Inflation

With news inflation jumped to 4.4% in February and gold prices still soaring, Joanna Faith looks at some alternative hedges.

Inflation increased at its fastest pace in more than two years last month, mounting further pressure on the Bank of England to hike interest rates.

Households are suffering their biggest drop in living standards for 30 years, according to a report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).

Consumers are increasingly pessimistic about the Bank of England's ability to control high inflation, but few have a plan to move their savings out of banks and building societies to seek higher returns.

The UK's economic recovery slowed in the second half of last year and will remain 'subdued' throughout 2011, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) predicts.

The UK could be entering a "profoundly different" era of slow growth and high debt reminiscent of the economic ills engulfing Japan, says the BBC's economics editor Stephanie Flanders.

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

Helen Morrissey looks at how asset-backed annuities can help retirees meet the challenges of longevity and inflation

Tony Slocombe, of Heartwood Wealth Management, says pensions alone will not be enough to fund retirement.

The UK inflation rate rose to 4% in January, which is double the government's target and up from 3.7% the previous month.