comment on the news as it happens
Shopping malls: saviour or curse? Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:02:39 GMTMeadowhall in Sheffield was one of the first giant shopping centres in the UK. What sort of effect has it had on the local area?
The mint with a whole lot of food miles Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:14:43 GMTA British discount store is buying in Polo mints from Indonesia even though the same mints are being manufactured just a mile up the road in York.
ECB ups eurozone growth forecasts Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:32:34 GMTThe European Central Bank raises its forecast for eurozone growth for this year and next year, and keeps interest rates on hold.
Hawk-Eye firm lined up for sale Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:14:20 GMTThe British company behind the Hawk-Eye ball-tracking technology used in tennis and cricket is to be put up for sale.
RBS job losses 'horrific', says union Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:42:39 GMTRoyal Bank of Scotland has said it is planning to cut 3,500 jobs as part of its plans to halve its administration centres across the UK. Siobhan Endean of Unite called the job losses ''horrific'' and said union members ''are paying the price for decisions
Bird business Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:51:03 GMTThe back-breaking, ear-splitting work on Peru's guano islands
Boom allows Brazilians a home Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:55:47 GMTThe property market in Brazil is booming, as the country enjoys rapid economic growth - and it has enabled thousands of people to buy their first home.
Online clothes shopping booming Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:30:00 GMTOnline clothes shopping is expected to grow to $144 billion by 2014 in western Europe according to market research company
Travel compensation and charges Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:09:35 GMTTravel expert Simon Calder has more advice for people doing battle with airlines and agents.
Shift in home loan availability Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:07:48 GMTThe cost of mortgages is continuing to fall and they are becoming more accessible to some borrowers, figures show.
Plans for more £5 notes in ATMs Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:33:20 GMTAll banks and building societies have put in place plans to begin dispensing £5 notes from the cash machines, a report reveals.
Global food prices reach 20 year high Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:11:07 GMTGlobal food prices have reached a 20 year high and there are concerns they could climb even further after Russia decided to extend its ban on wheat exports.
Switching supplier 'made bills soar' Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:10:44 GMTRon Manuel agreed to switch energy supplier when he was contacted by a rival company. However, his bills ended up being higher.
Russia extends grain export ban Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:39:21 GMTRussia will consider lifting its grain export ban only after the next year's harvest has been reaped, Vladimir Putin says.
Recruitment firm warns on UK jobs Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:37:37 GMTAlthough firms are replacing employees who have left, they are not creating new jobs, the UK's largest recruitment company warns.
UK builders and services falter Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:47:47 GMTNew data shows new construction orders contracted in the second quarter, while the services sector slowed sharply in August.
German banker 'should be fired' Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:42:53 GMTThe German central bank calls on the country's president to dismiss one of its board members over comments he made about immigration and Jews.
Premier League spending tumbles Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:14:41 GMTSpending by English Premier League clubs in the summer transfer window has tumbled 22% from last year, a report says.
Afghan bank 'to avoid collapse' Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:34:24 GMTThe head of Afghanistan's Central Bank tells the BBC he will not allow the country's biggest commercial bank to collapse.
RBS to cut a further 3,500 jobs Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:57:47 GMTRoyal Bank of Scotland is planning to cut 3,500 jobs from its technical and back office division.
Cold winter boosts Gazprom profit Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:11:10 GMTRussian gas monopoly Gazprom reports a threefold surge in profits for the first three months of the year, despite a sharp fall in gas prices.
Delhi loses patience with Commonwealth Games Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:51:45 GMTThe Commonwealth Games were meant to showcase Delhi, but the Indian capital is struggling to be ready on time amid accusations of poor planning, reports the BBC's Geeta Pandey.
Past is the future Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:21:05 GMTHow one lacemaking factory has gone back to traditional methods to survive
Nationwide: Sellers back in market Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:41:25 GMTHouse prices fell for the second month in a row in August, according to the Nationwide building society.
Travel Clinic: Compensation and charges Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:09:35 GMTTravel expert Simon Calder has more advice for people doing battle with airlines and agents.
House prices fall again in August Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:44:18 GMTHouse prices fell for the second month in a row in August, according to the Nationwide building society.
Bank customers in 'dire poverty' Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:02:20 GMTBanks are accused of leaving some customers in "dire poverty" after taking money out of their accounts without permission.
Nigerian economy 'to grow by 10%' Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:04:42 GMTNigeria's economy will hit double-digit growth by the end of 2011 or early 2012, the country's finance minister says.
Four power firms face sales probe Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:20:04 GMTFour of the "big six" UK energy suppliers are to be investigated amid concerns of mis-selling to customers, the regulator says.
Expert views Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:08:15 GMTEconomists remain divided over the merits of spending cuts
Europe agrees finance watchdogs Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:52:42 GMTThe European Union agrees to reform financial supervision, with new agencies to oversee banks, insurers and financial markets.
Burger King is sold for $3.26bn Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:51:38 GMTBurger King is being sold to private equity firm 3G Capital in a deal valued at $3.26bn (£2.1bn), it has been announced.