BBC Business News

The latest stories from the Business section of the BBC News web site.

Bank governor in Help to Buy warning
The outgoing Bank of England governor warns a government plan to boost the housing market with part-mortgage guarantees has no long-term place.

Yahoo 'to buy Tumblr for $1.1bn'
Yahoo's board approves a deal to buy New York-based blogging service Tumblr for $1.1bn (£725m), US media reports say.

Google chief defends tax affairs
Google's executive chairman Eric Schmidt defends the company's tax affairs after it comes in for strong criticism from MPs.

Miliband pledge on tax avoidance
Labour leader Ed Miliband says he will write new rules to tackle corporate tax avoidance if he wins the next election, even without international agreement.

Ofcom plans simplified phone numbers
Some people are "put off" making important calls because of confusion over the amount they will be charged, according to the telecoms regulator.

Treasury claims banks 'safer in UK'
The latest UK government paper on the impact of Scottish independence will claim the UK is better placed to manage the risk of a financial crisis.

Contactless 'charging errors' at M&S
Some Marks and Spencer customers say its contactless payment terminals have taken cash from cards other than the ones intended for payment.

Morrisons agrees deal with Ocado
Morrisons, the UK's fourth largest supermarket chain, says it will launch online shopping by January 2014 after agreeing a tie-up with Ocado.

Thousands rally to oppose Italy cuts
Tens of thousands of protesters, led by trade unionists, rally in the Italian capital Rome against the policies of the new coalition government.

Europe car sales break losing streak
Car sales across Europe rose in April for the first time in 18 months, helped by strong demand in the UK and by the early Easter break.