Economics / Markets

Bank and building society lending to UK businesses fell at the sharpest pace for over 10 years in January, according to Bank of England figures released today.

Ghana is as long as 75/1 with some bookmakers to win this summer's World Cup, but the IMF predicts the west African nation will walk away with a world title of a different kind in 2010.

UK Government borrowing was lower than expected in February at £12.4bn.

The FTSE was modestly lower in early Thursday trade following reports Greece may yet seek financial aid from the IMF because of disillusionment over the prospects of help from the EU.

Positive employment news and a strong showing from miners helped the FTSE set a 21-month high this afternoon.

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted unanimously to hold its quantitative easing programme and maintain interest rates at their historical low, its minutes reveal.

The deputy governor of the Bank of England has warned the Government's borrowing costs could rise if quantitative easing is withdrawn.

A decision by the US Federal Reserve to keep interest rates on hold boosted sentiment in London this morning.

The World Bank has raised its 2010 economic growth forecast for China by 0.5% to 9.5%.

Investors are rushing to sell shares and property ahead of the Budget on 24 March, believing Alistair Darling will raise capital gains tax (CGT) rates.