Tories in four-point lead over Labour, poll shows

The Tories have a four point lead over Labour in a new poll published on Tuesday.

Eurozone GDP grows 0.3% in fourth quarter, against expectations of 0.2% increase

The Eurozone gross domestic product (GDP) in the fourth quarter grew 0. 3% from the previous three months, above consensus expectations of a 0. 2% increase.

UK inflation is likely to fall further and interest rate hike likely in 2016, BoE says

The Bank of England (BoE) has indicated that the first interest rate hike is likely in 2016 and expects inflation to fall further in the near term.

Costa Concordia captain found guilty of manslaughter

Apple becomes first US company to close over $700bn in value

Apple shares closed at an all-time high on Tuesday, as the tech giant became the first US company to close with a market capitalisation of over $700bn.

White House confirms there is at least one other American hostage being held in the Middle East

Sky and BT secure Premier League rights for over £5bn

Sky and BT have paid a whopping £5. 13bn to win the rights to broadcast Premier League matches in the UK from the 2016-17 to the 2018-19 season.

Ryanair declares emergency for Tenerife flight over France

A Ryanair flight between Brussels to Tenerife declared a general emergency, requiring an emergency diversion to Nantes.

ECB reportedly agrees up to €60bn emergency funding for Greece

The European Central Bank (ECB) has reportedly agreed to permit Greece's national central bank to provide up to €60bn in emergency funding to the country's lenders.

Bank of England keeps rate and asset purchases unchanged

At its Monetary Policy Committee meeting on Thursday, the Bank of England maintained the bank rate at 0. 5% and the size of its asset purchase programme at £375bn.

US crude oil tumbles 8.7%, as inventories jump to record high

Oil prices tumbled on Wednesday, bringing a four-session rally to an end, as US crude prices fell over 8%, their biggest one-day drop since November.

BT set to acquire EE in £12.5bn deal

Telecom giant BT has completed the acquisition of mobile operator EE from Deutsche Telekom and Orange for £12. 5bn.

US service-sector growth accelerates in January, says ISM

Growth in the US services sector unexpectedly picked up slightly in January, though the pace of hiring slowed, according to the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).

US employers add less than expected jobs in January, ADP report reveals

US employers added 213,000 jobs in January, missing forecasts of 220,000, ADP revealed in its private payrolls report on Wednesday.

China cuts bank reserve ratio to stabilise economy

China’s central bank has cut banks’ reserve requirement ratio to help lift economic growth amid a slowdown.

Pimco fund saw $11.6bn withdrawn in January

US oil settles up 7%, reaching its highest level since 31 December

Crude-oil futures up nearly 9% ahead of settlement

Barclays, HSBC, RBS have ratings cut by S&P

Standard & Poor’s has downgraded a number of UK and European banks on Tuesday.

Apple unveils plans for £2bn global command centre in Arizona

Apple has unveiled plans for $2bn global command centre in Arizona.