Trial of Bear Stearns duo starts in New York

When Cioffi and Tannin talked up their funds, was it just spin – or was it fraud?

Budget deficit hits £8bn

UK public debt balloons to record levels in July as government spends its way out of recession

Reader’s Digest to file for bankruptcy

The American publisher of Reader’s Digest magazines has been forced into administration by growing debts

Goldman Sachs staff told to avoid big purchases

As bankers once again receive huge bonuses, Goldman CEO Lloyd Blankfein has told his staff not to flaunt their riches

Sales at Primark continue to boom

AB Foods, the owner of the high street chain, has revealed Primark sales jumped 20 per cent in the 40 weeks to June

British Airways confronts pay cut decision

It is feared the national flag carrier will face a fight for survival if its staff decide against a proposed salary holiday

Paul Krugman backs Gordon Brown

Nobel Prize-winning economist lauds Brown's 'intelligent' policies

Barclays bank celebrates sharp rise in profits

High street giant reassures market by announcing a 15 per cent jump in profits in first quarter of 2009

Global markets soar on economic green shoots

Global investors flock to buy stocks after signs that US consumers are starting to spend