ECB surprises with rate cut amid recovery fears

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — The European Central Bank has cut its interest rates and announced a new stimulus program that involves buying financial assets, a bid to salvage a weak economic recovery.

George Osborne set to expand Funding for Lending Scheme

George Osborne is expected to expand his flagship £80bn lending scheme on Wednesday in a bid to boost support for small businesses following criticism that most of the funds have been siphoned off by high street banks to cut homeowner's mortgage costs.

Cameron's allies dismiss talk of leadership threat to PM

LONDON (Reuters) - Two senior members of Prime Minister David Cameron's ruling Conservative party spoke out to calm growing talk of a leadership challenge against him on Friday, days before a closely watched budget.

'Disappointing' trade deficit figures a drag on recovery renewing triple-dip fears

Britain's trade deficit narrowed in November as exports rose more than imports, but the fall was below forecasts, which economists warn will act as a drag on growth and further threatens a triple-dip recession.

U.K. Seen Shrinking This Quarter Amid Triple-Dip Risk: Economy

Britain’s economy may shrink this quarter and the risk has increased that the country will succumb to its first triple-dip recession since records began almost six decades ago, according to a survey of economists.