Families face further rises in gas bills
More than 14 million households are facing a rise of up to £260 in their energy bills after two leading suppliers increased their prices.

Unexpected rise in high street sales
Sales on the high street showed a surprise increase last month as hard-pressed shoppers bought goods to entertain themselves at home.

Bank borrowing from ECB is out of control
The European Central Bank has issued the clearest warning to date that it cannot serve as a perpetual crutch for lenders caught off-guard by the severity of the credit crunch.

Scottish & Southern Energy and E.ON customers to pay more for gas
Customers of Scottish & Southern Energy and E.ON are to pay more for their gas and electricity.

China replaces US as Japan's biggest trade partner
For the first time since the Sino-Japanese war ended in 1945, China has become Japan's largest export market.

China replaces US as Japan's biggest trade partner
For the first time since the Sino-Japanese war ended in 1945, China has become Japan's largest export market.

Hedge fund RAB Special Situations considers buyback
RAB Special Situations, the hedge fund that bet on Northern Rock staying in private hands, is considering a share buyback after its share price plummeted 51pc this year.

Sharp drop in business investment points to slower UK growth
A bigger-than-expected drop in business investment has increased fears that the economy is on the brink of recession and produced renewed calls for a cut in interest rates.

Higher energy bills for four million E.ON customers
Another four million customers face a steep rise in household energy bills after E.ON announced a 26pc jump in gas prices and 16pc for electricity supplies.

Surprise rise in retail sales as shoppers hunt for bargains
By Angela Monaghan