Healthcare and pharmaceutical services group United Drug has said it expects to record double-digit percentage growth in profits and earnings for the year to the end of September, despite the fall in the value of sterling.

The dollar fell to a record low against the euro in New York on speculation that higher interest rates in Europe will lure investors away from US assets.

THE dollar had its biggest advance against the yen in three weeks in New York after Japan sold its currency for a second day to protect exporters.