Businesses are taking on more people as optimism hits its highest level since 1998, according to the business lobby group, the CBI.

The government raised a record £23.9bn in additional tax this year as a result of a crackdown on tax avoidance, HM Revenue and Customs says.

China will remove six million vehicles, that do not meet exhaust emission standards, by the end of the year in order to improve air quality.

Lloyds Banking Group is to float a 25% stake in its TSB business, which has 631 High Street branches, on the London stock market.

Shares in Intercontinental Hotels Group jump on the London market following a report it has rejected a £6bn takeover offer.

Rio Tinto, Chinalco and the International Finance Corporation sign a $20bn deal to develop Guinea's iron ore deposits.

The number of mortgages being approved by High Street banks fell in April for the third month running, according to the British Bankers' Association.

Banking reforms aimed at preventing another financial crisis have failed to make sufficient progress, the head of the IMF has warned.