Aluminium giant Alcoa posts a $2m (£1.3m) quarterly loss after aluminium prices slumped to near two-year lows, but its results beat forecasts.

Companies in the FTSE 100 share index paid an extra £11bn into their pension schemes last year, aiming to reduce the schemes' deficits.

Activity in the UK housing market remains "in the doldrums" with little chance of a pick-up soon, according to surveyors.

Eurozone finance ministers agree to offer Spain 30bn euros to help its troubled banks, following emergency talks in Brussels.

China's trade surplus widened in June as import growth weakened, underscoring worries about both the domestic and global economy.

The TUC is to announce the appointment of Frances O'Grady as its new general secretary, the first woman boss of the trade union organisation.

A couple with two children must earn £36,800 to have an acceptable standard of living, anti-poverty charity the Joseph Rowntree Foundation finds.

Marks and Spencer reports a drop in sales, after stock issues and the wet weather hits trading in its clothing department.