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Mortgage lending rises 7 percent in October

Mortgage lending rose for the first time since July in October, up 7 percent from the month before, but is still 44 percent lower than the same time last year, the Council of Mortgage Lenders said on Thursday.

October retail sales fall less than expected

Retail sales fell less than expected in October and the public finances showed their first deficit for the month since 1994, official data showed on Thursday.

RBS chief to say sorry at fundraising vote

Royal Bank of Scotland's <RBS.L> chairman will apologise to shareholders for bringing the bank to its knees at a meeting to vote on a 20 billion pound fundraising plan on Thursday, the Scotsman newspaper said.

FTSE slides 1.6 percent as U.S. outlook darkens

The top share index was down 1.6 percent by midday on Thursday, as dire forecasts for the U.S. economy led to sharp falls in commodity prices, denting energy and mining companies.

Peugeot cuts more jobs as Sarkozy vows to help carmakers

PARIS/BERLIN (Reuters) - A fresh round of job cuts at Peugeot Citroen underscored the auto sector's woes on Thursday as French President Nicolas Sarkozy vowed help for the struggling industry.

Bank's Dale says could cut rates again

The Bank of England will cut interest rates further if needed to ensure inflation meets its 2 percent medium-term target, Bank Chief Economist Spencer Dale said in a newspaper interview published on Thursday.

Santander's UK investors unable to take up rights

Santander's <SAN.MC> 1.8 million private UK shareholders will not be able to participate in the Spanish bank's 7 billion euro (5.9 billion pounds) rights issue as there is not enough time for them to take part, it said on Thursday.

National Grid says gas helps lift profits 4 percent

National Grid <NG.L> announced a 4 percent increase in half year profits, driven by a strong performance in its gas distribution business, and forecast full year results in line with its expectations.

Hot small caps: Afren higher on farm-out agreement

The following is a round-up of key small cap movers on the London stock market on Thursday.