Banking shares were today heading for a second successive session of losses amid renewed speculation over the state of Barclays’ balance sheet.

UK retail group WH Smith said today it was braced for a competitive Christmas after it reported lower sales over the last ten weeks of trading.

More than £500m (€762m) was wiped from the value of Tate & Lyle after the sugar and sweetener group delivered a surprise profits warning today.

British retailer WH Smith said today it was on track to deliver profits in line with expectations, despite a 6% fall in like-for-like sales in the past 20 weeks.

WH Smith boss Kate Swann today said the revival of the British retailer was marginally ahead of schedule, despite the impact of “subdued” trading conditions.

The London market plunged into the red today as details emerged of a “very significant” terrorist plot to blow up aircraft in mid-air.

UK book shop chain Ottakar’s agreed to a takeover by HMV today after conceding it faced a losing battle against supermarkets and online retailers.

Music and books retailer HMV was today reported to be an £800m (€1.2bn) takeover target of private equity firm Permira.

WH Smith today said annual profits from its high street stores almost doubled after halting unprofitable promotions and putting more emphasis on books and cards.

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.

Ailing supermarket chain Sainsbury’s is the target of a £5bn (€7.2bn) takeover bid being prepared by an ex-treasurer of the Conservative party, it was reported today.

Ailing British retailer WH Smith today unveiled annual losses of £135m (€196.5m) following an “unacceptable performance” by its high street business.

WH Smith is to add coffee shops and mobile phone outlets to its stores as part of a drive to revive its fortunes.

Private equity firm Permira was today understood to be planning to offer a reduced £850m (€1.2bn) for British retailer WH Smith.

Takeover speculation surrounding WH Smith heightened today amid reports the struggling retailer could be about to attract further bid interest.

Struggling retailer WH Smith took a step in its restructuring today by unveiling an agreement to sell its Asia Pacific arm for £47m (€70m).

Newsagent group WH Smith today warned the recent terrorist attacks had hit trading at its 500-plus shops in the US.

The City is set to have its eyes on the high street as a host of retailers, including Tesco, Debenhams and GUS, are set to report their figures.