The International Monetary Fund has called on the UK government to take more action to boost the economy, which it warns is "still a long way from a strong and sustainable recovery".

The following is the text of Canada's retail sales report for March as released by Statistics Canada. Retail sales were flat in March, holding at $39.5 billion.

Energy giant SSE today warned of higher bills ahead as it posted a 27.5pc rise in profits to �410m for energy supply business. The company, which raised electricity and gas prices by an average 9pc in October, said: "Unless there is a sustained reduction in ...

By Matt Scuffham. LONDON | Wed May 22, 2013 2:30pm BST. LONDON (Reuters) - State-backed British lenders Lloyds Banking Group and Royal Bank of Scotland have agreed plans to shore up their capital with the financial regulator, removing a barrier to ...

Nationwide has revealed plans to raise up to �500m of extra capital, prompting speculation that it may go shopping for acquisitions.

Ed Davey, the UK energy secretary, has warned that Scotland could lose billions of pounds in subsidies for renewable energy projects if it voted for independence, putting its green energy revolution at risk.

More than 50 English beaches have met tough new EU standards to receive Blue Flag awards, recognising their high standards and water quality.

Full consent has been given for a 40MW farm off the north-west coast of Lewis - enough to power nearly 30,000 homes. Wave energy firm Aquamarine Power said it would begin installing its Oyster devices in the next few years, once grid infrastructure is put in ...

Great Portland Estates and Shaftesbury, two of the UK's largest landlords, reported strong results on Wednesday, underlining the ascent of the West End as London's best performing property market.

By Alistair Smout. LONDON | Wed May 22, 2013 12:01pm BST. LONDON (Reuters) - FTSE 100 weakened early on Wednesday after hitting 13-year highs the previous session, as investors took profits in outperforming sectors such as technology and luxury.