Business and Finance

New research has shown that independent stores are outperforming major retailers on UK high streets, amid worry for the future of the traditional shopping experience.

Bonmarche has become the latest victim of the high street downturn after collapsing into administration, putting 2,887 jobs at risk.

Partners' pay at KPMG, the big four accountancy firm, fell last year by an average of nearly 10% as it grappled with a string of regulatory fines and the cost of preparing for far-reaching reform of the profession.

It has lasted for seven years and cost taxpayers at least £60m - but today the Serious Fraud Office finally announced it was closing its investigation into the alleged rigging of a key interest rate.

Britain has already absorbed almost all the economic pain of Brexit.

China's economic growth has slowed to 6% year-on-year in the third quarter, amid a trade war with the US and fading demand both domestically and overseas.

Manufacturers have called for "simple changes" to Boris Johnson's Brexit deal, voicing concerns about the future of "frictionless trade" with Europe.

The entrepreneur Luke Johnson is reviving plans for a sale of his Gail's Bakery chain months after his investment in Patisserie Valerie erupted into the biggest crisis of his career.

InterContinental Hotels Group has blamed continuing protests in Hong Kong for a fall in revenue per available room.

The managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has welcomed the new draft deal on Brexit, saying she "jumped" when she saw the news.