General News
World Health Organization raises risk assessment of COVID-19 to 'very high'
The World Health Organization increased its risk assessment of the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak from "high" to "very high" on Friday.
UK government calls coronavirus Cobra meeting
The UK government called a meeting of its Cobra emergency committee to coordinate its response to the coronavirus outbreak as the Governor of the Bank of England warned about the disease's potential effect on the economy.
Housebuilders fall as watchdog announces lease action
Housebuilders's share prices fell after the competition regulator said it would take action against companies that tie home buyers into onerous leases that make properties unsellable.
House prices rise at fastest pace for 18 months, Nationwide says
House prices rose at their fastest pace for 18 months in February as confidence recovered, Nationwide's survey of the market showed.
EasyJet cancels flights and takes emergency actions on coronavirus
EasyJet said it would cancel flights and introduce emergency cost cuts after the coronavirus outbreak caused a drop in demand for flights in and out of Italy and across Europe.
Expect BT dividend cut in 2021, Jefferies says
BT is likely to cut its dividend by 30% from 2021 to reduce debt and help clinch favourable full-fibre broadband (FTTP) regulation, Jefferies analysts said.
M&S to close two warehouses as overhaul continues
Marks & Spencer is closing two big UK warehouses in moves that will affect more than 500 workers as the retailer seeks to improve its distribution systems.
Regulators probe Barclays CEO's Jeffrey Epstein links
The Financial Conduct Authority and the Bank of England are investigating past links between Barclays' chief executive Jes Staley and the dead American paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Government gives green signal to HS2 rail link
The government has decided to go ahead with the HS2 link for high-speed rail between London, the Midlands and northern England after months of uncertainty over the £106bn project.
Burberry warns coronavirus has hit sales in China
Burberry warned on Friday that the coronavirus was damaging its sales in China and Hong Kong and that the outbreak had forced it to close more than a third of its stores in mainland China.