Markets

The political risk to UK sectors ahead of election

The official UK interest rate could settle at an average of 3% in a few years, the outgoing Deputy Governor of the Bank of England has predicted.

Britain's two state-backed banks have retreated from lending to the London property market since the financial crisis, in a sign of caution amid fears of an inflating housing bubble.

A row has broken out over the cost of setting up all of the public bodies needed in an independent Scotland.

The 'considerable reversal' in the fortunes of mid- and small-cap stocks seen since the start of March is likely to continue as large caps come back into favour, according to Jupiter's John Chatfeild-Roberts.

US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has abandoned its plans to buy AstraZeneca following an unsuccessful pursuit of its UK rival.

Lloyds Banking Group has announced plans to float a 25% stake in its TSB business next month in a bid to meet European rules on state aid for banks.

A group of investors in troubled overseas property sales agent Harlequin has claimed a first victory in its battle to receive compensation from advisers who 'facilitated' their investments.

Close Brothers Asset Management has reported a 4% rise in assets in its latest quarterly report, pushing total assets closer to the £10bn mark.

Sterling has fallen back below $1.69 after worse-than-expected borrowing figures disappointed those investors hoping for further confirmation the economy is back on track.