Bank of England Governor Mervyn King lost his final monetary policy vote this month as the majority of officials blocked his bid for more stimulus and said Britain's economic recovery was taking hold.

A Chinese property group is to build a luxury hotel on London's South Bank as part of a �700m investment, underlining the capital's attractions for foreign investors.

By Richard Hubbard. LONDON | Wed Jun 19, 2013 4:41am EDT. LONDON (Reuters) - European shares edged higher and major currencies and commodities were little changed on Wednesday as investors awaited clarity on the U.S.

... Off. � Sir Mervyn's final call for more QE overruled � Anastasiades appeals for overhaul of Cyprus bail-out � Chinese firm gets into British luxury with yachts and hotels � Banking Commission: Bankers should face threat of jail � Angelina Jolie stunt double sues ...

Although its Blacks Leisure and Millets chains saw an increase in like-for-like sales over recent months, that had been achieved at a "significant margin sacrifice", JD Sports said on Tuesday.