James Moore: Payday loans fill the gold gap for pawnbrokers

Outlook: Talking of exploiting those with limited means and profit warnings, pawnbroker H&T yesterday avoided the fate of its rival Albemarle & Bond by not having to issue one.

Like its rival, H&T hasn't been finding it easy as a result of the tarnished price of gold. But it's been sustained by a payday loans' boom as clients take out more credit at very high rates.

Here is another company which preys on the vulnerable in an industry crying out for tougher regulation such as, for example, the imposition of a maximum interest rate. And yet, once again, these calls are shamefully being ignored.