European equities markets were mixed Tuesday as banks generally declined as analysts worried that the Greek government has not yet announced strategies for fixing that nation’s financial troubles.
While the main indices in Frankfurt, Paris, and Madrid all saw small gains on the session, London’s markets were lower was were the main indices in nations such [...]

US food giant Kraft has today reinforced its belief that a tie-up with Cadbury would “represent a uniquely complementary fit”.
Kraft is actively trying to convince Cadbury shareholders that a combination with its British rival could “deliver substantially more value” together and would benefit Cadbury staff as new jobs would be created in the UK.
Kraft warned [...]

Buyers are increasingly deciding against taking out fixed-rate mortgages, according to a report from Mortgageforce.

There has been a growing concern amongst regulators and debt help groups in the UK over recent years, with regard to the activities of doorstep loan companies and lenders, many of whom offer small cash personal loans to some of the more vulnerable members of society who are unlikely to be able to obtain a personal loan from more traditional sources, such as a bank or building society.

These loans usually charge extremely high rates of interest and many borrowers end up becoming bogged down with loan debts which they are unlikely to ever be able to repay.

Despite the high loan rates and bad press received by doorstep lenders, the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) has opposed suggestions that they should be banned from conducting business, claiming that taking this course of action would do more harm than good for the consumers who use their services.

As we have already said, many of the people who take out loans with doorstep lenders would be unable to obtain the credit they need from a high street bank and without the loan facilities provided by doorstep lending companies, many would be forced to turn to illegal loan companies and loan sharks in order to get the money they wanted.

As the credit crunch and banking crisis have had an impact on banks and building societies ability, or willingness to offer loans, along with the fact that many borrowers have run into financial difficulties with their existing debts over the same period, which would stop them getting a clean credit bank loan, the popularity of doorstep lenders has grown considerably and in a recent survey amongst those individuals who use such lenders, 52 per cent claimed that they were either “fairly” or “very” dependent on this type of loan.

Richard Pym, the chairman who was appointed to stabilise Bradford & Bingley last year, is to oversee Northern Rock’s ‘bad bank’ operations.
It was announced earlier this month that nationalised Northern Rock would be split into two, after receiving the necessary approval from the European Union (EU).
New Years Day is the date that has been agreed [...]

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to break out the baubles and tinsel – but before that, you need a Christmas tree to decorate. Find out how to get the right tree at the right price and make it last the festive season.

The Daily Mail are offering you the chance to stay at a Ramada Jarvis hotel over the festive period for just £10 per person per night.

Get 14 days of breakdown cover completely free whenever you buy 30 litres or more of fuel at Total Petrol Stations.

Get 17.5% off Benefit Cosmetics with this offer from The Telegraph.

Mix and match 2 bottles of top brand spirits or champagne at Tesco and pay just £25.

Glasses Direct are holding a sale on glasses with 20% off all frames.

Stock up on festive meat and fish at Sainsbury’s for half the usual price.

This winter thousands will find it difficult to cope with the cost of heating their homes. But what can you do to get those bills down and is help available if you simply cannot pay?

The ‘Toys For Boys’ campaign from News Of The World is giving away £25 worth of free toys to every child with parents on the front line this Christmas.

Tesco are offering a bonus 1000 Clubcard points when you buy selected games consoles, in addition to their double Clubcard points offer.

The new card rewards you for your day to day spending and gives you a bonus 6,000 points which you can cash in for a £30 high street gift voucher at your favourite store.

Get the X Factor winner’s mp3 single for only 29p at Amazon and Tesco as well as many other top singles vying for the Christmas Number 1 spot.

Go bowling for just a penny at Hollywood Bowl during the Christmas Holidays (19th December 2009 to 3rd January 2010).

Get a whole frozen Alaskan salmon for just £3 at Asda.

Become a friend of Little Chef and you’ll get access to discounts, freebies, and 2 for 1 offers in the run-up to Christmas and beyond.