The FSA is to look into charges levied by UK fund management groups after its head of investments policy queried why they had been rising in recent years.

Investors who have helped pushed gold prices up to record highs are now turning their backs on the precious metal, with figures this week showing heavy selling by gold ETFs.

Chancellor George Osborne has confirmed he will consult on launching perpetual gilts and gilts with a life longer than 50 years, despite a wave of criticism from potential investors.

Two members of the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee called for further stimulus to offset the UK's lacklustre growth, the minutes of the latest meeting have revealed.

The Chancellor George Osborne will today raise stamp duty on the country's highest priced properties as part of a tax raid on the wealthy.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is taking a closer look at firms operating as Authorised Corporate Directors (ACD), after warning of potential conflicts of interest.

Greece has confirmed it received enough support from creditors to carry out a vital debt swap which drastically cuts the value of debt owned by bondholders.

Ministers have been urged by an influential committee to draw up a plan of action to help the country cope in the event of a eurozone collapse.

INTEREST RATES

China has cut its annual economic growth target for the first time in eight years, lowering its forecast to below 8% for the first time since 2004.