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If you want to check if you have won a prize not claimed, you can check visiting NS & I (nsandi.com) Web site and entering the number of the holder of your obligations to premium price checker on the home page search facility.

Alternatively, you can write to the following address: Premium, national savings & Investments, Glasgow, G58 1WA obligations.

If you do not know your owner number, it is always possible to know if you are due to gains unclaimed, although the process is more complicated. The website mylostaccount.org.uk helps track you which can lie dormant in the accounts of the banks, companies building and NS & I lost money.

Service covers accounts to organizations that are no longer exist in their original form, such as merged banks or building societies demutualised. Some foreign banks that operate in the United Kingdom participate also in the schema.

The website will ask you a number of issues, such as the name of the institutions where you think you can held accounts, the type of account, the branch that you used and your address at the time.

If a Bank, building society or NS & I think found an account you are looking for, they should allows you to provide documents, such as a passport, driver's license or birth certificate, showing that the account is rightfully yours.

Inactive accounts more have only small sums in them - typically ￡ 50 or less. However there are some with tens of thousands of books that waits for the rightful owner is displayed.

Only banks are between ￡ 250 and 350 million from ￡ sitting in their chests, waiting to be collected. This is money remaining in the banks accounts about 500 in the past 100 years. There are approximately 40 current banks participating in the current fiscal year, but by means of these, it should be possible to monitor all open to any UK bank account going back at least as far as 1900.

All construction companies have signed the mylostaccount.org.uk service. This means that you should be able to trace the money left in a 1,500 companies building which has been in the past 100 years but since then have been merged or taken in other.

Total between 130 million books and 150 million from ￡ is currently located in dormant accounts with construction companies.

There are hundreds of millions of pounds of dormant unclaimed funds NS a & I accounts but if you add other NS & I products - including unclaimed prize bond - differential turnover amounted to about 1 billion from ￡.

This includes about 200 million pounds in the ordinary account which was launched in 1861, but closed in 2004. It seems much money but more of four out of five of these accounts were less than ￡ 1 with an average pay only 19 percent. In fact only 1 in 100 consists of more than ￡ 50.

Some 400 million pounds of money not claimed is in fixed interest with another savings certificates 80 million pounds in index-linked savings certificates. Another 260 million pounds of forgotten money is tied up in the investment account.

You can start a trace money linked to NS & I produced via www.nsandi.com/help/tracing_service or via the website mylostaccount.

Previous research by experts that Mintel suggests that there were at least 12 billion pounds of shares of privatized companies that had never been claimed. This means that dividends on those shares were also left non-paid.

Registrars admit that the old system of share certificates - rather than holding shares by candidates - does that shareholders simply "disappear", usually because only they moved and never provided forwarding addresses.

Annabel Brodie-Smith, the Association of investment companies noted: "we are always ready to help people trace lost or forgotten investment trust investments if they write to: AIC, 24 Chiswell Street, London EC1Y 4YY.".

Otherwise, the register of unclaimed property will help www.uar.co.uk/benefit.htm but they charge ￡ 25.

The giant insurance companies admit that they never claimed life policies on and never paid pension savings. Earlier proposed Mintel research could be over 300 million unclaimed pension fund books and another 100 million pounds of pair being on politics.

You can use the register of unclaimed - www.uar.co.uk/benefit.htm - property to trace the if there is money to which you are entitled, but there is a fee of ￡ 25. Spokesman James Jones says that nothing is updated for the amount involved.

He explained: "we have approximately 5.5 million registered against any potential claim documents can be verified." Although we have no idea of the overall value involved, it seems that around 43pc are linked to policies of life, pension 6pc occupational and personal pension 3pc. ?

To start your research is research of the pension service. Call 0845 6002 537, visit www.direct.gov.uk or write to pensions research, Tyneview Park, Whitley Road, Newcastle on Tyne, NE98 1BA

Official figures from the Ministry of labour and pension suggest that tens of billions of pounds means tested benefits go not claimed each year.

The biggest slice is not claimed pensions credit, but there is also a huge amount of tax not claimed and housing benefits. Money due to job-seekers and help people with low incomes was also left not claimed.

A spokesman for the opinion of citizens declared: "we calculate that three of the four individuals working tax credit law fail to claim it and some three million miss out on the benefits of fiscal Council to which they are entitled."

Help is available in the local Citizens Advice Bureaux, online at our website www.adviceguide.org.uk or there is a calculator online site Web HM Revenue and customs to www.hmrc.gov.uk.

Millions of people sit glued to the TV every Saturday evening, hoping to become the next Lottery millionaires. Surprisingly, all winners step collect their prices according to Camelot, the Organizer.

Spokesman Simon Horne stated: "prize is not claimed within 180 days is added to the money give us to good causes."

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Accounting of the CSS relate to $12. 4 m paid marketers in Tanzania to facilitate an agreement with the country air traffic control.?Photo: Alamy

BAE walking the Court this morning the poorest ￡ 750,000.

The sum of global from the BAE with the Serious Fraud Office plea negotiation may be 30 m ￡, however money only business is legally obliged to pay is fined ￡ 500,000 and costs ￡ 250,000 ordered by judge Bean.

Both are on a charge of failing to keep accounting records relating to the sale of a 40 m air traffic control system $ (￡ 28 m) in Tanzania.

The balance of the 30 m ￡ agreed with the SFO must be paid in "the people of Tanzania" repairs by BAE.

After conviction, Richard Alderman, Director of the serious fraud Office (SFO), said: "I expect to BAE in honour of the agreement." I expect the company pay as soon as possible. ?

Yet, despite investigation for years and negotiating plea being agreed in February, BAE has yet to put in place a mechanism to pay money.

Three possibilities appear immediately. First of all that money is given to the Government of Tanzania, a route that is thought to be privileged by the OST; Secondly that BAE provides money directly to charities in Tanzania. Thirdly that an independent party, possibly the World Bank, is used as an intermediary to distribute money.

However, each solution carries potential problems.

The Tanzanian Government could refuse to accept payment of BAE. Taking cash from BAE of the 40 million air traffic control agreement of ￡ negotiated can be regarded locally as an attending judge described as "suspicious activity" tacit admission

Nick Hildyard campaign group Corner House said: "" the tragedy is the Government of Tanzania should not even accept money, as do this can be seen to be admitting its share in the case. ""

Give money to charities and could transform repair in little more than an exercise in PR of BAE Systems. No process has been set up to facilitate third avenue.

A spokesman for said BAE company sought actively to how she would pay 29 ￡. 3 M repair in Tanzania. He said that no formula or calendar was fixed.

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Private company Providence, which bought 75pc society four M. Caudwell, abandoned years ago its auction after the collapse of rival BC Partners meet his asking price.

Providence, recommended by the Deutsche Bank, wanted more than 700 m from ￡ but initiated say that BC Partners abandoned its final bid by 50 m ￡ due to distorted debt markets.

Both companies were in talks for a month after a reduced auction bidders to handshake process. M. Caudwell might still be in line to pick up a sum of money, if Providence decides to refinancing of society, which would trigger its shareholder loan note.

Shortly after the purchase of its shareholding in the company in 2006 to ￡ 1. 46bn, Providence sold 20: 20 Phone4U business distribution Doughty Hanson to 347 million from ￡.

However, the group still has debt of nearly 300 m ￡.

Is now the largest Phones4U part of its funds from its insurance arm, which has seen sales fall into recession. Gains have also been affected by the restoration shops and integrate acquisitions, but still pink 45pc ￡ 59. 5 m in the first half of this year.

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By David g. Green 1: 23 GMT 21 December 2010

George Osborne and Vince Cable convened leadership at Whitehall this week to admonish unjustifiable premiums and their inability to lend to small businesses. But instead of the current mix of special taxes, behavioral rules and public exhortation, the coalition must sharpen the competitive pressures in the banking sector. It may do so by creating a legal framework for a new type of local bank, modelled on the long and very successful savings banks in Germany, which is now about one-third of all German bank assets collectively more big names in the German bank.

Nick Clegg has recently warned banks which the would Government "stand not unnecessarily" if they do not restrain bonuses and David Cameron has called for personal and threatened with higher tax liability. Instead, they should examine closely how prosperous banks in economics it have been successful. Major banks the Germany made the same mistakes as ours, but their local municipal banks did not. They have no culture of bonus, and while large commercial banks were lending companies, savings banks increased their.

Banking German being more pluralistic, large international banks do not have the same systemic control as to the United Kingdom. German commercial banks hold approximately 29% of all assets of Bank, which means that they are not "too big failure". Co‐op banks have approximately 12% and 34% savings banks.

The success of operations banking pluralism in Germany provides an index of large coalition. Banks are the indispensable role of intermediation between savers and borrowers, and is more effective to encourage more responsible for executing operating pressure fresh but relentless competition from rivals. In time, is much more efficient than any amount of behavioural regulation by agencies of State armed to the teeth with powers of intervention, with or without regular public warning by political leaders.

The Germany is not alone in having a system of local banks. Swiss cantonal banks are proportionately smaller, but also play a central role in the respective cantons. Two main characteristics are the German and Swiss banks potentially interesting to the United Kingdom. First of all, they are legally restricted to operating in a well-defined geographical area and, second, they must function as commercially sound business while he was also the interests of the community - particularly by providing accounts for all and loans and other financial services available to local businesses. This combination of to be a commercially viable but step to maximize profit and, on the other hand, social goals is often called the "double bottom line".

German savings banks are institutions in the public sector with the structure typical German double Board: a (in this case composed of two-thirds designated by the local Council and one third by employees) Supervisory Board and an Executive Board that runs to the Bank. They are governed by the laws of same as all other banks, but are also subject to additional legal obligations. Trade surplus must be reinvested in the company, and they are not allowed to make investments risky derivatives or one of the other scarce financial instruments which have contributed to the recent financial crisis. Local focus means that the Bank employees are familiar with local businesses and even more effectively assess the reliability of loan applicants.

Funds, as they have for loans are primarily customers deposits must be preserved. Therefore, German local banks are part of a national network that spreads risk in a system of regional and national institutions. The Germany also has credit guarantee banks that lend to each federal region. They are non-profit lenders who historically bonds worth 80% of the value of the loan associations. Each bank guarantee would take on up to 35% of the risk, while the Federal Government has 40% and the regional Government of 25 per cent. The borrower pays a fee of 1 to 1.5 per cent of the loan and an annual commission of 1 to 1.5% on the amount outstanding each year. Historically the borrowers were at risk for 20% of the value of the loan, but as a result of the recent financial crisis that has promoted the German Government guarantee banks cover 90 per cent of the risk and take up 50 per cent to themselves.

By creating a new legal framework for the coalition could make possible the emergence of similar to the United Kingdom banks. The Government should not implemented the project "save and enterprise" banks, but it should create the possibility that they could be implemented where they are wanted. Or they need to be public sector organizations. Regionalism Bill provides a framework that would take this form, but a variety of existing legal structures may also be appropriate, including mutual, co-operatives, private companies limited Community interest companies and trusts. The presence of a Supervisory Board keep an eye on the Executive Board is a useful constraint but it should not be composed of a mixture of the candidates and the local authority employees. It could include clients as a cooperative of consumers; or its members could be trustees, who are charged with safeguarding the social objectives of the Bank but prohibited benefit personally.

The creation of a new framework to register it and business banks could define coward a vast pool of untapped energy potentially holds the key to restore our economic fortune. In addition, the existing banks would fight the hardest to keep their customers. Things are going that some banks may move overseas escape overregulation. This reaction may be understandable, but if they leave because they are competing for customers rather unpleasant and then, we're better without them.

David Green is Director of Civitas.

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With investors rediscover their appetite for risk, minor heavyweight and banks have dominated the rankings. Anglo American Xstrata, BHP Billiton checked 131 p to ￡ 32.72?, 51 percent to ￡ best-paying and 72 percent to ￡ 25.84 respectively. Rio Tinto also rose 115 percent to ￡ 45.37 reports that he could make a 8bn of $3 (taken from ￡ 2) propose to minor coal the Australia-listed Riversdale.

Give the children, an elevator is a new Panel of influential Australia tax has made recommendations that could reduce the burden of tax under the Australian Government requests. The Commission recommended that under the train of tax reforms, the Government has pick future State fees.

If adopted, the recommendations could save more large coal and iron ore minor country of hundreds of millions of dollars in future royalties to resource-heavy as Queensland States.

Earnings of minors has helped the FTSE 100 climbing 5951.8 - end higher within 30 months - while the FTSE 250 points 11506.65 73.54 points 60.19.

"Overall, it was nothing to punch well factor markets these days, leaving traders Brig to the psychological 6000 mark on the FTSE as the next target," said Ben Critchley, IG index sales experienced trader.

Cooking up the ranking was Carnival, which rose from 104 p to ￡ 29.05 after the cruise operator posted strong fourth quarter earnings.

But, Royal Bank of Scotland has led the charge, Don 1.72 to 40.18 p.

Aerospace and defense stocks were filled thanks to a heavy mark on Deutsche Bank sector. While the dealer cut its price target on BAE Systems 450 p 420 p, he kept his "buy" rating, and helped to push BAE up to 7.6 percent 335.1.

"Although the prospects for the United Kingdom defence budgets and the United States are dull, we believe that market continues to price scenario too pessimistic pay for BAE," said analysts.

Deutsche kept his "hold" rating and raised its price target to 665 p 550 p on Rolls-Royce, which saw some turbulence due to the explosion in flight of the Trent 900 engines. "While we believe that the issue of Trent 900 will be manageable it creates a risk overhang is difficult to value, which could lead to periods of continuous unwelcome newsflow" analysts cautioned.

However, Citigroup was feeling more optimistic on the prospects of the rollers. Broker upgraded to its rating on purchase/medium "at risk" roller "dock/medium risk" after the recent under-performance in stock prices. Analysts said they saw the failure of Trent 900 as "off in nature, with a limited long-term impact. 13-650 P acquired rolls.

At the other end of the spectrum, Aggreko lost 46 percent to ￡ 15.24 on some profits made. Credit Switzerland also cut price target on the temporary power provider in ￡ ￡ 16.60 16.00, say the evaluation considered complete. Seymour Pierce analysts, however, are more optimistic, energize their position on Agrekko to "buy" to "add".

Join Agrekko was BG Group, who throw 14?p ￡ 13.17 as the gas company announced that its Director of finance, Ashley Almanza, will resign at the end of March 2011.

Retailers were still lower than concerns about the effects of snow on sales. Brands & Spencer fell from 2.9 to 370 p, while on the second line, supergroup suffered the most marked fall sinking 73 p to ￡ 12.61.

Xcite Energy lived its name after a test well in his Bentley field in the North Sea. Oil Explorer is 381?p 62?. Furthermore, Proximagen set 1 to 153 p as the Neuroscience Research Corporation has acquired two central nervous system of GlaxoSmithKline, which slipped 7 p to ￡ yearly drug development programs.

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The Prime Minister used the term questioned about the switch to a meeting with trade unionists to Downing Street yesterday, according to a trade union leader who was present.

Conservative leader David Cameron has said that Gordon Brown assume personal responsibility for email No 10 scandal

In June emergency budget, the Government announced that it intended to develop the link between the public sector and retail (IPD) of the index of consumer prices (CPI) price index pensions discarded. As inflation tends to be lower than the RPI, the effect is likely to be a reduction in pensions.

Mark Serwotka, head of the public & Commercial Services Union (PCs), said that when he asked David Cameron Downing Street to switch to the IPC meeting, Prime Minister "said outright that it is non-negotiable".

Writes a log, M. Serwotka added that the refusal of the Government to discuss the issue was likely to generate applications for industrial action.

"Our first choice is always to negotiate and reach an agreement. But to a refusal to speak on a matter which represents a massive reduction in the value of the pension is a concern major unions in the public sector workers, you have to question the intentions and the value of meetings such as this, he wrote in the town of AM.

"If Government Cameron will not agree to serious negotiations, then all the warmth and fine words are for nothing and have to invite industrial and legal action."

"Us cannot and will not only allow ourselves to accept reductions to the welfare and pensions, with the occasional promise of tea and a cosy chat to Downing Street".

Downing Street said that the meeting took place at the request of the trade unions. N ° 10 refused to say what was discussed, but insisted that the Prime Minister was eager to work with organized labour.

Switch to the CPI was attacked by the Royal Statistical Society. Jill Leyland, his Vice President, said that, while the index was "acceptable to fine macroeconomic", RSS is "believed its coverage is usually appropriate for the purposes of compensation for inflation" in areas such as pensions.

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Our company Young Enterprise, twenty III, was formed in Procter & Gamble in Bournemouth. To raise funds for the design and manufacture of a product, we started selling Hoodies personalized to each of our schools - Parkstone Grammar and Talbot Heath. During this time, our company has started to Exchange product ideas. This is when our idea of the Standiii was born. This is a portable stand for phones smart media made from Opal 300 Micron PVC plastic. It is available in five colours. Blue, green, red, rose and white.

Twenty III won first place in the finals of Dorset. However, we are facing intense competition in the final regional Torquay and managed the second place. At the regional stage of competition, we gave the opportunity to enter new media of the Daily Telegraph.

Our second 15 advert impressed the judges of the Daily Telegraph and twenty III received first prize at the national level. We were invited to accept the price at the final in London. The price also included a visit to the Daily Telegraph offices in London in September.

We arrived at The Daily Telegraph all really excited. We were in awe large office space, said that he was originally commercial floor of an investment bank. We have all received a bag containing books, gifts and a photocopy of the first page of the Daily Telegraph issue when we were born, which was nice surprises. We have therefore given a filmed financial report and to have a go with the teleprompter. It was incredible.

After our visit, our next stop was lunch at the Tower of the oxo with The Daily Telegraph and benefit of London design Festival then dock.

Visited Bargehouse Oxo Tower wharf on the South shore and saw the exhibition. One of the highlights was "The President Hybreed" by Charlotte Kingsnort. It was a hybrid of furniture and a great look.

After that, us visited the Conran shop in West London to see the new pencil thin Samsung LED 9000 series TV and blown from afar by its size. Then stop Dyson London offices. Here we gave a presentation by Dyson engineer Ireland Simon of the Sir James Dyson first ideas began the development of vacuum cleaner Dyson and Dyson fan.

Speeches made us realize that with perseverance you can succeed. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn valuable innovative designers.

We recommend carefully the young program undertaken any student and enter in the Daily Telegraph New Media Award. Thanks to The Daily Telegraph for such amazing day and give us the opportunity to direct our own business start-ups.

Jasmine tombs, Karina Sharpe and Jaggi Vasir of Parkstone Poole and Emma Rowland health Talbot school high school

John Day, CEO of start-ups, explains: "understand how to exploit the video and new media to promote and run their businesses online is something that students in the program of the company are naturally very interested in." Our next generation of young entrepreneurs, they are constantly developing new and innovative ways to exploit the technology in their business and we are very pleased to work with the Telegraph to recognize their innovation through the allocation of new media.

To read more about the company start-ups programme click here

To view last year's finalists at click here

Click here to watch the TwentyIII and all regional finalists, winning advertising

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Allegations of sexual harassment against Mark Hurd has helped to raise its employment top at HP in August output photo: Reuters

The Securities and Exchange Commission was reportedly seeks to ascertain whether M. Hurd has revealed details of proposed acquisition of Electronic Data Systems (EDS) Jodie Fisher, a contractor for HP, HP that she claimed. Allegations Mrs. Fisher of sexual harassment against Mr. Hurd has helped trigger its output of employment at the top of the page in August.

HP has paid $13 5.3 (￡ 8. 5bn) for EDS in August 2008 that the company wanted to muscle to the growing demand for business data storage services.

M. Hurd had was credited with turning around the performance of HP by production of computers from the low margin management. Its shares have decreased by more than 10pc since its release, and M. Hurd has taken a new job with rival Oracle.

A spokesman for Mr. Hurd said: "Mark acted correctly in all respects." It is understandable that the SEC looks at the events surrounding the departure of mark, which was followed by a rapid decline in the value of the stock of HP.

Own HP investigation into allegations of Ms. Fisher found that he does not harass it but find forms of inaccurate charges filed by Mr. Hurd or on its behalf. The SEC is also reported to explore M. Hurd expense claims.

"HP cooperates fully with the SEC on its investigation," said a spokesman for HP.

A spokesman for the SEC has refused to comment.

Since HP appointed Leo Apotheker, former head of the German company SAP software as its new Chief Executive. In another twist, SAP has the month last sentenced to pay $1 Oracle United in the largest ever grant for violation of copyright law.

HP has slipped $12 cents to 42 late morning trading.

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The judge stated that he was "surprised" when the prosecution has recognized this fact.

BAE said it was pleased that the issue is now closed and said that he was working on a method to make the payment in Tanzania.

Fine brings to put an end to a trial has started in February when the CSS agreed to plead guilty of "infringement of the obligation to keep accounting records" for the agreement of radar in Tanzania.

BAE also agreed to pay a 400 m $ United States after admission to "defraud the United States" fine on the sale of aircraft in Europe, Saudi Arabia. ?

As a result, AFS and the u.s. Department of justice ending their investigations into corruption and corruption by BAE.

Yesterday, High Court judge presiding over the established regulations questioned evidence and advocacy of the SFO with BAE contract terms.

Judge Bean threatened to call to put an end to the condemnation of BAE, questioning if he could continue on the basis of the facts before him. Although he pursued with conviction was not before the tear in the evidence presented by the prosecution.

"My dominant feeling is that you can't phrase with this evidence," said judge Bean. "The proposal that the Crown could not prove the criminal standard that corrupt payments have been carried out one thing." Say that these payments were used correctly is another.

"There is a wide gap."

Deal with the SFO involved BAE society pay 30 m ￡ fine after pleading guilty of failing to keep proper accounting records. Accounting records relate to $12. 4 m paid a "marketing officer" in Tanzania, Shailesh Vithlani to facilitate an agreement with the country air traffic control.

The evidence before the Tribunal created a trail of payments made by companies offshore M. Vithlani. About 97pc $ 12. costs of 4 m was paid to British Virgin Islands company BAE described as a "hidden". The balance is paid to a company called Merlin recorded in Tanzania and described by BAE as "manifest". Both companies were controlled by Mr. Vithlani.

The Court heard secret agents hired by BAE in a number of circumstances. While it was illegal to employ openly. due to tax implications arising from the agent payments not declared to third parties; or to avoid the "interest embarrassment and press on" due to the large paid.

The normal limit on payments to secret agents was 20pc award of a contract. Because fees of Mr. Vithlani 30pc has personally authorized BAE and Chairman Sir Richard Evans.

Judge Bean also disputed terms of generalized compensation agreed between BAE and SFO to exclude certain additional charges relating to the case.

By cases such as BAE and earlier this year, Innospec and Robert Dougall, AFS has attempted to establish a precedent for plea bargaining in British law.

In the case of corruption Roseate judge Bean, the same judge sitting in the BAE, case has transformed a sentence agreed in a sentence of imprisonment.

A ￡ 12. 7 m fine agreed with chemicals Innospec society has been branded "insufficient".

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In October, the Treasury Board wrote pencil for the year to ?149bn, public sector borrowing requirement at the bottom of ?154. 7bn year last picture: Alamy

But as Stephen Lewis to Monument Securities said on Tuesday, there is no place for schadenfreude here.

Elements of evidence which came with the publication of public finances in November, which show an alarming deterioration in the State of government spending.

Expenditure was much higher than expected and the Treasury Board gave only the frivolous explanation why. In October, the Treasury Board wrote to pen a requirement for borrowing by the public sector for the year to ￡ 149bn, down from ￡ 154. 7bn last year.

But analysts believe now, based on these latest figures November that progress could be wiped out.

It is not evidence of a Government which gained control of the situation, despite the rhetoric. At this rate of spending some departments may be executed funds before the end of the fiscal - little sign of Ministers in the control.

Figures a month, however, are not a trend, and since the ruling coalition there were other bad economic news in areas such as unemployment. These things can go from top to bottom.

But figures Tuesday, are a setback. They undermine the history of the coalition on the reduction of the deficit and the market responded accordingly, with books and gilts slip. Consumer confidence continues to be low, suggesting Street high expenses will be under severe pressure in 2011, especially with the VAT in January.

The concern is that as the economic picture worse, will represent a threat to the Government's income tax, the politicians are trying to simultaneously control spending despite their promises. It take several months as November code in an episode renewed nervousness about the United Kingdom finance markets.

The credit market and its sovereign debt rating UK based, already or less large extent on the credibility of the coalition. And this credibility has taken a knock these latest figures. Literally, the country cannot afford it shall reproduce several times.

Damian.Reece@Telegraph.co.UK

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A unit of Walt Disney, Pixar has not been appointed legal complaint Tuesday, because it was one of the six companies install similar charges in September, the Ministry said.

Digital animation sector faces strong demand for employees with specialized or advanced skills. Primary means by which animation companies of recruit employees is their solicitation direct, referred to as "cold calling".

However, the Department of justice has stated that the "agreement between Lucasfilm and Pixar eliminated important forms of competition to attract highly qualified personnel and, on the whole, much less competition to the detriment of the affected employees".

Antitrust regulation of the Ministry said that the two companies had agreed to do step cold-calling other employees and notify each other when making an offer to an employee of another company. They agreed also when it offers employment to employees of a rival, and not the counteroffer with compensation above the initial offer.

The complaint follows larger investigation by the Antitrust Division in technology employment practices. In September, the division concluded an agreement with Adobe Systems, Apple, Google, Intel, Intuit and Pixar prevented companies entering "non-appel bidding agreements" for employees.

Lucasfilm and Pixar have to respond to requests for comment.

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Employment concerns sparked anger tuition events last week, according to the experts.?Photo: EPA

The study by the Chartered Institute of personnel and development of KPMG, today published a 16pc of employers undertake not sub - 19 with little or no qualifications.

The ICPD / KPMG research has also shown a 9pc more companies would not consider applications of the elderly over 65 years of age. Fly results in right anti-age discrimination introduced in 2006 that is now part of the Government including Act on equality.

Almost one-third of employers has actively exclude certain disadvantaged groups, such as low-skilled young people, unemployed or older workers in the long term, the research revealed. Less than a quarter of employers were hired from groups disadvantaged in the past three years, the study found.

Figures are a stark warning to the Government that unless they drastically improves the "employability" of disadvantaged groups trying to enter the workplace, the Ministry of labour and new program work - to return people disadvantaged in the workplace - pensions has little chance of success.

Almost one-fifth of employers also admitted that they were steps employing ex-offenders, the results have revealed.

Gerwyn Davies, ICMP, public policy counsel stated: "employer reluctance to recruit groups who have faced obstacles to employment shows that the Government still faces an enormous challenge for applicants for economically inactive benefits - especially those who have a criminal record - welfare and work."

'New initiatives of the Government, such as the programme of work shall be allowed. But more cooling on the labour market as now seems to be underway, is bad news for those on the back of the queue jobs and Ministers who might find more difficult to achieve their goals of social reform. Accordingly, the Government will have to make further efforts both to improve the employability of the target groups and addressing the attitudes of some employers to the people in these groups. ?

Work programme of the Government, which is supposed to provide support for all age groups, will be in place until at least in June, the Commons work and Select Committee warned yesterday on pensions – meaning radical action was needed to help the young unemployed.

Some 17pc employers said that they wanted to see the Government to develop a six-month internship paid the national minimum wage, co-funded by the Government and employers.

Other results of the survey:

-23pc of employers have used older people aged 18 and less than three years

-21pc recruited individuals with a history of unemployment during the past three years

-16pc of employers have recruited older persons over 65 years of age during the same period

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Go through each Bill in the last three months to see where your money has been spent - I bet you will cash at least 3pc savings.

The list of unsung heroes on your payroll. For each month of the next year, send them a letter saying "thank you" and enclose a cheque for ￡ 100 tax.

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Due to the magnitude of the agreement of BSkyB, the European Commission was obliged to launch a probe for reasons of competition photo: Reuters

Review of the agreement for reasons of competition Brussels widely expected to obtain the regulatory procedures.

However, it is the plurality of the media investigation by regulator Ofcom communications raised most of questions, which should provoke a referral Commission of competition by Business Secretary Vince Cable. OFCOM is supposed to makes its decision no later than 31 December.

OFCOM has a duty to inform the Secretary of State on the question of whether the merger is in the public interest through the application of the public interest under the regime of control of amalgamation under the Corporations Act tests. The Secretary of State will decide and then return the merger to the Competition Commission.

Ivan Lewis, the shadow culture Secretary says. "Decision of the Commission underlines the importance of transparency and robustness of the process UK". OFCOM shall remain to examine the impact on the UK proposed, free of undue pressure policies or media purchase media pluralism. Their recommendations will have a profound impact on the future of the media in the digital age is changing rapidly. ?

Decision Mr. Cable to OFCOM for a test of opposition rival media groups followed media pluralism. In a letter from the combined media groups asked Mr. Cable block plans for fear that the agreement represents a threat to competition and media pluralism. Due to the magnitude of the agreement, the European Commission has been obliged to launch a probe for reasons of competition. If the Commission chooses a phase II further investigation, it could be 125 working days.

"I am confident that this merge not weaken competition at the United Kingdom." Effects on the plurality of the media are an issue for the British authorities, said Joaquín Almunia, European Commissioner in charge of the competition.

News Corporation stated that it "welcomes today's decision by the Commission European clearing its proposed acquisition of BSkyB shares it does not already have unconditionally."

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When I grew up as a child, we went without ever, but it just is a struggle for my parents sometimes as they have never loads of money. So I guess I am spending more wisely and be responsible for it, now that I am an adult.

Yes, a year ago, it was really bad. I was at University and training course as well. I had employed part-time, but because of training and competition, I had to stop my work for some time, so I could concentrate on training and education. So I have no money at all.

I remember that I had to borrow money from my parents to get everyone that Christmas presents, but then I had loads of money - which is not good. People is very good as Christmas!

I would like to say that I am a bit of both, because I do not think that it is important when you work hard for your money that you need to enjoy, but wisely. If I like deal me with my friends and family, but I think it important save your money and manage wisely.

I must say Mila, my chocolate Labrador. We have while she was a puppy. It was certainly a good buy. I wasn't sure whether obtaining his or, I suppose that it is rather expensive to maintain, but it is beautiful and I like her.

I have a lot of annoying things, I bought but never used as items of clothing that I thought I liked but have never been so they hang in the wardrobe with the tags still on.

I'm not all that win, I Ranger.

Saving for retirement is important and I'm trying to watch the avenues of low risk to invest in. At the moment, I'm putting my money in property.

That said, I know that you shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket, I am willing to keep my options open.

It is quite difficult because I'm not 100 percent sure what I'm doing when I retire. But it is obvious that I want to stay involved in sport at a certain level. I made my studies in psychology, perhaps I would like to use one day.

I do not wish to be a coach as I think I would be very good. I would like to be involved in sport, although I would find it very difficult to be completely cut off, so I think it will be a way for me to be involved subsequently.

No, I have reviewed steps become a presenter of television as a future career. To be honest, I did not really gave much of thought to what comes next - my head is pressed and focusing on the London 2012 Olympic Games.

No, but I think in the future, therefore I am investing by other means, such as the property. It is important to think about saving the sooner than later - particularly in a career as a mine where people can retire at a young age.

I if the service was good. If I had a moment of great and food was good, then Yes, I look. But, on the reverse, if there are bad and I did not like it then I not just look for the sake of it.

Card.

Certainly of Mauritius. A year or two ago, I went for two weeks, and it was the best day ever. Superb hotel, the weather was excellent, beautiful beaches, great cuisine, everything was just incredible - I would certainly go back there.

I think that it is often a struggle that you just Athletics system. When you are in school and attempting to train, it is difficult to make a work, it can be quite difficult financially. But when you reach a certain level, you can earn a decent amount in references to sponsorship, prize money and that kind of thing.

It is very different from other professional sports where you paid a salary as well. But there is the possibility to win in athletics. I was so young when I discovered realistic athletics, I have no time to think in another sport.

Jessica Ennis is an Ambassador of Aviva, which supports the British athletes since 1999. Follow the story of Jessica and to learn more visit www.aviva.co.uk/athletics

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Eurofighter Typhoon built by BAE arrives at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire.?Photo: PA

1985:Britain signed the agreement arm - of - oil Al Yamamah in agreement with Saudi Arabia, the largest in the history of the UK export contract. Government to Government, BAE Systems (then British Aerospace) agreement was the contractor because the agreement included the sale of 120 Tornado fighter aircraft, aircraft training Hawk and another kit for defence.

1989:The first reports noted that an investigation is underway in claims huge payments have been made to BAE agents such as the commission, by inflating the price of the Tornado in the Al Yamamah deal.

2000:BAE failed first to report accurately paid his Tanzanian agent, Shailesh Vithlani, a process that continued until 2005.

2004:The Serious Fraud Office starts an investigation into suspected of being linked to BAE and Al Yamamah agreement focusing on the relationship between BAE and two small travel has made arrangements for Saudi to BAE officials companies accounting irregularities.

2006:In November, BAE confirms the SFO and the Ministry of defence are addressing the allegations BAE paid "Kickback" for the Tanzanian Government for a system of military radar 40 m $ (￡ 28 m).

In December, the OST removes the Saudi probe after "performances" the British Government on the need to protect national security. Move sparks outrage in transparency activists.

The decision was the result of Daily Telegraph article citing unnamed educational sources saying Saudi Arabia gave 10 days to Great Britain a term in the investigation of AFS or losing a contract for 72 Eurofighter Typhoon combat jets built by BAE Systems and partners of the consortium.

2007:In January, the OST starts another investiagtion BAE payments to a Minister of South African defence in relation to a contract of. 5bn ￡ 1 BAE has won it in 1999.

In February, the UK confirms there are six current probes against BAE with looking SFO transactions Romania, Chile Czech Republic and Qatar, as well as the South Africa and Tanzania.

In June, the Ministry of justice launches its own investigation BAE compliance with laws American anti-bribery, including its delaings in Saudi.

2008:The House of lords confirms a call to the SFO, saying that it has legitimately acted in dropping the Saudi probe, for reasons of national security.

2009:Information, collapse of the negotiations on a possible between BAE medium bargain and SFO and SFO said seek authorization of the Attorney-General to continue the company defence for offences related to corruption overseas."

Both said reports that BAe may be asked to pay some 500 m ￡ ￡ billion medium bargain should be reached.

2010:In February, BAE agrees to pay a 400 m $ United States after admission for "defrauding of United States" fine on the sale of aircraft in Saudi Arabia and East Europe and also an agreement 30 million from ￡ with the SFO, relating to the "infringement of the obligation to keep accounting records" in Tanzania.

The OSF says that he will not seek continuation of BAE allegations he studied for six years, including Europe.

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By CHIP CUTTER and DAVID K. RANDALL, AP Business Writers Chip Cutter And David K. Randall, Ap Business Writers – Mon?Dec?20, 5:35?pm?ET

NEW YORK – Low trading volumes and a lack of economic reports kept stocks confined to a narrow range Monday. Indexes finished mixed and bond yields were barely changed.

American Express Co. had the largest move of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones industrial average. The card issuer fell 3.4 percent to $42.50 after Stifel Nicolaus downgraded the company. New rules proposed by the Federal Reserve could limit fees the company charges merchants.

Aloca Inc. led the Dow index with a 1.4 percent gain to $14.77.

The Dow fell 13.78, or 0.1 percent, to 11,478.13. The Standard and Poor's 500-stock index rose 3.17, or 0.3 percent, to 1,247.08. The Nasdaq composite index gained 6.59, or 0.3 percent, to finish at 2,649.56.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury bond rose slightly to 3.35 from 3.33 percent late Friday.

Stocks have been rising strongly in December. The Dow has gained 4.3 percent so far this month and the S&P has hit seven new annual highs since Dec. 8.

Investors have been encouraged by improving economic data on retail sales, consumer confidence and factory production, as well as policy changes that will benefit stockholders. President Barack Obama signed a bill last week that will keep Bush-era income tax cuts in place for another two years. The law will also extend favorable tax rates on capital gains and dividends.

"The markets ... made quite a run," said Stephen Carl, principal and head of equity trading at The Williams Capital Group. But the tax cuts "can only go so far," Carl said, and are unlikely to continue sending stocks higher.

In corporate news, Boeing Inc. fell 2.7 percent to $63.27 even as the company said it was increasing the production rate for its 777 aircraft again in response to strong demand. Last week, the aerospace giant said that customers canceled orders for three 777s and one of its 787s.

Medtronic Inc. rose 0.6 percent to $37.62 after the world's largest medical device manufacturer said its chairman and CEO will step down in April after leading the company for three years.

Later in the week, investors will get reports from shoe maker Nike Inc., used car dealership chain CarMax Inc. and pharmacy operator Walgreen Co.

Markets will be closed on Friday in observance of Christmas.

The dollar gained 0.3 percent against an index of six heavily-traded currencies. Commodity prices rose 1.1 percent.

Rising and falling shares were even on the New York Stock Exchange. Consolidated volume came to 3.6 billion shares.

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TOKYO – Asian stock markets rose Tuesday as tensions on the Korean peninsula eased a few notches.

Investors spent the previous day worried about possible North Korean retaliation against South Korean military drills on a frontline island that was shelled by the North last month.

Instead, Pyongyang backed off threats to strike back and reportedly offered concessions on its nuclear program.

Japan's Nikkei 225 stock average rose 0.7 percent to 10,291.68 ahead of a policy decision by the central bank. The Bank of Japan is expected to keep monetary policy unchanged at the current super loose setting after a key survey last week showed deteriorating business sentiment.

Japanese exporters climbed, with Sony Corp. up 1.7 percent and Canon Inc. adding 1 percent. Shares of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. rose 0.6 percent after the Nikkei financial daily reported that the company is in talks with Chinese carmaker Chery Autuomobile Co. to establish a joint-venture factory.

Elsewhere, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index added 1.3 percent to 22,940.58. South Korea's Kospi advanced 0.9 percent to 2,038.87 and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 was up 0.9 percent at 4,776.80.

China's Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.9 percent to 2,877.11. Markets in Taiwan, India, and Singapore also rose.

In New York Monday, low trading volumes and a lack of economic reports kept stocks confined to a narrow range Monday. Indexes finished mixed and bond yields were barely changed.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 13.78, or 0.1 percent, to 11,478.13. The broader Standard and Poor's 500-stock index rose 3.17, or 0.3 percent, to 1,247.08. The Nasdaq composite index gained 6.59, or 0.3 percent, to finish at 2,649.56.

In currencies, the dollar slipped to 83.69 yen from 83.78 yen late Monday. The euro rose to $1.3169 from $1.3126.

Benchmark oil for February delivery rose 19 cents at $89.56 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract rose 77 cents to settle at $89.37 on Monday.

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A look at economic developments and activity in major stock markets around the world Monday:

___

LONDON — The Christmas travel season turned angry and chaotic as British officials struggled to clear snow and ice that paralyzed rail and air links and spawned cancellations and delays stranding thousands around the world.

More than 48 hours after Britain's last snowfall, some furious passengers with boarding passes for Monday flights were not even allowed into London's Heathrow Airport. Inside, piles of garbage grew and some people slept on terminal floors.

___

LONDON — Moody's Investors Service downgraded the ratings of five Irish banks, including some of the liabilities guaranteed by the government.

The downgrade followed Moody's Friday downgrade of Ireland's credit rating by five notches to Baa1, just three steps above junk-bond status.

Moody's said it cut the banks' ratings because of their reliance on the Irish government's support.

___

MADRID — Moody's rating agency warned that it could downgrade the debt rating of Spanish banks that might need help from the government to help them weather Europe's debt crisis and the nation's shaky economy.

Moody's Investor Service issued the warning a week after it put Spanish government debt on review for a possible downgrade amid unemployment of nearly 20 percent and grim growth forecasts following rounds of government austerity cutbacks.

___

BRUSSELS — The European Central Bank sharply reduced its purchases of bonds from vulnerable governments such as Greece, Ireland, or Portugal, despite pressure to do more to help fight the continent's crippling debt crisis.

In the week ended Dec. 17, the central bank spent only 603 million euros ($793 million) on government bonds, down sharply from 2.667 billion euros a week earlier and the lowest weekly amount since late October, data released Monday showed.

___

SEOUL, South Korea — Inter-Korean tensions, a longtime geopolitical risk in Asia, weighed on Asian stock markets.

South Korea's benchmark Kospi index dropped 0.3 percent. Elsewhere in Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 index fell 0.9 percent, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index shed 0.3 percent, the Shanghai Composite index slid 1.4 percent and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 shed 0.5 percent.

Benchmarks in Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan and New Zealand also retreated, while those in India and the Philippines rose.

___

LONDON — Later in Europe, Britain's FTSE 100 closed up 0.4 percent, Germany's DAX was 0.5 percent higher and France's CAC-40 advanced 0.5 percent.

___

ATHENS, Greece — Greece's efforts to cut the bloated budget deficit are lagging behind annual targets although the shortfall has been cut by more than a quarter in the first 11 months of the year, the finance ministry said.

___

VENICE — Italy's traditional artisanal industries — glass, leather, jewelry, furniture — are under pressure, one risk factor for an economy that needs more growth to convince markets it can handle its large debt burden in years ahead and avoid being drawn into Europe's debt crisis.

___

GUANGZHOU, China — Automakers are forecasting strong China car sales in 2011 despite the end of some government incentives as the country's second major auto show this year kicks off in the southern city of Guangzhou.

___

MADRID — Spain should make tougher pension and labor reforms to revive economic growth and ease the debt load that is putting it at the heart of Europe's debt crisis, the OECD said.

___

LONDON — Mortgage lending in Britain hit a 10-year low in November, though credit to big businesses increased, highlighting the country's uneven and fragile recovery.

___

GENEVA — Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis AG says it plans to invest $500 million in Russia over a five-year period.

___

SHANGHAI — Communities in central and northern China are facing power cuts and rationing as winter coal supplies fall short of surging demand.

Cold weather and transport disruptions typically cause shortages most years, but the problem has been complicated by coal producers' unhappiness over price controls that are crimping their profits.

___

NEW DELHI — India's prime minister offered to be questioned by a parliamentary committee to prove his innocence in a telecommunications scandal that has shaken the government and reportedly cost the country billions.

___

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungary's central bank said it was raising its main interest rate from an annual 5.50 percent to 5.75 percent, citing heightened inflation risks.

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LONDON (AFP) – European stock markets closed firmer on Monday, with the London FTSE 100 index of leading shares up 0.34 percent to 5,891.61 points.

In Paris, the CAC 40 added 0.46 percent to reach 3,885.08 points and in Frankfurt the DAX put on 0.52 percent to close at 7,018.60 points.

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SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Regulators are looking into the events surrounding Mark Hurd's abrupt exit as chief executive of Hewlett Packard Co, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday.

The SEC's probe was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, which cited anonymous sources as saying the Securities and Exchange Commission was investigating claims that Hurd shared inside information with an ex-contractor ahead of its $13.9 billion acquisition of Electronic Data Systems in 2008.

Hurd's departure in August stunned investors and sent shares tumbling 8 percent in the first trading day after the announcement. Now an Oracle co-president, he left under a cloud of sexual harassment accusations, although the board found no evidence to back up that allegation.

HP instead accused Hurd of filing inaccurate expense reports to conceal a "close personal relationship" with a former contractor, although Hurd's representatives have disputed that.

Now, the government was also examining the claims of inaccurate expense reports filed by Hurd at HP, and looking into whether Hurd destroyed computer evidence related to his departure, the Journal reported.

HP confirmed the SEC probe but declined to comment on what the government was specifically investigating. Hurd declined comment through a spokesman.

"HP is cooperating fully with the SEC on its investigation," a spokeswoman for the technology giant said.

Oracle declined comment. The SEC also would not comment.

Jodie Fisher, the contractor at the center of the controversy that led to Hurd's ouster on August 6, alleged in a June 24 letter that Hurd divulged details about HP's plans to acquire EDS before the deal was announced, a source said last month.

At that time, Hurd's representatives denied the allegations, which were contained in the same letter in which Fisher accused Hurd of harassment.

(Reporting by Gabriel Madway; Editing by Gary Hill)

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NEW YORK (Reuters) – U.S. stocks tacked on further gains to push the S&P 500 to a two-year high on Monday, continuing a steady upward march investors believe will continue in 2011.

Volume was light, as is expected through the rest of 2010. Investors stayed with sectors that have led a sharp December rally, including financials, energy and materials stocks. The S&P 500 is up 5.7 percent for the month and 11.8 percent for the year.

"We have seen this year-end rally refuse to give up any ground," said Bucky Hellwig, senior vice president at BB&T Wealth Management in Birmingham, Alabama.

The combination of improving economic data, additional stimulus from the Federal Reserve and the extension of tax cuts was keeping equities in demand, Hellwig said.

The financial sector (.GSPF), which has lagged the broader market, was up 0.4 percent as some investors bet the sector could be among the leaders next year after a strong December.

However, American Express (AXP.N) tumbled 3.4 percent to $42.50 after Stifel Nicolaus downgraded the stock to "hold" from "buy."

Boeing Co (BA.N) also kept gains in check. The stock was down 2.7 percent to $63.27 after the Seattle Times newspaper said a delivery delay could be announced for the plane maker's 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

The Dow Jones industrial average (.DJI) dipped 13.78 points, or 0.12 percent, to 11,478.13. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index (.SPX) added 3.17 points, or 0.25 percent, to 1,247.08. The Nasdaq Composite Index (.IXIC) rose 6.59 points, or 0.25 percent, to 2,649.56.

U.S. markets will be closed on Friday to observe the Christmas Day holiday on Saturday.

Energy shares led the way up as the price of oil rose nearly 1 percent in choppy trading. Chevron (CVX.N) added 0.4 percent to $88.88.

Amazon.com (AMZN.O) helped boost the Nasdaq on optimism the company will benefit from improved holiday spending. According to research firm comScore, U.S. online sales are up 12 percent to $27.5 billion so far this season compared with a year ago.

Shares of Amazon gained 3.2 percent to $183.29, while the S&P consumer discretionary sector (.GSPD) was up 0.6 percent.

Amex shares are down 7.8 percent since last Thursday when the Federal Reserve proposed limiting debit interchange fees at 12 cents per transaction.

Stifel said the company is increasingly exposed as a cut in fees "will significantly increase pressure on higher-cost payments alternatives like Amex."

Nick Kalivas, senior equity index analyst at MF Global in Chicago, said some of the optimism over the financial sector was sapped by last week's proposal.

"There was the feeling there could be some opportunities in the banks and I think the interchange (proposal) cooled that," said Kalivas.

Food and beverage company Sara Lee Corp (SLE.N) has been in talks to sell itself to Brazilian meat producer JBS (JBSS3.SA), but the two companies are at odds over price, a source said. Sara Lee shares rose 2.5 percent to $17.69.

About 6.37 billion shares traded on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, well below last year's estimated daily average of 9.65 billion.

Declining stocks slightly outnumbered advancing ones on the NYSE by 1,534 to 1,482, while on the Nasdaq, decliners beat advancers 1,383 to 1,273.

(Reporting by Leah Schnurr; Editing by Kenneth Barry)

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SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – A former sales executive at clothing marketer Carter's (CRI.N) committed financial fraud by manipulating the amount of discounts granted to one of the company's largest customers, securities regulators alleged in a civil lawsuit on Monday.

The Securities and Exchange Commission accused Joseph Elles, a former executive vice president at Carter's, of concealing the discounts from the company's accountants, the lawsuit said.

R. Joseph Burby IV, an attorney for Elles, said Elles intended to vigorously defend himself in court, adding that his handling of customer discounts was "well known" to senior management at Carter's.

"Why the SEC has decided to selectively pursue claims against Mr. Elles will be one of the issues to be determined in the litigation," Burby said.

Carter's entered into a non-prosecution agreement with the SEC and will not be charged with any violations of federal securities laws, regulators said in a statement.

That agreement reflects Carter's "exemplary and extensive cooperation" in the investigation, the SEC said.

Carter's did not immediately respond to a request for a comment.

Because of Elles's actions, Carter's income in certain quarters was overstated, the SEC lawsuit said.

The lawsuit said that Elles made about $4.7 million in profit from his stock sales during this time.

Securities regulators are seeking disgorgement of any ill gotten gains, civil penalties and to bar from Elles serving as an officer or director at a public company.

(Reporting by Dan Levine; Editing by Robert MacMillan)

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FEE CUT: American Express Co. fell 3.4 percent to $42.50 after analysts downgraded the company. Analysts say that a new set of rules proposed by the Federal Reserve could cap the fees that the company charges merchants.

FLIGHT CUT: Boeing Inc. fell 2.7 percent to $63.27 even as the company said it was increasing the production rate for its 777 aircraft in response to strong demand.

MIXED FINISH: The Dow Jones industrial average fell 0.1 percent to 11,478. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq composite each rose 0.3 percent.

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Low trading volumes and a lack of economic reports kept stocks confined to a narrow range Monday. Indexes finished mixed and bond yields were barely changed. American Express Co. had the largest move of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones industrial average. The card issuer fell 3.4 percent after Stifel Nicolaus downgraded the company. New rules proposed by the Federal Reserve could limit fees the company charges merchants.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 13.78, or 0.1 percent, to 11,478.13.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 3.17, or 0.3 percent, to 1,247.08.

The Nasdaq composite index gained 6.59, or 0.3 percent, to 2,649.56.

For the year:

The Dow is up 1,050.08, or 10.1 percent.

The S&P is up 131.98, or 11.8 percent.

The Nasdaq is up 380.41, or 16.8 percent.

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LONDON (AFP) – Stocks rose in quiet deals on Monday, with many traders away for the Christmas holidays, but British Airways shares were hit by freezing weather and travel chaos at London Heathrow airport.

The FTSE 100 added 0.51 percent to 5,901.70 points

"We seem to be drifting slowly higher, but I think unless we convincingly break 5,900 points in the FTSE, we may see the rally fizzle out as the impact the snow disruption is having starts to hit the economy," said Spread Co. trader Rajesh Patel.

British Airways shares, meanwhile, dived 1.15 percent to 267.1 pence as investors fretted about the financial impact of severe travel disruption.

Hundreds of Christmas travellers faced a third day stranded at Heathrow airport on Monday as icy conditions sparked a fresh round of flight delays and cancellations.

"British Airways had a cool start to the week thanks to the snow disruptions, but utilities and energy companies such as Centrica, National Grid and Scottish & Southern Energy had a warm glow about them thanks to the demand brought on by the cold snap," added Patel.

Over the weekend, heavy snow and thick ice all but closed Heathrow, the busiest international passenger air hub in the world, and forced holidaymakers to set up camp at the airport on Saturday night.

"The latest and heavier dose of severe weather is bad news for the UK economy," noted IHS Global Insight economist Howard Archer.

"There will be a hit to the revenues and profits of the airlines, freight companies and other transport providers as airports are periodically shut and the transport system is gridlocked."

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NEW YORK – low volume and lack of economic reports kept stocks confined to a narrow range of Monday. Mixed finite index and bond yields have been modified to sentence.

American Express Co. had the greatest displacement of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones industrial average. The card issuer fell 3.4% to $42.50 after that Stifel, Nicolaus downgraded the company. New rules proposed by the Federal Reserve could limit the costs that the fresh company of merchants.

Aloca. led the Dow index with a 1.4 percent to $14,77 gain.

Dow Jones index fell fee or 0.1% of 11,478.13. Standard and Poor 500 - stock index increased 3.17, or 0.3%, 1,247.08. The Nasdaq composite index gained contractual or 0.3 percent, to finish at 2,649.56.

The 10-year Treasury bond performance was slightly 3.33% 3.34 late Friday.

Stocks have greatly increased in December. Dow Jones index won at 4.3% so far this month and S & P hit seven new annual summits since December 8.

Investors were encouraged by the improvement of economic data on sales in retail, confidence production plant, and consumers as well as policy changes that will benefit the shareholders. Barack Obama President signed a bill last week that will keep the income tax reductions era Bush in place for another two years. The Act will also expand the favourable tax rates on capital gains and dividends.

"The markets... is a term,"said Stephen Carl, principal and head of equity at Williams Capital Group."". But the tax cut "can only go so far," said Carl and may continue to send higher stocks.

New businesses, Boeing Inc. fell 2.7% to $63.27 even though the company has said that it has increased the production rate for its 777 aircraft again in response to strong demand. Last week, the aerospace giant said that customers cancelled arrested three and the other of its 787 s.

Medtronic Inc. has increased by 0.6% to $37.62 after the largest manufacturer of medical devices of the world said that its President and CEO will be resign in April after having led the company for three years.

Later in the week, investors will get reports from manufacturer of shoes Nike Inc., dealer car operator CarMax Inc. and Walgreen Co. pharmacy chain

Markets will be closed on Friday in respect of Christmas.

0.3 Percent against a earned dollar index six heavily traded currencies. Commodity prices increased by 1.1%.

Rise and fall of shares were still at the New York Stock Exchange. Stock volume came to 830 million shares.

? 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Stubbornly high gas pump prices may seem like an unwelcome home guest staying in his home, come January.

Drivers in many States already pay at least $3 per gallon for regular and analysts don't expect any relief soon. This is because the crude oil has ranged between $83 and $89 per barrel since Thanksgiving.

The average national regular gasoline was $2.981 per gallon Monday, according to a survey by AAA, Wright Express and Oil Price information service. This is the same as last week and more than a penny over a month ago. A year ago the average was $2.59 per gallon.

Motorists in Washington, California, Hawaii, Illinois, and Maine are among the most 3.092 higher - price $ per gallon to $3.618 per gallon. Rocky Mountain, Texas and parts of the Midwest have cheaper gas, ranging from $2.738 per gallon to $2.827 per gallon.

A new study business management society PortiaGroup with data provided by OPIS finds the average U.S. household is spend about $ 305 000 gasoline December 14% last December and 76 per cent more than December 2008. Gasoline takes a bite of median income of households this year made Beaver: 7.4%, compared to 6.5% last year to 4.2% two years ago, says the study.

Energy Analyst Jim Ritterbusch estimates that the average national one gallon will typically range from $2.90 per gallon and $3.07 per gallon in February.

"We will see prices relatively high for some time here", he said. "We saw a stronger than expected economy and which tends to augur towards stronger price of gasoline, unfortunately, despite the fact that unemployment is still high."

Tom Kloza, editor and analyst oil Chief OPIS, expected the price to fall during the winter and then begin to climb once more. It provide price between $3.25 and $3.75 per gallon from March to may, preventing an unexpected world economic issue. Prices at the pump could rise above $4 per gallon again in some States for peak driving season if oil prices continue to climb.

Oil prices climbed again on Monday, as thirst China energy showed little sign of be tempered. Platts, the McGraw-Gill energy, said information demand for oil to China in November reached a record high of 9.3 million barrels per day.

Traders are also followed stock market indices on where the world economy can be directed to the new year. Stocks were slightly higher in the afternoon Monday trade. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost about 30 points.

Oil reference for January delivery rose from 79 cents to settle at $88.81 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Since contract expired Monday, many traders moved their efforts on the contract in February, where prices have increased 77 cents to settle at $89.37 per barrel.

In the other Nymex trading in January, contracts, heating oil added 1.58 cents to settle at $2.4895 a gallon gasoline futures gained 6 cents to settle at $2.3778 a gallon and gas acquired 17.1 cents to settle at $4.129 by 1,000 cubic feet.

In London, Brent crude rose $1.07 to settle at $92.74 per barrel on the ICE Futures Exchange.

Copyright 2010 the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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NEW YORK - Greater nation big consumer of fuel worldwide has its limits after all.

After seven decades of mostly uninterrupted growth, the essence of American demand is at the beginning of a long term decline. By 2030, American us be burn at least 20% less fuel than today's today, experts say, then even the millions of cars more clog roadways.

Thirst for gasoline in the country is shrinking as cars and trucks are becoming more efficient fuel, the Government expects the use of ethanol and people less car.

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"A combination of demographic and political change change means the heady days of growth to the United States gasoline is over", explains Daniel Yergin, President of IHS Cambridge Energy Research Associates and author of a history of prize Pulitzer, the petroleum industry.

This is not the first time in the history of the United States that gasoline demand fell, at least temporarily. Generally, the pilot prune during recessions, then hit the road once, when the economy is on the upswing. Indeed, the great depression was the reason main demand has fallen sharply in 2008.

But this time looks different. Government officials and industry - including the CEO of Exxon Mobil - say the essence of American demand reached a peak for good. It has decreased for four consecutive years and will not reach the level of 2006 once again, even when the economy recovers completely.

Indeed, the ground was travel before the recession. The terrorist attacks of 2001, the war in Iraq, Hurricane Katrina and pump prices amounting to an average $3 per gallon, for the first time in a generation national boosted public debates on the effects of oil imports political and economic and climate change. In addition, the popularity of SUV has begun to decline and the Government began to require mixing ethanol made from corn in every gallon of gasoline refiners.

American are combustion by an average of 8.2 million barrels-344 million gallons - gasoline per day in 2010, a figure which excludes ethanol blended with gasoline. It is 8 per cent less than at the Summit 2006, according to government data.

The decline should accelerate for several reasons.

From the 2012 model year cars must reach a fuel economy targets at higher for the first time since 1990. Fleet of each manufacturer shall mean 30.1 mpg, 27.5 square. By the year 2016 model, this number should increase 35.5 mpg. And next year's departure, seen and vans, once classified as trucks, will be to passenger vehicle targets.The automotive industry is showing cars that run on electricity, or partially full and the Federal Government provides billions of dollars in grants to increase production and to stimulate the sales.By 2022, mixing fuel the country must include 36 billion litres of ethanol and other biofuels, place of 14 billion gallons in 2011. In other words, biofuels will account for about of all four litres sold the pump.Gasoline prices expected to remain high as the economies of Asia and the use of Middle East developing more oil.

There are demographic factors at work too. Baby boomers will govern the least in aging. The thrust of women enter the labour market and to commute over recent decades has stabilized. And the era of Americans never far from commuting distances seems to be more. A measure of vehicle kilometres travelled by a pilot licence holder, started to flatten in the middle of the last decade after years of strong growth.

"People madly underestimate the effect that it will"at the request of the essence,"" explains Paul Sankey, an analyst at Deutsche Bank. Sankey predicted by 2030 that America will use only 5.4 million barrels per day, the same as in 1969. Aaron Brady, CERA, analyst predicts a more modest decline, 6.6 million barrels per day.

As a result, families spend less fuel, dependence on foreign oil country will decline and heat-trapping emissions of carbon dioxide will increase more slowly.

Seen crossing began in 2004 and recorded on gasoline US $ 15 billion this year, according to the National Council of defence resources. By 2020, improved fuel economy is expected to reduce annual emissions of carbon dioxide from ￡ 400 billion, equivalent to 32 million cars from the road.

In reality, it will be over 27 million cars on the road - a total of 254 million - a decade from now, according to the projections of the Government.

Ecologists have been studying the trend with a mixture of disbelief and pleasure. A decade ago, they thought that demand will continue to grow from 1 to 2% per year in the future.

"Now you look at and, wow, we've actually bent the curve," says Roland Hwang, Director of transportation of the Natural Resources Defense Council.

There are scenarios, although likely little, pourraient temporarily jostling the long-term trend. If the U.S. economy booms and fall world oil prices, gasoline demand could increase.

"Sometimes what we think it's a structural change is really just a temporary phase", explains Antoine Halff, an analyst at the Newedge brokerage firm. "U.s. demand has bounced back with a vengeance before".

Certainly, America will continue to burn fuel more than any other country, in total and per capita, the coming decades. China is the second in total consumption, but despite its explosive growth, yet uses only half of what the United States uses. The Canada is the second of per capita consumption but is on its own path towards a more efficient economy fuel.

History: Winter cools as usual gasoline prices

Whereas the application of tiédie America global demand decreases, it will be more than offset by rapid growth of demand in China, India, the Middle East and Africa. Accordingly, declining u.s. gasoline demand bring more low prices at the pump.

Worldwide oil demand will hit a record 88.3 million barrels per day of the next year, according to the consulting firm Wood Mackenzie.

In simple terms, "we are in a period where the U.S. motorist is no longer the King of the road," says Yergin.

Copyright 2010 the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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He caused protests in the capitals of Athens in Brussels, hurt sales of beer Heineken and stole the spotlight at a Summit of June the Canada G20. "Austerity" is now top of Merriam-Webster Word 2010.

"Austerity" Springfield, Massachusetts-based Publisher is defined as "forced or extreme economy" doped at the top of the top of its ten list based on the number of searches on its website www.merriam-webster.com. "

When coupled with "pragmatic" No.2, list reflects a year when researchers are still preoccupied with a rocky economy, said Peter Sokolowski, editor of the dictionary as a whole.

The rest of the list included "moratorium", "socialism", "bigot,""doppelganger" "," "shellacking," "exuberant," "dissident" and "stealth." ""

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"This is a list of serious serious year", Sokolowski said in a telephone interview on Monday.

The word "austerity" trimmed most in relation to the efforts of European Governments to chop expenditures. Merriam-Webster has not disclosed the numbers on the individual research.

"Because it has such a clear implication for personal finances, it is easy to apply it to yourself," said Sokolowski. "That he makes a word search of persons."

It also has implications for Heineken, the Dutch company cited as a factor weighing beer sales this year austerity measures.

A search through a year of coverage of issues of EU budget shows that the word "austerity" has been more frequently used by his opponents, that his supporters, even though the President of the European Central Bank, Jean-Claude Trichet held in its defence interview to June Italy newspaper La Repubblica.

"As regards the economy, the idea that the austerity measures could trigger stagnation is incorrect," Trichet said, according to a transcript of the English language published on the ECB's website.

Others had a less-welcome vision of the new Word top-searched.

"This is the beginning of the fight, not the end." Our demand that our voices be heard is important today ' hui - against the austerity and jobs and growth, "John Monks, head of the European Confederation of trade unions, said a September rally in Brussels."

Copyright 2010 Thomson Reuters. Click for restrictions.

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St. PETERSBURG, Florida - Craig McTavish - alias Santa - a beard. There the belly. He has a few tricks up its sleeve as draught to the parties on his Harley-Davidson in garb of Kris Kringle full.

But there is one thing, it did not: work.

Since freelance Santas, the holiday season is more "step, no, no," that "" ho, ho, ho. "" Bookings decreased paying $ 125 per hour for Father Christmas to visit a holiday party became an unaffordable luxury. This is the second year the decline of parties and events, Santas say.

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"This year has been a bust as well as any money," said McTavish, a retired firefighter who films business development landscape with his son. "I have reserved nothing." Usually there is always something for Christmas Eve, but I don't even have that. ?

In addition to knowing that children have been bad or good, modern Santa also hears families do not have enough money to the present.

"You can see the slowdown of the Chair," said Nicholas Trolli, the President of the United order of real bearded Santas - a social group of 1,700 members the formerly nicknamed Boston Herald "Of The Nation Prime Minister Brotherhood of Santas list."

Trolli lives in Sarasota, Florida, but travel throughout the country as a hired father. One day recently, he worked at a mall in Kansas City who had lower prices photo 20 per cent.

"People tell us that they cannot afford just a picture with Santa," said Trolli.

Even in demand Santas with real Barbe had rates, said Trolli. They Commander once $200 an hour, but now they charge you a half that.

Trolli said that anecdotal, reservations of its members are disabled approximately 25 percent. Other Santas nation's stated that, in the good years, they reserved 40 events per season and are less than 10. Others who booked once 10 events per year are none.

Most Santas rely on concerts as the primary source of income, but they say that they enjoy doing and the extra money is nice.

John Wenner, a father with a real beard heights Woodbury, NJ said that good last year was 2008, when he booked dozens of private parties and corporate jobs. This season, it was only a few concerts.

"They are down this year," Wenner says. "It's incredible how down." I have even reduce my price a little help to sway a little more business. As is the case, how the economy was, it becomes difficult. ?

Despite the less-than-jolly economic context, Santas said that the joys of labour constituted mainly for hard times.

They like to talk to children, making adults laugh and spread holiday joy in a year where joy was in short supply. Several mentioned this purchase - or even trees Christmas - for needy families. The trolli Group encourages members to charity events book for free or reduced price if they will pay concerts.

A few lucky - especially in the richest regions of the country - report booming business.

Doug Peters of Davie, Florida, said he has a good few years. last year, a rich client on the southern Panhandle of Florida exclusive Fisher Island asked him to work on Christmas Eve. Peters charged $500 an hour and the client did not blink.

History: 7 sins holiday shopping

Yet, be the father is not cheap. A faux-fur decent look dressed cost red jacket, hats, pants and boots of more than $1,000. And who is not even counting a beard authentic research.

Walter j. Wood - also known as Santa Woody - is an area of Phoenix Kris Kringle, which looks like something an announcement of Coca-Cola vacation. The $100 an hour it charge "really not reimburse fees," he said, especially when you consider gas, travel time and costs of various elements such as beard glue.

"I stick my beard-no one else did," said Wood, whose other jobs as a painting contractor also had no great success this year. "" "" I can eat a cookie in the face of a child and the kid know. ?

Steve Robinson, an old father of 47 years in St. Petersburg, Florida, whose main job is as grocery, Baker has a suspicion about why he had less than bookings this year.

"The children learn more youth and more young father is real and that Mama and Papa buy gifts," he sighed. "I can quite amount of light a place as long as children are 10 and under."

? 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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 Research findings raise questions for the most appropriate pay policies for privatised public services?Photo: Getty Images

Women are ill-suited to company profit sharing schemes and can become alienated from their bosses, research suggests.

While men remain largely unaffected by the pressure from their immediate boss and colleagues to hit group targets, women say their relations with workplace supervisors deteriorate markedly.

The findings have surprised academics, who were not expecting a strong difference in attitude by gender.

They also challenge the assumption that profit sharing aligns the interests of workers and management and can improve productivity, innovation and profits and reduce worker turnover.

Professor Colin Green at Lancaster University Management School, who led the study into workplace satisfaction using the British Household Panel Survey, said: “I expected some difference but I did not expect no difference for men and a large effect for women.”

Prof Green suggested that women may be less able to respond to supervisory pressure to work harder and longer hours and so the incentive of profit sharing did not easily translate into greater effort. This can alienate colleagues who feel their own potential share of profits are under threat and report their colleague’s shortcomings to their line managers.

“Suddenly your boss and co-workers care a lot more about your effort than before. Women have more responsibilities outside the workplace and so find it more difficult to increase their effort,” he said.

“The pressure does not necessarily have to all originate from your boss. If your co-workers see you are not performing they tell the boss. It increases conflict.”

Prof Green added: “In a small business working environment if you are on a profit share you are going to care how hard your co-worker is working. You are going to care a lot more in a ten person organisation than a 500 person organisation.”

The study raises questions for employers over the most appropriate way of remunerating staff, Prof Green said.

“If you are working at a feminised, non union workforce you might want to have this in mind that’s profit sharing is going to increase ill feeling among the workforce,” he said.

When questioned about their overall job satisfaction, both sexes were unaffected by the profit sharing part of their work.

“This deterioration in relations with the supervisor does not reflect a diminution in overall job satisfaction and is specific to the relationship with the boss. Profit sharing has a neutral or positive influence on all of the other available dimensions of job satisfaction,” the study noted.

Non-unionised workers are also negatively affected, perhaps because they have more to lose by failing to respond to peer pressure, the study argued.

The Government has presented mutual ownership as a key part of its plans to spin out public sector provided services into the private sector.

The Cabinet Office is running 12 pilots involving former public servants working in private ventures, ranging from for-profit companies to not-for-profit social enterprises.

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Cheryl Cole smiling, nourishes her hair behind her shoulder and gently SIPs from a bottle of Evian.

Do not last favorite British red - hair dye advert or Evian advertising either - but the misconception that long ago that product placement could look like when it arrives at the United Kingdom. Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole drink their drink preferred on X Factor judging panel have long cited as an example.

However, the rules and restrictions governing the placement of product do not allow undue prominence.

It is after all, the United Kingdom to United States where product placement is a form of advertising long and established (signal The Truman Show).

In fact, product placement may prove to be a strategic and regulatory nightmare for UK broadcasters.

After all, what exactly is undue prominence? Bottles of Coca-Cola or Evian on the X Factor panel judging is a clear example, but when you draw the line?

One can imagine only compliance team of ITV deliberation if Katie Price new book on the shelves of Coronation Street House is too important and rose. Or questioning if a box of Heinz baked beans in the workshop of Corrie was within the framework for too long. When you draw the line in terms of food, sweet or fatty - baked beans, after all, contain a quantity of sugar just.

The placement of the United Kingdom product could have proved lucrative revenue stream. However, the long list of rules and nervousness expected on what constitutes "undue prominence" attracted different assessment predictions. Some believe that British product placement market could be worth as little as 25 million pounds per year, while others believe that he could top 100 million from ￡.

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Ofcom, the communications regulator, has confirmed that product placement will be allowed on British television programmes from the end of February 2011. The move will be welcomed by commercial broadcasters, such as ITV, who have been seeking additional revenue streams.

The regulator this morning published a series of rules governing the use of product placement on UK TV.

Broadcasters will have to warn viewers about shows containing product placement by using an on-screen logo. This logo will have to appear for a minimum of three seconds at the start and end of programmes that contain product placement.

The TV rules reflect new UK legislation after the government's decision earlier this year to allow product placement in UK TV shows as a result of changes to European broadcasting legislation.

Product placement will be allowed in films, TV series’, entertainment shows and sports programmes. However, it will be prohibited in all children's and news programs and in British-produced current affairs, consumer affairs and religious programming. The product placement of tobacco, alcohol, gambling, foods or drinks that are high in fat, salt or sugar, medicines and baby milk is banned by UK legislation. Ofcom has also prohibited the paid-for placement of products and services that can't be advertised on TV, such as weapons or escort agencies.

The value of product placement to the industry is not yet clear. Some believe it could be worth as little as ￡25m. However, MirriAd, a product placement company, puts the figure at about 5pc of the total UK TV advertising market, as it is in the US. That would give it a value of around ￡150m a year. Companies such as MirriAd, which specialises in technology which digitally embeds product placement into shows after they have been produced, are set to benefit from Ofcom’s decision.

The rules state that product placement must not impair broadcasters' editorial independence and must always be editorially justified. This means that programs can't be created or distorted so that they become vehicles for the purpose of featuring product placement.

The regulator has also relaxed the rules on paid-for references to brands and products in radio programs.

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Phil Dobbin, an analyst at Shore Capital, moved his stance on Henderson to "sell" from "hold", saying: "We struggle to see merit in this deal from Henderson's perspective, we view Gartmore as a damaged franchise which, we do not feel it is unfair to say, has performed disastrously since its IPO both operationally and in terms of stock rating."

Joining Gartmore amongst the laggards were a smattering of retailers as investors worried that the fresh bout of snow could melt sales during what is one of the most crucial trading periods of the year for the sector.

"While in normal times most of any retail sales lost to bad weather is also normally made up, this may be less the case than normal due to the proximity of Christmas," said Howard Archer of IHS Global Insight. But Nick Bubb, an analyst at Arden Partners, pointed out that as snow fell in London this time last year and caused disruption in January, there were soft comparatives coming up for retailers.

Nonetheless, Next, Marks & Spencer and Associated British Foods - owner of Primark - all edged back, falling 17p to ￡19.68, 2? to 372.9p and 5p to ￡11.28 respectively. Although the biggest casualty of the snow was British Airways, which fell 5 to 265.2p.

Amongst the second-liners, many retailers were on the decline. Dixons Retail, Home Retail Group and Mothercare fell 1.51 to 22.84p, 4.7 to 192.1p and 11? to 615p each. Also hurting the latter was another broker downgrade. UBS cuts its rating on the maternity and baby goods retailer to "neutral" from "buy" on valuation grounds.

Supergroup was also feeling the effects of a cautious broker note. The owner of the streetwear brand fell 27p to ￡13.34 as Execution Noble reiterated its "sell" stance on Supergroup.

But in a wider note on the retail sector, the broker said consumer confidence was thawing and as such, kept their "neutral" stance on the sector. "With redundancy expectations in the public sector becoming even more unrealistic and consumers already bracing themselves for a deterioration in their finances, we think there are further improvements to come for consumer confidence," said Execution Noble analysts.

Despite investors checking out of the retailers, the FTSE 100 as a whole was on better form. The benchmark index gained 19.86 to 5891.61 - just scraping a new high for the year - while the FTSE 250 put on 6.33 to 11433.11.

The rise came the Stoxx Europe 600 index climbed to its highest level since September 12 2008 - the last day of trading before the collapse of Lehman Brothers.

Helping the blue-chips into positive territory was a strong showing from the utility companies. Centrica and National Grid which put on 4.7 to 335.3p and 11 to 563p respectively.

Also on the ascendant was Diageo. The world's biggest drinks company gained 16p to ￡11.96, as it was also helped by a note from Unicredit.

The broker raised its rating on Diageo to "buy" from "hold", saying it believed that now is the time to turn more positive on the spirits sector.

Analysts pointed to the potential for M&A activity at Diageo, with opportunities "clearly emerging in the industry" and Diageo having the "financial muscle to take advantage of them".

Carnival and InterContinental Hotels benefited from broker upgrades too. The former sailed up 37p to ￡28.01 as analysts at HSBC started coverage of the cruise operator with an "overweight" rating. "We prefer Carnival to Royal Caribbean for its diversified fleet and branding, superior returns and lower leverage," said the broker.

Meanwhile, Numis upgraded InterContinental Hotels to "buy" from "add", pushing the stock up 15p to ￡12.49. Analysts said that the outlook for the hotel industry was improving and that the company was exposed to the recovering US market as well as having a "very strong" position in emerging markets such as China and India.

Amongst the second-liners, Exillon Energy and Cobham made an impressive entrance to the FTSE 250, rising 6.2 to 308.7p and 4.6 to 203.3p respectively. But identity theft insurer, CPP led the charge, putting on 20.9 to 305p ahead of a trading update on Tuesday.

The London Stock Exchange put on 15? to 838?p as Borse Dubai said it currently had no plans to sell its stake in the London exchange.

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