Economics / Markets

Capital Economics expects the Bank of England to cut the UK's base rate from 0.5% in an effort to stimulate growth, after last week's GDP figure showed the economy is shrinking faster than feared.

A decision by HSBC to set aside a further £340m to fund payment protection insurance (PPI) compensation claims has taken the amount banks have now earmarked for PPI mis-selling redress to almost £10bn, a report says.

Franklin Templeton has launched a Brazilian Opportunities fund targeting a total return from Brazilian equity, fixed income and currency markets.

The incoming Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) must "act more swiftly" than its predecessor the Financial Services Authority (FSA), and ensure it utilises the full powers at its disposal, a body representing consumer interests has recommended.

The Investment Management Association (IMA) is to begin charging non-members to list funds in its sectors in a move that could see some groups removing vehicles from the listings altogether.

The British economy's "capacity to absorb shocks" will help it to recover from recession and ensure it keeps its AAA credit rating, Standard & Poor's (S&P) said.

IFAs expect DIY investing to rocket post the Retail Distribution Review (RDR), but the number that think this will cause problems for their clients has fallen year on year, according to research.

The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) has a released a programme that aims to strengthen national tax systems and fight abusive tax avoidance.

Governor of the Bank of England, Sir Mervyn King, has admitted major mistakes were made by economic policymakers during the financial crisis.

Business Secretary Vince Cable has thrown open a potential challenge to George Osborne's role as Chancellor of the Exchequer after claiming he would "make a good chancellor".