Ben Bernanke, Federal Reserve chairman, offered the firmest timeline yet for tapering US central bank asset purchases, saying bond buying by the US central bank could be slowed this year and end altogether around the middle of next year.

When Ian Livingston delivered BT's annual results, he had no idea that within six weeks he would be announcing his departure to take over from Lord Green as trade and investment minister.

Dalian Wanda Group (DLWGCZ), the Chinese developer controlled by billionaire Wang Jianlin, is investing 1 billion pounds ($1.6 billion) in a British yachtmaker and a London site to build Western Europe's tallest residential tower.

Incoming Bank of England governor Mark Carney will probably have to keep policy on hold at his first meeting after predecessor Sir Mervyn King's call for stimulus was again defeated by six votes to three.

By David Brett. LONDON | Wed Jun 19, 2013 7:19pm BST. LONDON (Reuters) - UK equities closed slightly lower on Wednesday as investors awaited clarity from the U.S.