Economy News

UN calls special food price talks

The United Nations' food agency calls a special meeting of policy makers to discuss the recent rapid rises in food prices. full story.

HSBC threatens to quit London HQ

HSBC may quit its London headquarters if the UK government decides to break up big banks, a senior executive says. full story.

Petrobras files $65bn share offer

The Brazilian state oil company, Petrobras, unveils plans to sell up to $64.5bn of new stock, in one of the world's largest share offers. full story.

BP says oil spill cost up to $8bn

BP says the cost of its Gulf of Mexico oil spill has risen to $8bn - a rise of more than $2bn in the last month alone. full story.

Bank customers in 'dire poverty'

Banks are accused of leaving some customers in "dire poverty" after taking money out of their accounts without permission. full story.

Nigerian economy 'to grow by 10%'

Nigeria's economy will hit double-digit growth by the end of 2011 or early 2012, the country's finance minister says. full story.

Shift in home loan availability

The cost of mortgages is continuing to fall and they are becoming more accessible to some borrowers, figures show. full story.

US sees 54,000 jobs go in August

The US economy shed another 54,000 jobs in August, the third month in a row that jobs have been lost, official figures show. full story.

UK builders and services falter

New data shows new construction orders contracted in the second quarter, while the services sector slowed sharply in August. full story.

'Big drop' in alcohol consumption

Alcohol consumption has fallen faster than ever, figures from the British Beer and Pub Association suggest. full story.

Europe agrees finance watchdogs

The European Union agrees to reform financial supervision, with new agencies to oversee banks, insurers and financial markets. full story.

Chinese consider rival Potash bid

Chinese investors approach Canadian pension fund over a possible rival bid for the fertiliser giant Potash Corporation. full story.

Andean gold in $3bn bidding war

Rival Canadian gold mining companies, Goldcorp and El Dorado, lock horns in a $3bn fight to buy up Andean Resources. full story.