Economic growth in the UK will be subdued and output will fail to reach 2008 levels until 2013, according to the National Institute for Economic and Social Research (NIESR).

George Osborne's Autumn Statement today has revealed a further increase to the levy on bank borrowing in the UK while he ruled out plans for a Financial Transaction Tax (FTT).

Investors have accumulated the largest-ever gold hoard this week as Europe's deteriorating debt crisis has prompted investors to flock to safe havens.

Global markets fell this morning over fears the new Spanish government - instated over the weekend - will not be able to pull back its domestic economy from the brink of default.

Volatile market conditions have presented a unique opportunity to gain exposure to assets previously considered "toxic", according to David Coombs, head of multi-asset management investments at Rathbones.

MPs on the Treasury Select Committee have called on governors at the Bank of England to serve a maximum of eight years before stepping down.

Jim Rogers has welcomed last night's eurozone deal, saying the size of the haircut for Greek bondholders was much higher than he had expected.

London's FTSE jumped 2% in early trading on Thursday after European leaders agreed a deal to tackle the debt crisis.

The Monetary Policy Committee(MPC) voted unanimously for an additional £75bn of quantitative easing at its latest meeting.

Rating agency Moody's has issued a warning on France's AAA-credit rating, saying it may downgrade its outlook for the country based on its overstretched budget.