Catch up on the week

British trade unions warned that Fiat's move to buy the European operations of General Motors – which includes Vauxhall in the UK – was likely to lead to job cuts.

The European Union dismissed Chancellor Alistair Darling's forecast of a return to growth in 2010.

The CBI's small business survey reported that British SMEs had seen their worst quarter for over two decades.

It was rumoured that French energy giant EDF is looking to sell its British distribution arm.

TUESDAY

The chairman of the US Federal Reserve predicted the US housing market may be nearing the bottom and recovery could come as early as Christmas.

The UK Parliamentary Ombudsman published a rare formal indictment of the Government's refusal to follow its recommendations to help the victims of the Equitable Life scandal.

The Government offered a 5 million bridging loan to save van manufacturer LDV and allow more time to secure a Malaysian takeover bid.

WEDNESDAY

Questions were raised over the future of the East Coast Edinburgh to London train line as operator National Express struggles with a 1bn debt.

EasyJet announced a half-year loss of 129.8m.

The chief executive of fashion chain Next predicted high street sales may have "bottomed out".

BBC News announced it is axing almost 90 positions.

THURSDAY

Lloyds Banking Group said losses on its corporate lending book are likely to increase by half compared with last year due to Bank of Scotland loans. However, the bank said first quarter pre-tax profits were up by 15 per cent.

Drinks giant Diageo revealed a 7 per cent fall in sales in the first three months of the year.

Rupert Murdoch said his News International titles will start charging for online content within a year.

FRIDAY

Royal Bank of Scotland reported a 44m loss for the first three months of the year, down from a 479m profit in the first quarter of 2008.

Several US banks unveiled plans to raise new capital.

Carphone Warehouse said it is buying the UK assets of Italian broadband giant Tiscali for 236m.

Steelmaker Corus said it is mothballing its Teesside plant, threatening 2,000 jobs.