1. HSBC profits rise more than expected, Elhedery keeps schtum on structural details
Europe's largest lender reported a pre-tax profit of $8.5 billion, up over 6% compared to a year earlier and well ahead of the $7.6 billion consensus estimate.
2. BP profits fall as CEO says focus on 'value over volume' in oil and gas
Cash flows of $6.8 billion were down from $8 billion-plus in the prior quarter and a year ago, with net debt rising to $24.3 billion from $22.6 billion three months earlier.
3. FTSE 100 slumps
London's blue chips fell 66 points to 8,219 as Wednesday's Budget loomed.
4. McDonald’s sales drop as international markets and Middle East war weigh
Weakness across the UK and France drove sales down across internationally operated markets, McDonald’s said.
5. Inflation: UK shop prices fall for third month but food and fashion prices rise
A report released overnight from the British Retail Consortium showed retail prices falling at their fastest pace in more than three years, with a decline of 0.8% compared to October last year. This followed a fall of 0.6% in September.