LONDON | Fri May 24, 2013 9:28am EDT. LONDON May 24 (Reuters) - The Co-operative Group said on Friday it had decided to freeze lending by its banking division to new corporate customers in March to focus on existing customers and individual retail ...

Fears over the UK's continuing energy security were fuelled today after a report claimed Britain came dangerously close in March to its gas supply running out and its lights being switched off.

The UK's blue chips could not stop the rot on Friday as the Footsie kept tumbling ahead of a three-day break from trading in London.

Fri May 24, 2013 7:05am EDT. For other related diaries, please see; DIARY - U.S. Federal Reserve DIARY - Polling Unit Diary DIARY - Key World Financial Events DIARY - Political and General news DIARY - Index of all Diaries DIARY - G7 Economic ...

U.S. factory sector appears to be slowing slightly, according to an early reading of May activity released Thursday. The flash purchasing managers' index compiled by data provider Markit fell to 51.9 in May from a final April reading of 52.1.

Judge John Gleeson is considering cancelling December's so-called deferred prosecution agreement that gave HSBC immunity from claims it allowed terrorists to move at least $881m (�584m) around the financial system.

Mortgage approvals edged up in April, with banks expecting to sign off more loans to would-be homeowners as schemes to help first-time buyers take root.

BRUSSELS--Europe must create a single resolution mechanism backed by a common pool of money to help wind down struggling banks, European Central Bank Vice President Vitor Constancio said Friday.

British private equity investor 3i Group has made an offer to buy Barclays' European infrastructure fund management unit, as it seeks to boost assets under management.

By Michael Northcott Friday, 24 May 2013. The UK's largest retailer has written a cheque for a massive �3m to just two outgoing directors, even though the management team all missed out on their bonus.