to accept a £20bn government bail-out. (Nov 20 2008) US shares plunge to five-year low
Wall Street plunges more than 5% on Wednesday to its lowest level in over five years on rising economic worries. (Nov 20 2008) Broke, not dim
Some carmakers struggle while others grow (Nov 20 2008) Government agrees Alitalia sale
The Italian government agrees to sell the bankrupt airline Alitalia to a business consortium, paving the way for a relaunch.
(Nov 19 2008) House sales rise as prices fall
Property sales rose slightly in October, for the second month in a row, estate agents say. (Nov 19 2008) US consumer prices in record fall
US consumer prices dropped by a record 1% in October as fuel costs kept falling for a third month in a row. (Nov 19 2008) Daewoo leases African plantation
South Korean firm Daewoo says it has leased a vast tract of land in Madagascar, which will produce half of its corn supply by 2023. (Nov 19 2008) Bank hints at further rate cuts
Interest rates may fall further, according to minutes from the Bank of England meeting at which rates were slashed to 3%. (Nov 19 2008) M&S resorts to one-day sale move
Retailer Marks & Spencer is to hold its first one-day sale in four years in a bid to revive its pre-Christmas trading. (Nov 19 2008) Sheffield-based SIG cuts 900 jobs
A leading supplier to the construction industry, SIG, says it will shed 900 jobs and close 65 trading sites. (Nov 19 2008) Woolworths in stores sale talks
Struggling chain Woolworths confirms that it is in talks about the possible sale of its retail business. (Nov 19 2008) Premium Bond prize fund to be cut
The chances of Premium Bond owners winning a prize are reduced following the recent cut in the Bank rate to 3%. (Nov 19 2008) Syrian business
Long-isolated Syria warms to tourism in Damascus (Nov 19 2008) Lloyds TSB vote on HBOS takeover
Shareholders of Lloyds TSB are to vote on the proposed takeover of HBOS at a meeting in Glasgow. (Nov 19 2008) US car firms ask for $25bn aid
The bosses of the three biggest US carmakers, Ford, GM and Chrysler, ask Congress for a $25bn bail-out. (Nov 19 2008) Downturn survival
Martha Lane Fox tells entrepreneurs how to survive
(Nov 18 2008) Global gloom depresses oil price
The price of oil drifts below $55 a barrel, amid increasing worries over falling demand and slowing global growth. (Nov 18 2008) Sharp fall in US wholesale prices
US wholesale prices fell by 2.8% in October, the biggest monthly fall for over 60 years. (Nov 18 2008) Fraudulent broker banned
A mortgage broker who tried to defraud insurance firms of more than £250,000 has been banned by the Financial Services Authority. (Nov 18 2008) Clash over $25bn car firm bailout
Democrats and Republicans clash over funding for a $25bn (£17bn) bailout plan to help the Big Three US car firms. (Nov 18 2008) Bank hawk defends big rate cut
Monetary Policy Committee member Tim Besley says the market should not have been so surprised by the recent 1.5% rate cut. (Nov 18 2008) Clash over $700bn bank bail-out
US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke defend the $700bn bank bail-out plan. (Nov 18 2008) Wolseley to shed 2,300 more jobs
Building materials firm Wolseley is to cut 2,300 more jobs, the majority in the UK, as the housing downturn continues to bite. (Nov 18 2008) Carphone eyes TalkTalk spin-off
Carphone Warehouse confirms it is considering plans to spin off its TalkTalk broadband internet business. (Nov 18 2008) Easyjet annual profit falls 45%
Budget carrier Easyjet reports a fall in annual profits, despite carrying more passengers over the year. (Nov 18 2008) Earnings halve at British Energy
British Energy sees half-year earnings drop by almost 50% mainly as a result of shutdowns at its nuclear power stations. (Nov 18 2008) Cash-strapped
Small firms in India come under pressure (Nov 18 2008) The Box
The BBC-branded container prepares to leave Shanghai (Nov 18 2008) Mitsubishi UFJ profit drops 64%
Japanese banking giant, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial has posted a 64% drop in its second-quarter profit but reiterated its lowered full-year forecast. (Nov 18 2008) Unsold homes
A glut of unsold homes has flooded the rental market (Nov 18 2008) Consumer inflation set to fall
Official figures due out later on Tuesday are expected to show that UK inflation fell to 4.8% in October. (Nov 18 2008) Citigroup job cull to hit 75,000
US bank Citigroup announces plans for about 52,000 new job cuts, on top of 23,000 cuts already made this year. (Nov 17 2008) US industrial output bounces back
US industrial output rebounds with a 1.3% rise after a sharp fall in September, the Federal Reserve says. (Nov 17 2008) Problems looming for buy-to-let
Some 20% to 40% of buy-to-let landlords will be in negative equity if house prices keep falling at current rates, a report says. (Nov 17 2008) Cancel that Ferrari order! Top banks axe bonuses for their executives
UBS and Goldman Sachs will not pay bonuses to their top executives in 2008, the banking giants reveal. (Nov 17 2008) Eurozone swings to trade deficit
The eurozone records a trade deficit in September compared with a surplus for the same month last year. (Nov 17 2008) Oil prices fall on economy fears
Oil prices fall on more bad economic news and after Opec hinted it would not cut oil production soon. (Nov 17 2008) Hard-up GM to sell Suzuki stake
Struggling General Motors is selling its 3% stake in the Japanese carmaker Suzuki for $230m (£156m) to raise cash. (Nov 17 2008) Boom for online fashion firm ASOS
Online fashion retailer ASOS sees half-year profits jump 68% and says it is cautiously optimistic despite the economic downturn. (Nov 17 2008) New inspiration
Small firms in Osaka hope to weather economic storm (Nov 17 2008) IMF head calls for extra funding
The head of the IMF says it will need more funding if it is to play a bigger role in aiding a global economic recovery. (Nov 17 2008) Leaders welcome G20 action plan
World leaders welcome the outcome of the G20 summit but some observers say the action plan does not go far enough. (Nov 16 2008) Carphone mulls TalkTalk spin-off
Carphone Warehouse is considering plans to spin off its TalkTalk broadband internet business, reports say. (Nov 16 2008) Into the red
Fine wine prices fall as economic woes hit the super rich (Nov 16 2008) Changing times
Why the G20 cast list was its most remarkable feature (Nov 16 2008) Property turmoil
How buy-to-let turned into buy-to-debt (Nov 16 2008) Prepay pain
Your struggles to meet the cost of prepay meters (Nov 15 2008) Iran pushes for further oil cut
Iran is to urge Opec to agree another cut in production to boost the price of oil, a top Iranian oil official says. (Nov 15 2008) World leaders begin crisis talks
World leaders arrive in Washington to discuss measures to contain the current financial turmoil as the G20 summit begins. (Nov 15 2008) Budweiser takeover gets clearance
Stella Artois brewer Inbev gets approval from regulators to take over Budweiser maker Anheuser Busch in a $52bn deal. (Nov 15 2008) HBOS sees risk of nationalisation
HBOS says that it could face nationalisation if its proposed takeover by Lloyds TSB is not approved by shareholders. (Nov 14 2008) Low-deposit mortgages gone
The number of mortgage deals available for people offering a 10% deposit has slowed to a trickle, figures show. (Nov 14 2008) Sun Micro to cut up to 6,000 jobs
Computer hardware maker Sun Microsystems is to cut up to 6,000 jobs in a bid to reduce costs. (Nov 14 2008) Korean Air suffers profits fall
Seoul-based airline Korean Air posts a second quarterly loss, hit by the weakness in the South Korean currency and high fuel costs. (Nov 14 2008) US retail sales in record plunge
US retail sales fall sharply in October, recording the biggest monthly decline since 1992, as hard-up consumers avoid the shops. (Nov 14 2008) Summit hopes revive stock markets
European and Asian shares spring to life on hopes that a global economic summit in Washington will make some progress in tackling the worst financial crisis in a century. (Nov 14 2008) G20 will seek ways out of crisis
Leaders of the G20 developed and emerging economies will begin talks over the weekend in Washington. (Nov 14 2008) Lehman creditors gather in London
Administrators of the European arm of failed bank Lehman Brothers are meeting in London with creditors, who want to hear if they will get their money back. (Nov 14 2008) New World Order
How Bretton Woods reshaped the world economy (Nov 14 2008) US car firms rescue plan in doubt
More doubts have been raised about chances of a US car industry rescue plan being approved by Congress soon. (Nov 14 2008) Air France strike causes chaos
Severe disruptions to Air France flights are expected after pilots begin a four-day strike against legal changes to the retirement age. (Nov 14 2008) EADS back in profit despite gloom
European aerospace group EADS says it returned to profit in the third quarter thanks to cost-cutting measures and fewer delays in aircraft programs. (Nov 14 2008) Eurozone officially in recession
The eurozone officially slips into recession after new figures show that the economy contracted 0.2% in the third quarter. (Nov 14 2008) More people now facing bankruptcy
The number of people facing bankruptcy rose by 7% in the third quarter of the year, against the same period a year earlier (Nov 14 2008) Virgin Atlantic plans Gatwick bid
Virgin Atlantic and Easyjet are planning a joint bid for Gatwick airport, which has been put up for sale by its owner BAA. (Nov 14 2008) New recession fears ahead of G20
New figures are set to show the eurozone is in recession, as world leaders gather in the US for a crucial economic summit. (Nov 14 2008) G20 summit
World economic stability will not be rebuilt in a day (Nov 14 2008) Iraqi investment
Funds flood in as the security situation improves (Nov 14 2008) Hedge fund boss backs regulation
A US hedge fund leader tells Congress he would be happy to see his industry become more transparent. (Nov 14 2008) Tata Group cools expansion plans
Indian conglomerate Tata Group says it will cut down on acquisitions because of increasing problems in raising capital. (Nov 14 2008) US firm cuts Macau building jobs
Up to 11,000 workers in Macau could lose their jobs after gaming giant Las Vegas Sands suspends its building projects. (Nov 14 2008) Confusion over Kaupthing savings
Kaupthing Edge internet bank continued to allow transfers by existing savers after it collapsed, breaking official restrictions. (Nov 14 2008) Volatile markets boost LSE profit
The London Stock Exchange says profits have risen 30%, as trading volumes get a boost from the financial market turmoil. (Nov 14 2008) Car wrangle looms in US bail-out
US Democrats say the $700bn bail-out should include help to rescue the car industry, contradicting the treasury chief. (Nov 14 2008) Siemens upbeat despite gloom
German industrial conglomerate Siemens AG posts a 46% increase in annual net profits despite the economic gloom. (Nov 14 2008) UBS boss charged over tax evasion
A senior director of Swiss bank UBS is charged by US authorities with helping US citizens commit tax evasion totalling $20bn. (Nov 14 2008) Chinese fund saves Hong Kong arm
Chinese state-funded investment company Citic Group increases its stake in its Hong Kong subsidiary in order to cover massive losses.
(Nov 14 2008) RBS to cut 3,000 jobs worldwide
Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) is to cut about 3,000 jobs in the next few weeks, the BBC has learned. (Nov 14 2008) Bush defends free-market system
US President Bush admits the financial system needs reform but insists the credit crisis was not a failure of the free-market. (Nov 14 2008) US stocks rise on bargain buying
American shares rise strongly as bargain hunters pick up cheap stocks following three straight days of falls. (Nov 14 2008) Chrysler calls for cash lifeline
The boss of US car firm Chrysler warns it would be "very difficult" for the company to survive without government support.
(Nov 14 2008) BT to shed 10,000 jobs by March
Telecom giant BT says it expects to have cut 10,000 jobs by the end of March, in the latest gloomy news on the economy. (Nov 14 2008) Internet shoppers get duty break
Internet shoppers will not have to pay customs duty on items they have bought for less than 150 euros from outside the EU. (Nov 14 2008) Asia slumps amid bail-out U-turn
Stock markets across Asia follow Wall Street down as the US signals a shift in policy on its $700bn bail-out package. (Nov 13 2008) Blood minerals
Is having natural resources a blessing or a curse? (Nov 13 2008) Tourism spotlight
How global travel chiefs hope to beat the downturn (Nov 13 2008) Paulson says US bail-out working
US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson says the $700bn bail-out plan has changed but is working to stabilise the system. (Nov 12 2008) Tracker deals returning to market
Major UK mortgage lenders have been reshuffling deals following the surprise drop in the Bank rate to 3%. (Nov 12 2008) Retail tycoon mulls Moss Bros bid
Sir Philip Green, the billionaire owner of Topshop and BHS owner, has said he will decide soon whether to bid for the menswear chain, Moss Bros. (Nov 12 2008) Hugh Pym
The UK looks set to become an inflation-free zone (Nov 12 2008) Alitalia ordered to pay back loan
The European Commission told bankrupt Alitalia airline to repay a 300m euro rescue loan to the Italian government. (Nov 12 2008) Bank says UK already in recession
The Bank of England says that the UK economy has entered a recession which will continue into 2009, and suggests it may cut rates further. (Nov 12 2008) Unemployment reaches 11-year high
The number of jobless people in the UK jumps by 140,000 in the quarter to September to 1.82 million - the worst in 11 years. (Nov 12 2008) Oil price slides to 20-month low
Oil prices have fallen to the lowest levels since the beginning of 2007 due to worries about weakening energy demand. (Nov 12 2008) Pound declines on poor UK outlook
The British pound has dropped against both the dollar and the euro after the Bank of England said the economic landscape had worsened dramatically. (Nov 12 2008) ING group reports its first loss
Dutch banking giant ING reports its first quarterly loss - 585m euros - for the three months to the end of September. (Nov 12 2008) Heavy losses at Hypo Real Estate
Troubled German lender Hypo Real Estate announces heavy losses of 3.1bn euros for the third quarter. (Nov 12 2008) Norway tops gender equality list
Norway tops a league of countries in closing the gender gap, according to the World Economic Forum (Nov 12 2008) Tax savings
Simple tax advice for small firms in the credit crunch (Nov 12 2008) Further jobless increase expected
A rise in UK unemployment expected in official figures later could take the jobless total to its highest level for a decade. (Nov 12 2008) EU plans more credit rating rules
Plans for tougher regulation of credit rating agencies are due to be announced later by the European Commission. (Nov 12 2008) Warning on bogus holiday clubs
Holiday makers flying to Spain from several UK airports are being warned against falling victim to scams involving fake "holiday clubs". (Nov 12 2008) Shares fall on more economy fears
Global shares fall sharply due to renewed concerns that the world economy is facing an extended downturn. (Nov 11 2008) Virgin Media plans 2,200 job cuts
Cable group Virgin Media says it plans to cut 2,200 jobs, about 15% of its workforce, as part of a group-wide overhaul. (Nov 11 2008) Panel to monitor business lending
The government is to create a new panel to monitor the levels of lending to small businesses, Lord Mandelson announces. (Nov 11 2008) £1m fine for pensions mis-selling
A financial advice firm, AWD Chase De Vere, is fined more than £1m by the City watchdog for mis-selling pension products. (Nov 11 2008) BT cuts final salary pension link
Telecoms group BT proposes radical changes to its main final salary pension scheme in order to save money. (Nov 11 2008) Tory tax cuts
Just one piece of the policy-making jigsaw (Nov 11 2008) Hotelier group in profit warning
Intercontinental hotels warns of a sharp deterioration in trading conditions in October and issues a profit warning for the final quarter. (Nov 11 2008) Housebuilder gloomy on outlook
UK housebuilder Taylor Wimpey warns there will be no short-term recovery in the housing market and says it has cut more jobs. (Nov 11 2008) Amex gains commercial bank status
Credit card firm American Express gains approval to become a commercial bank, enabling it to take deposits. (Nov 11 2008) Vodafone plans £1bn of cost cuts
Mobile phone group Vodafone announces £1bn of cost cuts because of rising raw materials prices and increasing competition. (Nov 11 2008) GM shares decline to 60-year low
Shares in US car group General Motors close at a 60-year low after the struggling firm is hit by a broker downgrade. (Nov 11 2008) Football clubs face tax scrutiny
Football League clubs could face tighter financial scrutiny to prevent them running up large tax bills. (Nov 11 2008) Fighting spirit
Small firms explain how they aim to be beat the downturn (Nov 10 2008) Global ambitions
Japanese phone firms want bigger worldwide sales (Nov 10 2008) Bank of China looking at HBOS bid
Chinese banking giant Bank of China is looking at a potential bid for UK lender HBOS, BBC business editor Robert Peston reports. (Nov 10 2008) Fannie Mae loss widens to $29bn
US mortgage finance firm Fannie Mae reports a third-quarter loss of $29bn in the wake of the slowing housing sector.
(Nov 10 2008) Pension scheme deficits worsen
UK final salary pension schemes are even deeper in the red after share price falls, says the Pension Protection Fund. (Nov 10 2008) Champagne sales lose their fizz
Majestic Wine says the fizz has gone out of the champagne market after business customers cut their purchases of bubbly. (Nov 10 2008) |
