US companies are forecast to cross the Atlantic to raise funds in euro at the fastest pace in at least eight years as borrowing costs in Europe fall below dollar rates by the most in a decade.

THE strength of a revival in Britain’s leading shares will be tested next week by the release of key interest rate decisions and a strategic review by Cable & Wireless, the stock that has spearheaded this year’s rally.

OPEC, supplier of a third of the world’s oil, is planning to cut production from its highest level in 18 months to prevent a price slump as demand slows and Iraqi sales near a return to the market.