Worries the US was closer to bringing its economic stimulus measures to an end and concern over the state of the Chinese economy triggered a huge global sell-off today, with the FTSE 100 falling from its highest level in thirteen years.

Mario Draghi, president of the European Central Bank, entered the political debate surrounding Britain's EU membership on Thursday, telling a City of London audience that Europe needed �a more European UK�.

Mothercare is crawling towards a recovery as chief executive Simon Calver insisted the UK company was on target to break even within two years.

A day after the International Monetary Fund urged the government to do more to spur growth, Britain's official statisticians have reminded economists of just how far the UK economy remains from full health.

Financial woes have prompted Flybe to cut almost all of its flights from London in a significant blow for the capital's air links to Scotland, the Channel Islands and the West Country.

The annual report from Britain's biggest retailer revealed that Richard Brasher, the former head of Tesco in the UK, was paid �1.3m to leave and Tim Mason, who led the company's US arm Fresh & Easy, collected �1.7m in �liquidated damages�.

David Cameron has appointed a former lobbyist for British Gas to be his personal advisor on energy and climate change. Tara Singh, whose previous role as public affairs manager at British-Gas owner Centrica involved frequent contact with the Conservative ...

There was no relief for ARM Holdings today after analysts at Exane BNP provided sceptics with plenty of ammunition for their bear case against the microchip designer.

Cash and carry group Booker has benefited from the horsemeat scandal as more caterers have turned away from processed meats and started making meals from scratch, according to the company.

Halfords has embarked on a three-year turnaround plan, although share- holders jumped ship yesterday when asked to share the pain.