Economics / Markets

The UK's overall GDP growth forecast is at "significant risk" if business investment is not as robust as the Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) predicts, ministers warn.

Public sector net borrowing hit £14.5bn in June, marginally below the shortfall of £14.7bn one year earlier but still worse than economists had expected.

Goldman Sachs has angrily defended itself against a public campaign claiming the bank is exacerbating global food crises through its commodity trading operations.

Sterling hit a seven-week low against the euro yesterday as the single currency shrugged off Ireland's ratings downgrade and continued concerns on Hungary.

The FTSE 100 opened down 0.37% or 19.09 points to 5,139.76 as Friday's sell-off on Wall Street dragged the index lower.

The FTSE plunged into negative territory in afternoon trading Friday as concerns over US economic growth and mixed results from big corporates drove Wall Street into negative territory at the start of trading.

BP is driving a midday rally in London shares after the oil giant's attempts to stop the oil leak proved successful, although banking stocks continue to slide.

The FTSE opened up at 5237.75, up 26.46 points, (0.51%) as European stocks edged higher in opening trading, drawing some optimism from Wall Street's late-session comeback.

The FTSE 100 regained some of the ground it lost today in late trading, but still closed down 0.8% lower at 5,211 points.

China's GDP growth rate slowed to 10.3% in the second quarter, down from 11.9% the previous quarter, as the Government made efforts to cool the overheating economy.