Marks & Spencer’s worst trading performance for three years triggered a boardroom casualty today after its womenswear range failed to strike a chord with shoppers.

The downward spiral in profits at Carpetright continued today after the retailer warned its markets remained “weak and volatile”.

A successful Spanish bond auction and strong German economic data eased fears over the eurozone crisis and drove world markets higher today.

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.

Fears over the global economic climate troubled traders today as European markets fell further into the red.

London's FTSE 100 Index slipped into the red today on concerns over global political unrest and moves to curb inflation in China.

Miners and banking stocks dragged the FTSE 100 Index into the red today as concerns over global political unrest hit investor sentiment.

Falls among blue chip banks pulled the FTSE 100 Index into negative territory today after warnings of a possible ratings downgrade for debt-laden Spain.

The threat of a ratings downgrade for Spain sent blue-chip banks lower today and dragged the FTSE 100 Index back from yesterday's two-and-a-half-year high.

Whitbread and retailer Carpetright suffered share price falls today after failing to shake off worries over a New Year spending squeeze.

A two-day rally on the London market came to an end today as traders waited for key economic data from the US.

The FTSE 100 Index remained in positive territory for the seventh straight session today, but stocks trod water as US markets remained shut for the Labor Day holiday.

Garfunkels and Frankie & Benny’s owner The Restaurant Group today said it had halted a slide in sales after a hit from the volcanic ash crisis and slower trade during the World Cup.

Plumb Center parent Wolseley today announced a £43m deal to sell its Bristol-based building tools and equipment firm Brandon Hire.

Birmingham tonight clinched the signing of striker Matt Derbyshire on a one-year loan from Olympiacos.

Birmingham’s owners will appeal a judgment against them which ruled they owed investment bank Seymour Pierce £2.5m and threatened their future ownership of the club.

Fashion chain Next today said it remained on track to grow sales and profits this year, despite its fears of a post-election spending slowdown.

Michael Dunford has resigned from his role as Birmingham chief executive.

Investment bank Seymour Pierce has effectively taken control of Birmingham and could put it up for sale after club owner Carson Yeung failed to pay a £2.2m fee to the bank.

Stock markets worldwide moved higher today after earnings cheer from US bank JP Morgan Chase confirmed a buoyant start to America's results season.

Retail stocks pushed the FTSE 100 Index higher today as takeover speculation surrounded Argos owner Home Retail Group.

Manchester United insist they will not to be pressured into spending the £80m they received from Real Madrid for the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo.

MARKS & Spencer has warned of tough times ahead in 2010 despite its first like-for-like sales growth in more than two years.

Sports World owner Sports Direct International was on course to make payouts to thousands of UK staff today after raising profit forecasts for the second time this year.

Fashion chain Next today said its shoppers were in better financial shape than first feared as it upped its sales forecasts for the rest of the year.

Babycare chain Mothercare produced another strong set of trading figures today as it continues to shield itself against rising cost pressures.

Italian restaurant chain Carluccio’s flagged up better than expected profits today as trading proved resilient through the recession.

Representatives of a New York-based consortium claim they hope to hold talks with Newcastle over the next 48 hours with a view to buying the club.

North-West-based businessman Geoff Sheard has emerged as a possible buyer for Newcastle United FC.

NEWCASTLE look set to kick off the new season today with their future ownership – and the identity of their manager – still up in the air.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley was today awaiting further developments as potential buyers edged closer to striking a deal for the club.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has received at least two offers of £100m (€116m) for the club.

NEWCASTLE’S players returned for pre-season training yesterday amid hopes that a breakthrough off the field could be just days away.

Talks over the future ownership of Newcastle were ongoing today as interested parties prepared to make their moves.

The Singapore-based Profitable Group has confirmed its interest in buying Newcastle.

Newcastle remained a club in flux today as speculation mounted about its future ownership.

REAL MADRID general director Jorge Valdano claims the club are already in negotiations with Manchester United over Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Singapore-based Profitable Group have made formal contact with the people charged with the task of selling Newcastle.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley was today awaiting developments as the race to take the club off his hands gathered pace.

Owner Mike Ashley will not become involved in an auction for Newcastle after placing a £100m price tag on the club.

NEWCASTLE owner Mike Ashley yesterday confirmed he has put the club up for sale for £100 million (€115m).

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley today confirmed he has put the club up for sale for £100m (€114m).

The man working to sell Newcastle United on behalf of Mike Ashley has revealed there is “real and decent interest” in the club from a number of parties, and he is hopeful a deal can be done by July.

Newcastle remained in limbo today as owner Mike Ashley stepped up his efforts to sell the club.