Shareholders in UK companies saw their dividend payments cut by £10bn last year, according to a report.

Toyota is to recalling the latest model of its flagship Prius cars because of braking problems, reports from Japan say.

The former attorney general says he “strongly supported” the plea bargain made by BAE Systems to end corruption investigations.

Defence group BAE Systems is to pay fines of £280m after pleading guilty to criminal charges in Britain and the US.

Concern about the US economy and debt problems in Europe lead to large falls in many stock markets, while oil prices also drop.

The Bank of England will report later on its policy of quantitative easing, with many analysts expecting it to halt the scheme.

The UK could face power shortages in the years ahead, according to the energy regulator, Ofgem.

Cadbury workers are gathering in London to lobby the government ahead of an expected takeover by US firm Kraft.

President Obama announces a budget plan which, despite cuts in some programmes, sees the US deficit rising to record levels.

An insurance levy on financial institutions to help bail out banks in any future financial crisis is gaining support.