Economics / Markets

The UK Government's public sector borrowing fell below expectations in May, according to ONS figures released today.

Royal Mail's chairman is advising ministers to plan for a multi-billion pound stock market flotation in an options-open approach to privatisation.

The Government said today it will undertake a consultation period before setting up three new bodies as part of a radical shake-up of financial services regulation.

Former enterprise tsar Lord Alan Sugar has launched a stinging attack on the proposed increase in CGT, claiming it will have a "devastating effect" on businesses.

Retail sales defied analysts' forecasts in May to increase 0.6%, as consumer spending was boosted by the World Cup.

The FTSE started the day positively buoyed by a strong start for bank stocks and increased hopes of a global recovery.

George Osborne will today set out plans for the biggest shake-up of economic regulation since 1997.

The consumer price index (CPI) of inflation eased in May to 3.4%, down from 3.7% in April, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Santander has reportedly entered its final offer for Royal Bank of Scotland's (RBS') network of 318 UK branches.

The Chancellor is likely to announce additional public spending cuts or tax rises of £34bn a year in his emergency Budget next week, economists warn.