World economies including the UK are likely to continue to recover and grow, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Everyone earning over £20,000 a year faces a tax rise from 2011.

The UK's net debt will rise to 78% of GDP over the next five years, according to Alistair Darling.

The Chancellor says he is confident the UK's economy will return to growth in 2010.

Alistair Darling's pre-Budget report today is apparently the only thing that can prevent Britain from losing her historic and cherished AAA credit rating.

Trading on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) was brought to a standstill for more than three hours this afternoon as a result of a technical glitch.

The Liberal Democrats have proposed creating a national infrastructure fund, open to institutional and retail investors, to replace Private Finance Initiatives (PFI).

European shares were lower this morning in early trading (FTSE Eurofirst 300 -0.6%; FTSE 100 -0.6%).

In London, shares opened up strongly this morning with the FTSE 100 up 1.7%, as miners and energy stocks were driven by buoyant commodity prices.

Dalton Strategic Partnership has launched a new cautious global asset allocation fund.