The sterling interbank market has collapsed at the fastest rate in modern history, prompting pleas for immediate rate cuts from a chorus of top British economists.
Pleas for rate cut as interbank loans dive

Morgan Stanley has advised clients to step back from Britain's debt-laden and badly managed economy, warning that the FTSE 100 index of stocks may fall by 16pc over the next year as the credit crunch forces banks to curb lending.
Credit crunch alert over UK economy

The pension plans of the UK's 100 largest companies are some of the unexpected beneficiaries of the downturn in credit markets. A report by employment consultants Aon Consulting said the companies' plans have begun recording surpluses less than a year after their combined deficit stood at more than 30bn.
Credit crunch helps pension funds

The good news that America has kept growing rapidly despite the collapse of housing is tempered by some very bad news.
Sub-prime debacle is not the big story

Foreign exchange markets are on alert this week for the embattled dollar to face a further, severe sell-off after key talks between the Middle Easts Gulf states that could lead to them scrapping their currencies pegs to the greenback.
Dollar faces new sell-off if Gulf states end greenback pegs

Oil prices could finally breach the $100 barrier this week, deepening fears for the Wests economic prospects, if the Opec oil cartel confirms an expected decision at its extraordinary meeting in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday not to raise crude production, analysts believe.
Opec decision likely to push oil prices above $100 this week

NIKKEI	AUSTRALIA	SHANGHAI	HANG SENG

Good morning traders!

In Asia today, the Hang Seng ended the morning up 264.16 points at 28,907.77,
while the Nikkei closed down 51.70 at 15,628.97.

New York's main oil contract, light sweet crude for January delivery, was 84 cents
higher at $89.55 a barrel from $88.71 in late US trades Friday.

Happy trading!

G.

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Metals - Gold stays rangebound, Platinum gets a boost

STOCKWATCH Capita group dips despite FY07 growth hopes; Panmure stays 'buy'

Metals - Gold stays rangebound, Platinum gets a boost UPDATE

Metals - Copper edges down as inventories rise; equities open weakerLondon shares - midmorning features

Metals - Copper edges down as inventories rise, equities open weaker UPDATE

STOCKWATCH British Airways up ahead of traffic figures; Collins Stewart 'buy'