Global markets have fallen after weak Chinese data and fears the US Federal Reserve may slow its monetary stimulus. In Asia, the fall was led by Japan's Nikkei index, which closed down 7.3% having fallen as much as 10%.

The boss of Flybe has hit out at "punitive" charges and taxes that have pushed the troubled regional airline to end flights in and out of London from next March.

Cutting the number of its high street stores helped Mothercare narrow losses in its UK division as the retailer attempted to yank its struggling home market into profitability by 2015.

Thursday 14.30 BST. Global stocks are in sharp retreat, led by a savage plunge in Tokyo, as traders are spooked by the prospect of reduced central bank support and a slowing Chinese economy.

The updated figures from the Office for National Statistics showed that the UK's dominant services sector, which accounts for three quarters of national output, drove the recovery - growing 0.6pc over the three months.

The new regulator said the unit was unable to show it was giving clients the right advice. "Although no detriment to customers has been identified to date, the failings exposed customers to the risk that they would be given incorrect advice and inappropriate ...

The Chinese PMI Index by HSBC fell to 49.6 indicating an economic contraction for the first time since October. According to the flash index, the main cause behind the under 50 index, was the fall of exports, as new orders dropped to 49.5.

The benefits of UK investment in renewable power that will add �100 a year to household energy bills are in jeopardy and should be bolstered with an approach that would add a further �20, the government's climate watchdog has said.

By Neil Maidment. LONDON | Thu May 23, 2013 7:19am EDT. LONDON (Reuters) - Cycles-to-car-parts retailer Halfords (HFD.L) has cut its dividend by a third to help fund a multi-million pound investment program, warning this would keep earnings below last ...

By Philip Blenkinsop. BRUSSELS | Thu May 23, 2013 11:22am BST. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - SABMiller (SAB.L), the world's second-biggest brewer, forecast margin expansion in the year ahead after profit grew in line with expectations thanks to a surge in ...