Yesterday was a ...

Good Day for decimals, as the New York Stock Exchange voted to scrap the 200-year-old practice of quoting prices in fractions and change to decimals instead. A top securities regulator described the decision as " a bold and welcome step and a victory for investors".

Bad Day for prostitutes, as call-girls in Amsterdam were refused security passes to the hotels at which European Union leaders will meet next week. "Our work must continue," said a spokestart for a leading call-girl agency. "If a client in one of these hotels wants our services, a girl must be allowed to visit."