US lawmakers prepare to vote on a deal hammered out between the White House and Congressional leaders in an effort to avoid a debt default.

The UK economy will grow at a "sluggish" rate this year, the CBI says as it lowers its annual growth forecast.

Banking giant HSBC says it will cut 25,000 jobs by 2013 and exit operations in 20 countries as it looks to save billions of dollars.

The UK manufacturing sector contracted in July for the first time in two years, a survey suggests.

Households looking to install renewable heating systems such as biomass boilers and solar panels are now eligible for up to £1,250 from the government.

Up to nine million people face a "bleak old age" because of falling through the cracks of private sector pension provision, a review says.

President Obama says Republican and Democratic leaders have agreed a deal to raise the US debt limit, which will now be voted on in Congress.

Chinese manufacturing ouput slows further in July after demand for exports weakens and government measures take effect.