Economics / Markets

Sterling rose against the dollar and the euro after monetary policy committee (MPC) minutes for February showed a more hawkish outlook than expected.

Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) hawk Andrew Sentance has upped to 0.5% the amount he believes interest rates should immediately rise.

Continuing unrest in Libya has dragged global markets down, with London's leading share index dropping back below the 6,000 mark reached yesterday afternoon.

RSM Tenon Group, the national firm of advisers and accountants, saw underlying profit climb 53% in the second half of last year.

Japan's credit rating has been cut to ‘negative' by Moody's on debt level concerns.

European and Asian markets were sharply lower on Tuesday as sentiment was hit by escalating tensions in Libya and an earthquake in New Zealand's second-largest city which has killed at least 65 people.

London's leading share index had a sluggish start this morning, while European markets fell on uncertainty over the Middle East and oil supply.

London is expected to have the largest "meaningful" jump in GDP of any city in the world between now and 2025 because of the booming financial services sector, according to new research from Citigroup.

The Chancellor has defended the Bank of England over rising inflation and denied the government is making its job more difficult.

WHEN SHOULD INTEREST RATES GO UP?