THE National Treasury Management Agency is set to start issuing new Government bonds specifically aimed at Irish-managed pension funds, before the end of this month.

HALF of businesses operating defined benefits pension schemes do not comply with the minimum funding standard set by the Pensions Board, according to the employers’ body IBEC.

THE holders of direct benefit pension plans are in the midst of a “perfect storm” as 18 months of financial turmoil take a devastating toll on pension funds, a report has suggested.

The new owners of Somerfield cut their losses on the Kwik Save chain by selling the brand and the majority of its stores today.

The biggest takeover of a UK company for five years and a rush of other bid activity drove the FTSE 100 Index beyond the 5300 barrier today.

An agreed offer for mobile phone giant O2 led a dramatic morning of takeover activity which sent the London market soaring today.

Disappointing news from the retail sector dragged the market lower today as it gave up gains made earlier in the week.

Marks & Spencer sparkled for a second session today as its shares continued to test the 400p benchmark set last year by former suitor Philip Green.

Cruise giant Carnival ensured the FTSE 100 Index sailed to a new four-high today by posting record profits for the summer season.

Consumer goods giant Unilever ensured the FTSE 100 Index made a good start to the week today after speculation it was proposing a Shell-style unification.

Mining stocks dragged the FTSE 100 Index down today as record results from industry giant BHP Billiton failed to cheer investors.

Bid speculation surrounding British Gas owner Centrica failed to prevent the London market from continuing on its downward path today.

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

The FTSE 100 Index finished today back above the 5200 level as investors adopted a defiant mood after yesterday’s London bombings.

The London market resumed its upward path today to nearly recoup all of the ground lost in the wake of yesterday’s terror attacks.

London shares returned from the holiday weekend in lacklustre form today despite gains by tobacco stocks.

Imperial Tobacco shares rose 2% today after the cigarette maker won a landmark case at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

British retailer Peacock today said the discount end of the clothing market was holding up well despite a growing reluctance of shoppers to splash out on fashion.

The London market made modest gains today after lower oil prices offset the negative impact of several stocks going ex-dividend.

The FTSE 100 Index hugged the break-even mark today after a cluster of stocks going ex-dividend stymied progress.

British high street retailer Peacock today reported a pick-up in sales over Easter as the discount end of the clothing market proved resilient to weakening consumer confidence.

The London market finished in the red today after oil prices soared and Wall Street opened in lacklustre fashion.

Discount clothing retailer Peacock today said takeover talks had ended only a day after it announced them.

The London market slumped today as record rises in oil prices and the US current account deficit combined with a profits from General Motors to shake confidence.

Discount clothing retailer Peacock today said it had received a takeover approach.

The final verdict on Christmas trading in Britain was delivered today as high street stalwarts Boots and WH Smith rounded off the season for sales updates.

Confidence in high street retailers sagged further today as a string of disappointing updates sent London shares spinning backwards.

Another batch of downbeat reports from the retail sector ensured the FTSE 100 Index retreated further from a recent 30-month high today.

London shares returned to winning form today after a share buyback bonanza at Cable & Wireless drew investors back to the market.

British high street retailer Peacock said today it was on course to open 100 stores in a year as part of an expansion drive likely to create 1,300 new jobs.

British high-street retailer Peacock today shrugged off the challenge of supermarkets in the discount clothing market by posting a 24% hike in half-year profits.

Mining stocks led the London market into the red today as plunging copper prices weighed on investors.

Top flight shares retrenched today as oil prices started edging upwards again after yesterday’s fall.

Telecoms stock Cable & Wireless led a surge for London shares today as investors set aside recent oil price jitters.

The FTSE 100 Index maintained its momentum this morning as it looked to end the trading week on a high.

London’s leading shares slipped back into negative territory today for the second session in a row after a weak opening on Wall Street depressed confidence and stripped away earlier gains.

Steady progress for banks and insurers helped the FTSE 100 Index stay in positive territory today during a tough session for retailers.

THE London market plunged to its lowest close for eight weeks yesterday as gloomy sentiment around the world hit home.

The London market plunged to its lowest close for eight weeks today as gloomy sentiment around the world hit home.