Economics

Oil prices edged back slightly from a three-week high on hints the world's largest oil producer is poised to boost output.

Henderson Global Investors saw its share price climb in the face of a declining market for the second day running today following rumours of a takeover.

Mining stocks slumped in afternoon trading as Rio Tinto said it has seen slowing demand from China, its best customer, while Australia implemented a controversial mining tax.

CPI annual inflation fell to 3.4% in February, down from 3.6% in January, according to the Office for National Statistics.

IHS Global Insight outlines the six policy measures Chancellor George Osborne is likely to reveal in tomorrow's Budget.

BUDGET 2012

The government has launched a scheme to help small businesses access cheaper finance through discounts on loans.

US bank stress tests last week have boosted the outlook for the global banking sector, said John Yakas, manager of the Polar Capital Financial Opportunities fund, who urged investors not to miss the rally.

The Office for Budget Responsibility will revise up its growth forecasts for the UK economy in Wednesday's Budget, the FT reports.

Over the last 10 years, 1,000 new funds have been launched every year in Europe across all asset classes, a Lipper report has found.