Today's Business Headlines

Credit crunch 'to last into 2010'
The credit crunch is likely to last another 18 months, the head of the UK's largest mortgage provider warns.

Financial abuse of elderly 'huge'
Thousands of elderly people are having their life savings, possessions and homes stolen by family members, a charity says.

Key US lenders to face new curbs
US officials plan to put troubled mortgage giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae under strict federal control, media say.

US Boeing workers set to strike
Workers at the world's biggest aircraft manufacturer, Boeing, are to go on strike in the US.

Global economy woes shake markets
Worsening US job figures heighten fears of a global economic slowdown - undermining stock markets around the world.

US rules out new economic package
White House says it does not see need for new measures to stimulate economy despite sharp rise in unemployment.

UK food prices show 8.3% increase
UK food prices have risen by 8.3% on average since January, with meat and fish up 23%, according to a study for the BBC.

Crude oil price drops below $106
Oil prices dip below $106 as traders predict rising US unemployment will see consumers cutting back on petrol use.

Properties 'on market for longer'
Most properties for sale in the UK have now been on the market for more than 90 days without finding a buyer.

Housing dip 'slows divorce rate'
Research suggests that couples are less likely to get divorced during a slowdown in the housing market.