Fresh signs that the U.S. Federal Reserve is considering pulling back on efforts to support the U.S. economy rattled global markets Thursday in a wave that hit every major asset class.

UK retail sales recorded a larger-than-expected rise last month, helped by a strong increase in food sales. Sales rose 2.1% in May from the month before, and were up 1.9% from a year earlier, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The boss of Currys and PC World owner Dixons Retail today declared the retailer was moving from �survivor to winner� as a boom in tablet sales sent UK profits flying.

By Alistair Smout. LONDON | Thu Jun 20, 2013 12:05pm BST. LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's top shares slid to five-month lows on Thursday, led by miners after the U.S.

BRUSSELS--The European Union began legal proceedings against France and the U.K. on Thursday over the fees charged by the private company that run the rail tunnel under the English Channel.