Shares slide in 'cautious' HBOS

Big drop in US consumer spending
US consumer spending fell 1% in October, the largest decline since September 2001, in a further sign of the economic downturn.

HP's profits exceed expectations
The world's biggest PC maker, Hewlett-Packard, has revealed better-than-expected net profit in the fourth quarter.

US retail sales in record plunge
US retail sales fell sharply last month, recording the biggest monthly decline since 1992, as hard-up consumers avoided the shops.

GM shares decline to 60-year low
Shares in US car group General Motors close at a 60-year low after the struggling firm is hit by a broker downgrade.

Starbucks sees profits evaporate
Starbucks' fourth-quarter profit is almost wiped out by the cost of closing under-performing outlets and falling customer numbers.