A division of Barclays which pays pensions to more than 70,000 policyholders a month was today said to be the subject of takeover interest.

Banking giant Barclays today gave a reassuring update on the performance of its investment banking arm during the recent credit squeeze.

Shares in British waste management group Biffa slumped today after the company warned it expected to see growth slow at its landfill division in the year ahead.

Fresh fears over the Chinese stock market put world markets under pressure today.

The owner of clothing retailer Zara today posted a 25% jump in profits after a year of intensive global expansion.

The resurgence of Marks & Spencer will be sealed today when the high-street giant reports booming Christmas sales.

Investors are pinning their hopes on another good year for the FTSE 100 Index in 2007, buoyed by fresh takeover activity and higher commodity prices.

Improved sales of eco-friendly devices to cut car emissions helped catalysts specialist Johnson Matthey post a boost in profits today.

Thousands of UK steel workers were seeking assurances over their jobs tonight after the Corus group agreed to a £4.3bn (€6.42bn) takeover by Indian rival Tata Steel.