Naresh Kumar

U.K. house prices dropped at the slowest pace since June 2010 in March, driven by the better economic prospects and buying ahead of the expiry of stamp duty exemption, according to the latest RICS UK Housing Market Survey.

Vedanta Resources has reported a slump in its full-year iron ore output for the year ending March 2012 at 13.8 million tonnes compared to 18.8 million tonnes a year ago, as a ban on mining in the southern Indian state of Karnataka and logistical bottlenecks in Goa continued to bite.

The government bond markets could be weakened by July after the implementation of "Volcker Rule" in the U.S., said the Head of the U.K.'s Debt Management Office (DMO) on Monday.

Gold prices may hit record highs later this year due to volatility in the Middle East and persistent sovereign debt problems.

Britain's FTSE 100 is expected to hit 6,100 mark by the end of 2012, driven by signs of growth in UK economy, improving European debt crisis and good global economic prospects.

Volex Group says its trading will be in line with current market expectations for the twelve months to April 1, 2012 despite increased global economic uncertainty, which resulted slow growth in Q3 FY 2012.

The Britain's industrial output experienced a major decline in almost a year in February, confounding previous upbeat private-sector surveys and signalling doubt on the UK's economic recovery.

The April outlook for British Pound Sterling is expected to be resilient, mainly due to recent PMI data releases about services sector, construction and manufacturing of the UK economy and also struggling eurozone economy.

Halfords Group's shares dropped as much as 3.3 percent after disappointing trading update ahead of its full-year earnings.

Intertek Group has acquired Automation Technology Inc (ATI), a provider of asset integrity support services in the US power sector, for a total consideration of $16 million (£10 million).

International Head-Hunter says it will invest in regions with “long term” potential

Budget carrier says paid seats increased to 4.6 million

Halfords Group expects its full-year gross margins to decline by 130 to 150 basis points. It says the expected decline is in line with market expectations although it is worse than the forecast at least 100 basis points given in November.The group is scheduled to release its pre-close trading update on Thursday.

Robert Walters says it is well positioned to exploit opportunities through long-term investment and cost management and is committed to expand in markets which offer the best prospects for growth, its future investment plans may reflect this.

Private non-bank firms post softer margins in Q4

BTG Plc has raised its revenue estimate for the year ended 31 March 2012 to £190 - £195 million from the previous guidance of £160 - £165 million due to the robust trading in the Licensing & Biotechnology business, which was significantly ahead of expectations and higher than anticipated royalties from BeneFIX and Zytiga.

WPP Plc through its wholly-owned global interactive marketing agency, Possible Worldwide, has agreed to acquire Carnation Internet Tanacsado Zrt in Hungary through a share purchase.

Waster management group strikes deal with three UK councils to cap solid full year performance

Food prices surge more 5.4% to lift "High Street" measure of consumer prices

With the continued emphasis on cost control and PFI margin improvements coupled with its distinct strategy, Shanks Group, the provider of recycling and energy recovery solutions and technologies is scheduled to release its pre-close trading statement on Wednesday.

The British construction activities unexpectedly jumped in March as the increase in new orders supported the latest and fastest growth in activity for four and a half years, according to the latest data released from Markit/Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply.

Xstrata Copper has announced a partnership deal with Origin Energy to advance its Energía Austral hydroelectric development company in Chile.

AstraZeneca, an Anglo-Swedish biopharmaceutical company has entered into an agreement with Amgen, US biotechnology company to develop and commercialise five monoclonal antibodies from Amgen's clinical inflammation portfolio.

The world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare company, GlaxoSmithKline has reported topline results from seven of the eight 'Harmony' Phase III studies investigating the use of albiglutide in type 2 diabetes.

An investment holding and management company, Ashtead Group Plc has announced today that its US subsidiary, Sunbelt Rentals Inc has acquired a Philadelphia based Topp Construction Services and its related company, Precision Steel Works.

PR and healthcare consultancy sees margin pressure in 2011, but upbeat for 2012

Oil & Gas explorer agrees $450 million cash and shares deal

There are fears that in Asia inflation might return due to higher energy prices, food and wage costs as crude oil prices are expected to range between $125 to $128 per barrel. However, though oil prices are high in absolute terms, Brent crude prices are only 10% higher than a year ago and food prices are still comparitively lower than the previous year.

FirstGroup, the British transport operator said that its overall trading for the year ended March 31, 2012 has been in line with management's expectations and remains on track to attain overall earnings target for the year.