The City was unmoved after Britain’s leading banks came through the tests with flying colours. Photograph: Frantzesco Kangaris. Britain’s four biggest banks emerged as among the strongest in Europe after seven others in the EU failed a health check of the financial system. Barclays, HSBC and the bailed-out Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds all [...]

Sony singer Shakira performing Waka Waka with South African band Freshlyground at the World Cup final. Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images Sony boss Sir Howard Stringer clearly enjoyed his World Cup experience, despite missing the Spain-Germany semi-final when his private jet, along with several others, was turned away from an overcrowded Durban airport. Stringer’s company had [...]

Is it judgment day for Britain’s bosses and their whopping pay deals? Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images 10.15am: Roll up, roll up. Take your seats for a titanic battle. In one corner, some of Britain’s leading businessmen. In the other, long-suffering shareholders who are just itching to give these highly paid CEOs a kicking. 10.15am: Yes, [...]