UK

Reckless bank chiefs who damage the economy could face jail sentences under new measures under consideration by the government.

Fund launches reached a decade low last year as groups held back new products in the face of market volatility.

REGULATION

The coalition government is to abandon plans to scrap the 50p top rate of tax despite rising pressure from business leaders.

We ask investment experts for their forecasts for 2012.

ELECTIONS

Dragons' Den star Peter Jones is among a group of potential buyers interested in acquiring ailing firm Blacks Leisure.

International investors are buying record amounts of UK government bonds as the Bank of England's £75bn QE programme spurs demand, with the yield on the 10-year gilt hitting a new record low.

Brazil became the world's sixth largest economy in 2011, overtaking the UK, after continuing to see breakneck growth while the UK economy stuttered.

Ratings agency Moody's has warned the UK's prized AAA rating is at risk from the eurozone crisis despite the austerity measures taken to help retain its current status.