Two of the world's biggest technology companies, Google and Microsoft, have badly missed earnings expectations for the second quarter.

A pick-up in activity among first-time buyers has put the brakes on increases in the cost of renting a home in England and Wales, a survey suggests.

The government outlines plans to give tax breaks to companies involved in the UK's shale gas industry, but faces criticism from environmentalists.

The UK economy has seen a £9.9bn boost in trade and investment from hosting the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, research suggests.

Panasonic and other companies plead guilty to separate allegations of price-fixing, the US justice department says

Ratings agency Moody's upgrades its outlook for the US credit rating, citing a declining budget deficit and progress in economic growth for the move.

Vodafone reports a fall in underlying revenues as growing competition and the economic downturn in Europe hits trading.

The OECD launches a plan to stop multinational firms exploiting national tax rules to minimise their tax bills.