Sterling tumbled almost a cent against the dollar, down 0.7pc to $1.5145, as traders said falling inflation raised the prospect of more stimulus when Mark Carney takes over as Bank of England Governor in July.

... Off. � Apple chief exec to be grilled by US politicians on tax � McCain: Apple tax gives new meaning to 'think different' � UK inflation falls further than expected to 2.4pc � G4S chief executive Nick Buckles steps down � Marks & Spencer profits fall after clothing ...

The luxury goods group Burberry said full-year pretax profits rose by a better-than-expected 14% on strong retail growth in Asian markets, where it is increasing numbers of Burberry-branded stores.

It's back to basics on the FTSE 100 this morning, with the biggest movers at both ends of a steady index tracking changes to their earnings guidance.

Lack of competition in the UK cement industry has cost consumers millions of pounds, according to the Competition Commission. It said the big firms had focused on maintaining market share rather than competing with each other.