Latest news from BBC Business
Sales fall at Next and DebenhamsNext and Debenhams see sales fall over the Christmas period, as a survey puts UK consumer confidence at a new low.House prices 'fell 15.9% in 2008'House prices fell by 15.9% last year, according to the latest survey by the Nationwide building society.Euro weakens on rate cut evidenceThe euro weakens against the pound and the US dollar as data suggests that a eurozone interest rate cut next week is likely.Full coverage of the UK economy, and tips on surviving the crisisTips on surviving the financial crisis, and full coverage of the UK economyUK short-selling ban to be liftedA ban on the short-selling of financial shares is to be lifted, the UK's financial regulator confirms.Final Woolworths stores to closeThe final closure of the remaining 200 Woolworths stores is due to take place, the retailer's administrator says.Aer Lingus cool on Ryanair offerShareholders in Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus show little appetite for a Ryanair takeover.European gas supplies disruptedSeveral EU countries report major disruption to their gas supplies from Russia as Moscow accuses Ukraine of shutting pipelines.Toyota shuts plants for 11 daysToyota announces that it is to halt production at its domestic plants for 11 days in February and March.Porsche takes majority VW stakeGerman luxury carmaker Porsche announces that it now holds more than 50% of Volkswagen's shares.Madoff's million-dollar mailings prompt court outrageUS prosecutors call for Bernard Madoff to be put in prison until his trial after it emerges he sent jewellery and watches to friends and family.Seaside missionGrand but faded, Blackpool strives to revive its fortunesVintage vinylThe 7 inch single is still making music after 60 yearsPressure risingRussia ups ante in bitter gas dispute with UkraineCracking upHow Waterford Wedgwood ran out of steamRobert PestonUK retailers are facing a sterling challengeWonder yearsA BBC journalist remembers his first job - at WoolworthsVenezuela suspends US fuel aidVenezuela's US-based oil subsidiary is halting a programme to provide cheap heating oil to low-income communities in the US.Euro inflation hits two-year lowInflation in the eurozone falls more than expected to 1.6% in December, which is the lowest level for 26 months.Congress launches Madoff inquiryThe US Congress begins an inquiry into a suspected $50bn (£32bn) fraud allegedly run by the American hedge fund manager, Bernard Madoff.Obama says US economy 'sick'US President-elect Barack Obama says that America's economy is very sick and that the situation is worsening.Areva wins Niger uranium licenceFrench nuclear energy group Areva is awarded a licence to build and operate a uranium mine in Niger.India truck strike over fuel costMillions of trucks in India are off the roads in an indefinite strike, with operators demanding a lowering of diesel prices.US car sales in steep dropUS carmakers report sharp falls in their sales in December as the economic slowdown drives customers away from showrooms.French TV ditches prime-time adsState-run French TV stations stop showing ads in prime time as part of President Sarkozy's plans to reform public broadcasting.Wedgwood in administrationA number of firms owned by Waterford Wedgwood enter administration, as the parent firm appoints a receiver.Caterpillar stops for four weeksConstruction industry firm Caterpillar will stop production in Leicestershire for four weeks due to a drop in orders.Gas price cuts 'likely in spring'Scottish Power raises hopes that energy bills will fall after it cut prices - with rivals expected to follow suit.Cameron in savings tax pledgeDavid Cameron proposes to axe tax on basic rate taxpayers' savings and to increase pensioners' tax free allowances.Apple's Jobs admits poor healthSteve Jobs, head of Apple, has disclosed in a statement that he is being treated for a hormone imbalance.Adams shuts 111 of its shopsAdams Childrenswear closes 111 of its 271 stores in the UK, five days after calling in the administrators.Mortgage rationing gets tougherMortgage lenders are continuing to demand larger deposits as they ration home loans to their customers.State mortgage help widenedThe government extends state help for people struggling to make mortgage payments after losing their jobs.Holidays affected by weak poundThe weak pound is likely to affect the choice of 2009 holiday destination according to travel agents and tour operators' body.Nationwide ends tracker rate cutsThe Nationwide says it will not pass on any further cuts in UK interest rates to most of its tracker mortgage customersThatcher pays tribute to WaltersLady Thatcher leads tributes to her "fearless" economics adviser Sir Alan Walters, who has died aged 82.Firms urged 'try to keep staff'Redundancies should be a last resort when firms look to cut costs during the recession, the CIPD says.Government mulls help for banksThe government says it is exploring how to getting UK banks to increase lending to businesses and households.Oil price rises on Gaza conflictOil rises briefly above $48 a barrel on fears of heightened Middle East tension after Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip.Japanese car sales plunge 22%Vehicle sales in Japan fell 22% in December compared with the same month in 2007, making it the worst December on record.EU plays down impact of gas rowRussia and Ukraine's row over gas has not had a major knock-on effect to European supplies, the EU says.Perfume seller in administrationRetailer Passion for Perfume becomes the latest high street victim of the economic slowdown.Robert Peston's blog: Keep up-to-date with the latest business analysisFor the latest business analysisGuidelines for financial journalists
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