New cars offer glimpse of hope on economy

New car registrations rose marginally in January, showing what manufactuers and dealers described as a ‘stabilising trend’ for a bellwether consumer market.

Small and medium-sized companies in gloomy mood

Output stagnated and new orders fell in the three months to January, according to a survey by the CBI employers’ group

Cameron urged to hold firm on banker pay

Labour calls on prime minister not to cave in to Conservative backers’ demands to defend the City of London against political attacks

Economic data ease fears over fresh recession

Predictions of modest growth, and optimism from manufacturing and services come as the Bank of England’s rate-setting panel prepares to meet this week

UK looks to bridge regulatory divide with US

Enforcement actions have reinforced the view that the UK is lighter on markets policing but that could be about to change with aggressive US-style tactics

Border inquiry slows Heathrow e-gates plan

An investigation into the immigration controls security affair last year is holding up a scheme to allow fast-track entry in time for the Olympics

Economic Outlook: Monetary moves awaited

The Bank of England is expected this week to announce further quantitative easing while Australia is set to receive an interest-rate cut

Retirees lose up to £1bn through opaque market

The sum could treble over the next few years as millions more are automatically enrolled in workplace pension plans under rules taking effect in April