Investors will grill Marks and Spencer bosses about the outlook for the firm and the role of Sir Stuart Rose at its AGM.

What is frustrating Zambian entrepreneurs

Asian and European stock markets fall, with the UK's FTSE 100 index entering "bear market" during the day.

A report into much-criticised credit rating agencies finds conflicts of interest at a number of top firms.

Oil prices in New York and London have fallen by more than $5 due to fears that a global economic slowdown would stifle demand.

Bradford & Bingley's share price plunges a further 19% as worries about its fundraising plans continue.

Peugeot reports rising sales for the first six months of 2008 but warns that they are falling in Western Europe.

Talks between German car maker BMW and Italy's Fiat could result in the use of common parts for their Mini and Alfa Romeo brands.

The UK faces a "serious risk" of recession within months, a survey of firms suggests, as the FTSE 100 dips into a "bear market".

UK housebuilder Persimmon says it has shed 2,000 jobs in 2008 as it tries to deal with the housing market downturn.

The R-word: What is it and how we'll know we're in one?

The downturn in the US housing market continued in May, with sales 14% lower than a year earlier, fresh data shows.

Slow retailing and costly metals disrupt construction

Banking giant Barclays cuts 300 jobs at its home loans division Firstplus in Cardiff because of slowing demand.

Strong sales of popular programmes to overseas broadcasters has helped the BBC's commercial arm, BBC Worldwide, boost operating profit by 17% to £117m.