HIGH-Street banks cut net lending to non-financial companies by the highest amount this year in April, according to figures that may renew concerns about the supply of credit to businesses.
Blue-chip shares slipped back again as the FTSE-100 Index continued its retreat from near-record highs after a previous session that saw the London market's biggest fall in a year.
HOPES that the UK economy might at last be establishing a slightly firmer footing have been dealt a significant blow by official figures showing household spending grew just 0.1% in the first quarter, while exports and investment fell sharply.
COMPANIES engaged in the North Sea well services sector have generated the highest level of gross revenue since 1996, with recruitment of technicians and graduate engineers also on the up.
UK retail sales volumes tumbled by 1.3% month-on-month in April, according to official figures which wrongfooted the City and underlined the continuing weakness of the economy.
ANNUAL UK consumer prices index inflation tumbled from 2.8% in March to 2.4% in April – a steeper drop than had been forecast – official figures have revealed.
Scotland will be the first part of the UK to have a dedicated fund to help with the development of the wave energy sector, Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said.
MARKS & Spencer is expected to unveil a slide in annual profits tomorrow, a week after its new fashion team showed off the ranges bosses hope will help buck the decline.
22 May 2013
