Business

Shares in Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae fall again on fears that the US government will be forced to bail out the troubled mortgage giants.

Shares in Woolworths soar after the struggling retailer rejects a takeover bid for its network of 815 stores.

US video game giant Electronic Arts decides to reassess its £1.9bn offer for Take-Two Interactive Software.

Recruitment company Michael Page reports a rise in profits as Swiss rival Adecco says it will not rule out an unrecommended offer for the firm.

Panmure Gordon, the British stockbroker and investment bank, announces a large Egyptian bank will buy a share in its business.

Mining giant BHP Billiton unveils record annual profits for the seventh year in a row thanks to surging commodity prices.

Bradford & Bingley says 27.8% of the shares offered under its £400m rights issue have been taken up by investors.

Oil prices rise to near $115 a barrel amid concerns that a tropical storm may disrupt oil operations in the Gulf of Mexico.