BUSINESS

British banks approved 20% fewer mortgages in November compared to the same month last year.

The British economy grew at 0.7% between the second and third quarter of this year.

Opec producers banking on slowdown in US shale boom and rising demand fuelled by low prices.

The Russian ruble opened broadly firmer on 23 December.

They were earlier found guilty in Hong Kong's biggest graft trial in history.

Sun, behind Chinese property group Dalian Yifang, buys Hoyts through his company ID Leisure.

The Shadow Chancellor says he would like to see the revenue going to the NHS as soon as possible.

Gold palladium ratio falls and palladium silver ratio rises to new multi-year extremes.

Saudi Arabian Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi said Opec won't cut production regardless of the price.

Fine is largest ever imposed on a company for violations of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, surpassing $450m paid by Siemens.

Italy's competition watchdog began a seven month investigation after complaints from consumer groups.

Around 74% of local authorities are only booking 15 minute slots for carers to visit old people.

Trustee responsible for liquidating Bernard Madoff's firm is seeking permission to start the fifth interim distribution of payments.

The National Housing Federation (NHF) said Brits are finding it hard to cope.

President Park Geun-hye orders increased security after minor attacks on Gori and Wolsong nuclear reactors.

US cyber security experts say North Korea's internet services restored after prolonged blackout.

Missing currency trader Joe Lewis under investigation after almost £130m of clients' cash vanished.

Brent crude oil could bottom-out at $40 before recovering slightly as US shale production drops.

Tighter lending conditions are blamed for falling house prices.

Russia's state-run oil giant Rosneft deal to buy oil trading company from Morgan Stanley blocked.

Social news and discussions website will give away $5m-worth of Reddit Notes to its users

Investing in stocks seems an obvious destination for any long-term ISA-bound savings to catch year-end Santa Claus rally.

Interestingly, $1000 will be a technical target for gold, platinum and palladium for 2015 and $10 for silver.

Markets do not expect a blockbuster first appearance for Dalian Wanda Commercial Properties on Tuesday.

Many couriers aren't able to keep up with the higher than expected volumes of parcels, leading to delays for many shoppers. We put online shopping and shopping on the high street head to head to see which is actually better.

Russian state-run oil giant subject of US, EU sanctions has asked the government for financial aid.

Al-Naimi reiterated that his country is not conspiring to target US and Russian oil producers.

Edmund Shing says the potential for the traditional year-end 'Santa Claus rally' close at hand, nvesting in stocks is an obvious choice

Market manipulation across several sectors has led watchdog to take formal charge.