Markets get ahead of events. It's what investors are programmed to do. If you think there is a risk of losing money tomorrow you sell today, rather than waiting for it to happen.

Excessive repair and car hire rates between rival firms is forcing up cost of policies for drivers

The insurance giant Prudential is set to get a little bigger after striking a deal to buy Swiss Re's US life insurance business for $621m (£400m) in cash.

Car insurers were facing a full-blown inquiry today over claims that their "dysfunctional" practices pushed up premiums by £225 million a year.

The average family now owes nearly £10,000, as hard-pressed Britons go deep into debt to survive the recession, a report warns.

The taxman has failed in a legal move to force a tycoon to hand over documents used in a divorce battle which ended in him having to pay the highest award in British legal history.

A police chief arrested over allegations of corruption is suing the heads of three police forces and the boss of the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Prudential has confirmed that one of the oldest hands in the City is to become its new chairman, a move aimed at placating investors angry at the botched, $35bn (£28bn) bid for the Asian insurer AIA two years ago.

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Twenty years after the actor's death, his last film is to be released

Holidaymakers who have to claim on their travel insurance this summer have been warned that they could end up severely out of pocket because some policies have very high excess levels hidden in the small print.

Local councils handed out an increased number of parking tickets last year despite cutting back on traffic wardens.

Carina Trimingham attacks decision as 'blueprint for bullies and bigots' as judge rules against privacy claim

From dustbusters to travel mugs, be prepared for the road ahead