EIRCOM said it sees no signs of growth or increased spending by customers in the medium term.

THE yield, or interest rate, demanded by buyers of Irish Government debt continued to rise yesterday — reaching a record level of 7.5% — as concern over Ireland managing to reduce its budget deficit continued to grow.

London’s blue chip share index steamed 1.4% ahead today thanks to a boost from cheery news on the world’s biggest economy.

Bookmaker William Hill today said it was on track to meet full year forecasts after the group’s “best ever” World Cup offset a dire horseracing season.

INSURANCE against Ireland defaulting on its €85.32 billion national debt has soared on fears the cost of rescuing Anglo Irish Bank will rise, indicating the market believes there is a one-in-four chance of a default.

Analysts cast doubt today on the credibility of the stress tests applied to European banks.

EUROPE’S banks have been asked to estimate how much additional capital they would need under two adverse scenarios as part of stress tests aimed at reviving confidence among investors.

Drinks giant Britvic today posted an 11% hike in sales for the 12 weeks to December 20 but said market conditions in Ireland remained "challenging".

Bulmers maker C&C saw shares slump 9% today after the drinks company admitted it got its figures wrong in an upbeat trading statement last week.

The UK’s second biggest cinema today said higher admissions and ticket prices had sent box office revenues soaring so far this year.

The world’s largest listed hedge fund, Man Group, today revealed the global financial turmoil had knocked nearly a quarter off interim profits and left assets under management lower than forecast.

A mixed session for big-hitting mining stocks and wider market lethargy saw the FTSE 100 Index in London end the session unchanged today.

The owner of the Mecca bingo chain saw its shares lifted today amid hopes of new British government measures to help the battered industry.

Strong gains from miners and blue-chip airline British Airways failed to provide direction for the London market today.

One of the most volatile weeks in the London market’s recent history ended today with the FTSE 100 Index barely changed on its starting point.

The FTSE 100 Index posted further gains today following a revival in US and Asian markets.

London's leading shares retreated today as nerves over record oil prices overshadowed trading.

Oil prices soared to a new high today as spiralling tensions on the border between Turkey and northern Iraq added to concerns over winter supplies.

Oil companies surged on consolidation hopes today after explorer Burren Energy said it had shunned “a number” of approaches worth up to £1.54bn (€2.2bn).

Oil giant BP today confirmed plans for a restructuring after the group's new boss spoke of the group's "dreadful" performance.

The prospect of a takeover battle for ICI left shares in the Dulux-to-chemicals firm at a fresh eight-year high today.

Shares in Irish oil explorer Tullow Oil rose sharply on London's FTSE 250 Index today after it revealed a significant discovery off the coast of Ghana.

Durex maker SSL International said today it was on track to meet profits targets after a strong showing from its key consumer brands.

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

Chemicals and paints giant ICI continued its stellar stock market performance today as further bid speculation surrounded the firm.

British kitchen manufacturer Galiform reported strong sales growth at Howden Joinery today and said it was on course to deliver profits in line with market expectations.

The owner of Argos and Homebase today said it was cautious about the short-term outlook for consumer spending as it prepared for the vital Christmas trading period.

Shares in Marks & Spencer closed at a record high tonight after booming sales raised the prospect of a return to its halcyon days of billion pound profits.

The recovery of retail chain Marks & Spencer is expected to continue next week when the high street giant publishes its results for the first half of the year.

The recovery of Marks & Spencer is expected to continue next week when the high street giant publishes its results for the first half of the year.

WH Smith boss Kate Swann today said the revival of the British retailer was marginally ahead of schedule, despite the impact of “subdued” trading conditions.

Embattled music retailer HMV appointed a new chief executive today after securing the services of a former boss at retail chain Comet.

The owner of electricals chain Currys was under the spotlight today following reports that it is to sell its struggling UK The Link chain to mobile phone firm O2.

Clothing retailer Monsoon today delivered a double blow to its investors when it warned on profits and said its chairman was no longer interested in a takeover.

Soaring internet sales took their toll on Waterstone’s owner HMV today as more shoppers in the UK opted to buy Christmas presents online rather than on the high street.

British clothing retail group Peacock revealed it was in takeover talks for the second time in six months today.

Shares in Laura Ashley hit their highest level in nearly a year today amid speculation that the home furnishings retailer could be taken private.

Computer games retailer Game today revealed its like-for-like sales had gone into reverse despite the buzz created by a new handheld console from Nintendo.

UK investors look set for a calmer few days next week as only a handful of companies are due to unveil results or trading updates. However, with statements due from the likes of Mothercare and Ottakar’s there could still be plenty of interest for edgy shareholders in the retail sector.

SHARES in Calyx, the IT and telecom group owned by Cork businessman Maurice Healy, surged 15% after making their debut on London’s Alternative Investment Market (AIM) yesterday.

Alarm bells were ringing in the retail sector today after fashion chain French Connection revealed a shock 17% sales fall over the past five weeks.

The spotlight was back on retail tycoon Philip Green today after time restrictions on a fresh takeover approach for Marks & Spencer were lifted.

Carphone Warehouse today emerged as one of the retail sector’s success stories over Christmas after figures showed an 11.2% leap in same-store sales.

Babycare retailer Mothercare today said its sales revival had stalled over Christmas as weak demand for toys took its toll.