Derivatives - a simple guide
Derivative trading sounds horrendously complex and risky. BBC News Online offers you an overview of the basics.

Oil markets explained
Big movements in the oil price have significant ramifications around the world. BBC News Online takes a closer look at how oil markets actually work.

Dow Jones milestones
Investors around the world pay attention to the US flagship Dow Jones share index. BBC News Online tracks its history of more than 100 years.

Q&A: What is a City analyst?
Share analysts provide grist for the City mill, yet buy on their say-so at your peril, as BBC News Online explains.

Market crashes through the ages
The stock market looked bleak in the first half of 2002, but a little history puts it in perspective, BBC News Online discovers.

Q&A: The pros and cons of debt relief
BBC News Online explains why debt relief has become so contentious and highlights some of the pitfalls.

A century of free trade
BBC News Online presents a picture gallery illustrating the history of free trade and the events leading to the development of the World Trade Organisation.

The argument for free trade
Free trade benefits all, is good for the environment and development, argues Julian Morris of the Institute of Economic Affairs.

Africa's development plan
African leaders have launched a new plan to boost economic development and reverse the marginalisation of the continent.

Q&A: What hope is G8 offering Africa?
BBC News Online analyses why an Africa Action Plan filled with promising schemes has received only a lukewarm response from some observers.

What caused Japan's recession?
BBC News Online explains the basics of Japan's economic troubles.

Q&A: Brazil's $30bn lifeline
Why does Brazil deserve the money when other South American countries - Argentina, for instance - have been turned away?

An A-Z of money laundering
If you're a crook or a terrorist, there are a number of ways of keeping your finances hidden from prying eyes.

How the economy is measured
Baffled by statistics? Seasonal adjustments, index numbers and month on month changes? Don't despair - here are all the answers

Q&A: What is GDP?
A basic guide to how the economy is measured.

Q&A: The UK's euro timetable
What are the five economic tests for the euro and when will they assessed? BBC News Online looks at the possible timetable for adoption of the euro.

How bad is the UK's pension crisis?
BBC News takes a closer look at the extent and origins of the cash crisis afflicting the UK pensions industry.

What are Public Private Partnerships?
A guide through the jargon in the new world of privately funded public projects.

Q&A: Is the house price boom over?
BBC News Online looks at the slowing house price trend and the possibility of sharper falls to come.

Picking the right mobile phone
Buying a mobile phone is usually a confusing and complicated process, so what should you look out for?

Q&A: How do I buy travel insurance?
Your long-awaited holiday could turn into an expensive disaster if you don't have the right travel insurance. BBC News Online offers some guidance.

Dealing with redundancy
Redundancy can strike anyone. But there are steps you can take if it happens to you.

Need career advice?
Where can you find a career adviser in your area, track down the best jobs and improve you basic skills - and cheaply?

Q&A: Moving your mortgage
Moving your mortgage is not as difficult as it seems and could save you money but watch out for hefty redemption penalties and other fees.

Q&A: Endowment mortgage shortfall
BBC News explains what are your options if your endowment policy is not on track to pay off your mortgage?

How can I manage my debt?
Debt is a fact of life for many people, so how can you cut your debts and who can you turn to if you have spent too much?

How low interest rates affect you
The UK base interest rate is at its lowest level since the 1960s. BBC News Online examines what this means for savers and borrowers?

The lowdown on final salary pension schemes
If you fear that your company's pension fund may be under performing or just want to keep tabs on its progress where do you go?

What are stakeholder pensions?
A stakeholder pension is intended to be a low-cost, flexible way of saving for retirement. But is it suitable for you? BBC News Online has the answers.