Engineering firm GKN has flagged up 'increasing headwinds' in European car markets, with production likely to fall in the second half of the year.
Traders are focused on the U.S. Federal Reserve as it begins its latest policy-setting meeting, with many hoping for some form of monetary stimulus to boost flagging growth.
Ladbrokes said Richard Ames, who was responsible for trading and information technology, 'has ceased to perform his executive duties with immediate effect'.
Pre-tax profits at the retail lender, which is majority owned by private banking group Arbuthnot, increased from £3.7million in 2011 to £12.4million.