The tax cut deal negotiated between President Barack Obama and the Republicans passes a key test vote in the US Senate.

Many retailers are planning to use next month's rise in VAT to "mask" more extensive price increases, a survey by KPMG claims.

Details are released of the first nine electric cars that will be eligible for grants of up to £5,000 in a government subsidy scheme.

The housing market is being stifled by a lack of first-time buyers and economic confidence, according to surveyors.

The government is urged to continue trying to secure funds to enable Sheffield Forgemasters to continue its expansion plan.

Executives at AIB will not receive backdated bonuses totalling 40m euros (£33m) after an intervention from the Irish Finance Minister Brian Lenihan.

Carmakers Nissan and Mitsubishi say they will increase levels of co-operation between the two firms in Japan and the Middle East.

A study into how well the private healthcare market is working is being planned by the Office of Fair Trading.