The US justice department has opened an investigation relating to Autonomy Corp after Hewlett-Packard accused the software company of misrepresenting its performance before being bought last year.

HEWLETT-PACKARD, the world’s largest computer maker, forecast fiscal fourth-quarter and full-year earnings that missed analysts’ estimates because of lacklustre consumer spending.

The Bank of England’s widely anticipated cut in interest rates failed to breathe life into the FTSE 100 Index today as it came under further pressure.

Financial and mining stocks led a rally for London’s leading shares as takeover speculation continued to buoy the market.

The London market suffered losses of near to 1% today after a poor finish on Wall Street took its toll.