UK growth in the three months to June of 0.2% was equal to growth rate across the OECD region as a whole, as well as the eurozone. Telegraph MORE
Bank shares dived on Monday despite a widespread rally across Europe’s major stock markets as questions were raised about their ability to fund themselves.
Shares in RBS slid below 20p for the first time since March 2009, making it the biggest faller in the FTSE 100 despite the blue-chip index closing up 1.1%. Barclays and Lloyds also saw their shares sink to levels not seen since early 2009, as bank shares made up four of the 10 largest fallers among FTSE 100 companies.
RBS shares closed at 19.67p, down 5.3%, while Lloyds fell 2.9% to 27.56p and Barclays closed at 146¼p, down 2.8%. Shares in Standard Chartered fell 2.5% to £13.29. Only HSBC avoided the losses, but still ended the day flat at 511p.
The falls came as investors continued to worry about funding conditions for European banks. Telegraph MORE
Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island compound in the British Virgin Islands was hit by lightning sparked by Hurricane Irene on Monday night, destroying the main house and sending guests, including Kate Winslet, scrambling for safety. FT MORE
