Entertainment group HMV insisted today that it still has a future – despite reporting a further drop in sales in the run-up to Christmas.

World markets slipped into the red today after a scheme to boost liquidity and ease the eurozone debt crisis failed to settle traders’ nerves.

London's blue chip shares today made nervous gains in a volatile session as traders digested a possible three trillion euro plan to rescue the single currency.

The impact of the riots on the retail sector will be laid bare today as official figures are forecast to reveal a drop in sales volumes in August.

The boss of struggling entertainment group HMV today vowed to press on with plans to overhaul its technology offering as he reported another plunge in sales over the summer.

Official figures are expected to reveal a boost to British retail sales in July as extended sales clearances drew in cash-strapped consumers.

British retail sales figures released today are expected to reveal a modest rise in spending in June after some of the country's biggest store chains started their summer sales early to tempt cash-strapped consumers.

Chocolate retailer Thorntons today by announced plans to close up to 180 stores.

The London market dipped into the red today as investors continued to weigh up how Osama bin Laden’s death would impact financial markets.

British department store Debenhams offered some cheer for shoppers today as it signalled the recent surge in cotton prices may have peaked.

The Bank of England’s downgrading of the UK’s growth forecast could not stop the FTSE 100 Index from making gains today.

The Bank of England’s latest quarterly inflation report will provide the economic highlight this week, while bookmaker Ladbrokes and retailer Thorntons are among those due to report on the London market.

The FTSE 100 ended a six-day winning streak today as US retail figures disappointed and investors took the chance to book profits.

Chocolatier Thorntons today said it was banking on new ranges to help summer trading after a 25% rise in first-half profits.

Shares in Sainsbury’s retreated 3% today after evidence of more strong sales growth failed to excite the City.

London's FTSE 100 Index touched the 5000 mark for the first time in almost a year today as investor confidence showed little sign of waning.

Chocolate retailer Thorntons today offered some cheer after a tough year as it said its performance had improved “substantially” in recent months.

UK chocolate retailer Thorntons today said it expected profits to beat market forecasts after this year’s longer Easter selling season helped sweeten sales.

The FTSE 100 Index slumped to its lowest close for almost three months today as economic fears dogged blue chip stocks.

The FTSE 100 Index retreated below the 4,000 level today as stocks failed to shake off pessimism surrounding global economic stimulus efforts.

British chocolate maker Thornton today said new products and a brand overhaul helped it increase annual pre-tax profits by 19.6% to £8.5m (€10.6m).

Chocolate retailer Thorntons today said half-year profits rose 14% after the company notched a fifth successive quarter of sales growth.

The FTSE 100 Index came within touching distance of a seven-year high today as mining stocks and a strong start to US trading lifted blue chips.

Higher metals prices helped mining stocks lead the London market higher today.

Chocolate retailer Thorntons insisted its turnaround plan still had some way to go today, despite reporting a better-than-expected rise in annual profits.

Dismal summer weather has failed to dent a recovery at Thorntons after the chocolate maker unveiled a sharp rise in sales today.

Increased sales to supermarkets and the sunny Easter weather helped lift British chocolate maker Thorntons out of its sales gloom today.

British chocolate retailer Thorntons today said it was on course to meet expectations after a range of new products hit the shops.

The London market struggled for direction today as shares drifted around their opening marks.

Chocolate retailer Thorntons today reported a slump in profits as it announced chief executive Peter Burdon was to step down.

Chocolate retailer Thorntons boosted hopes for a trading turnaround today after reporting an improvement in the rate of its sales decline.

BAA shares closed almost 3% higher as the £10 billion battle for the airports operator finally came to the boil today.

A strong performance from energy companies on the back of a rise in the price of crude oil ensured the London market regained lost ground today.

The London market suffered a sharp sell-off this afternoon in spite of bid speculation adding more than £1 billion to the value of British Gas owner Centrica.

Chocolate maker Thorntons broke off takeover talks today after its chairman drastically reduced the amount that he was willing to pay for control.

A takeover proposal for chocolate-maker Thorntons was back on the drawing board today as more details emerged of the company’s poor recent trading.

BRITISH chocolate maker Thorntons indicated that a Christmas rush for its confectionery had failed to materialise by revealing its sales performance had deteriorated.

Investors kicked off a new year of trading in style today by sending the FTSE 100 Index soaring to a new four-year high.

Progress by telecoms and oil stocks helped the FTSE 100 Index reverse a recent losing streak today.

The London market ended Tuesday on a low note despite a positive start to the day on Wall Street.

News of one of the biggest takeover deals of the year failed to lift the FTSE 100 Index far above its opening mark today.

Chocolate maker Thorntons today said annual results should hit market hopes as it reaped the rewards of a drive to sell its products through other retailers.

The London market recovered some of its earlier losses today as a fall in US consumer confidence allayed fears of US rate rises.

The London market sank deeper into the red today after a broker advised investors to bail out of Bradford & Bingley.