A round-up of the key stories across the specialist financial media, including news that UK mortgage activity slowed in February as banks' net lending fell, suggesting the housing market will remain subdued
UK mortgage lending eases
UK mortgage activity slowed in February as banks' net lending fell and approvals dropped to a nine-month low, suggesting the housing market will remain subdued in the coming months.
China is considering the launch of a new equity exchange to help the country's smaller companies raise funds, according to two people familiar with the situation, as the government looks for ways to boost liquidity for such firms.
Credit Suisse slashed pay for its most senior bosses last year after a steep drop in profits, as an unexpected candidate emerged as the best-paid member of the Swiss lender’s executive board.
The euro clawed back some lost ground to hit a two-week high against the dollar during a quiet European session on Friday, as currency traders took stock of the week's Chinese growth and Spanish fiscal worries, and cashed in some of their bets ahead of the weekend.
The European Union slapped sanctions on the mother, sister and influential wife of President Bashar al-Assad on Friday, increasing pressure on Syria to halt its bloody crackdown against a year-long uprising.
