Economics

UK consumer price inflation assumed its downwards trajectory once more in July following a sharp spike the previous month.

Global markets have jumped and oil has hit a 14-month low as geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine show signs of abating.

Asian markets enjoyed a mixed trading session at the start of the week, oscillating between gains and losses as the latest relief rally comes under pressure.

Tesco is coming under increasing pressure to slash its dividend in order to free-up cash to help it compete against low-cost rivals, with a leading shareholder speaking out over the weekend and analysts predicting a major cut to its payout.

UK GDP growth in Q2 has been revised up marginally by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

It should be plain sailing for investors in shares this summer. The world economy is growing this year, and should do so again next year at a reasonable pace.

The eurozone's two largest economies both performed worse than expected in the second quarter, raising fresh fears over economic stability in the currency bloc.

Markets across Asia and the US climbed on Thursday, following a bout of soft economic data which saw retail sales in the US stall.

Chancellor George Osborne is set to rule out a sale of Lloyds Banking Group shares to retail investors before next year's general election, according to reports.

UK unemployment dropped to a near six-year low but sterling has fallen against the dollar after the Bank of England cut wage forecasts, suggesting rates will remain on hold for the foreseeable future.