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Financeonline.co.uk News

• Is it time for an Asian Monetary Fund?
  With growing calls for a reform of the so-called Bretton Woods institutions, has the time come for an Asian Monetary Fund?
  
  
• NHS finances face 'challenges'
  The financial position in the NHS is good, but challenges lie ahead, according to an official report.
  
  
• Cup run produces financial bonus
  A Scottish Cup run helps Queen of the South record an annual profit of more than £500,000.
  
  
• Cautious outlook hits Stagecoach
  Shares in bus and rail group Stagecoach fall 20%, despite it reporting strong half-yearly financial results.
  
  
• Timeline: Nauru
  A chronology of key events
  
  
• 'Fairer' treatment for depositors
  Bank users are promised fairer treatment in the new Banking Act, which has been outlined in the Queen's Speech.
  
  
• Bail-out plan 'lacks oversight'
  The US $700bn bail-out plan is being implemented without adequate safeguards, a Congressional watchdog says.
  
  
• Pension scheme buyouts protected
  Will the FSCS cover pension schemes which have been bought out?
  
  
• Has Crossrail hit a delay?
  While the government insists the £15.9bn Crossrail project remains on track, rail analysts say they are concerned that there are now problems raising the funds.
  
  
• £350m boost for capital projects
  Hospital reorganisation, schools and affordable housing are among the schemes which will be funded by a £350m fund.
  
  
• EU wants banks to boost lending
  The EU competition commissioner says she expects banks that receive state aid to give commitments to lend to the real economy.
  
  
• Lenders' mortgage rationing claim
  Mortgage rationing is set to become more severe in 2009 without government action, a lenders' group warns.
  
  
• Afghan minister threatens to quit
  Afghanistan's Finance Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Ahady submits his resignation to the president, the minister's office says.
  
  
• Banks plan for overdraft refunds
  The RBS NatWest bank is planning to refund overdraft fees to customers "pro-actively" if it loses the current test case over bank charges.
  
  
• Sales growth slows down at Tesco
  Growth in UK sales, excluding new stores and petrol sales, slows down to 2% as Tesco pays the price for its discount brands.
  
  
• Full Scots fiscal power ruled out
  Moves to hand full financial powers to Scotland have been ruled out by the body considering reforms to devolution.
  
  
• Baby decisions - adding to the world's woes?
  As you decide whether or not to have children, should you take the world's increasing stack of environmental woes into account?
  
  
• Britain's Most Admired?
  A survey of business leaders and analysts name Britain's most admired company - but have they been dazzled by its profits?
  
  
• Siberian ice cream beats crisis
  Ice cream sellers remain profitable in Siberia, despite low temperatures and the increasing threat of a financial crisis.
  
  
• Brother's plea after debt suicide
  A grieving brother wants tighter controls on money lending after his twin killed himself over his £179,000 business debts.