Premier inspects quake-hit Italian factories

They will also be in the minority because more than 90% of UK commercial property owners completely fail to capitalise on their unclaimed capital allowances each year. The tax concession could be worth 25% of the HMV’s reported price tag of £50m Each outlet within HMV’s 220-store portfolio would be eligible for tax relief of between £280,000 and £350,000 on average. HMV’s flagship store on Oxford Street alone may contain claimable items estimated at £1.92m.

KANO, Nigeria — European diplomats said Sunday that seven foreign hostages kidnapped in northern Nigeria had been killed as claimed by Islamic extremists, the worst such foreign abduction violence to hit this turbulent West African nation in decades. Both Britain and Italy said all seven of those taken from northern Bauchi state on Feb. 16 were killed by the group known as Ansaru. Greece also confirmed one of its citizens was killed, while Lebanese authorities did not immediately comment.

KANO, Nigeria — European diplomats said Sunday that seven foreign hostages kidnapped in northern Nigeria had been killed as claimed by Islamic extremists, the worst such foreign abduction violence to hit this turbulent West African nation in decades. Both Britain and Italy said all seven of those taken from northern Bauchi state on Feb. 16 were killed by the group known as Ansaru. Greece also confirmed one of its citizens was killed, while Lebanese authorities did not immediately comment.

It’s been four years since the European sovereign debt crisis broke out, yet troubles on the continent continue to hover like a dark cloud over markets. The Financial Post sat down with Jens Larsen, chief European economist and managing director for RBC Capital Markets, to talk about what’s in store for Europe this year. Q  We saw a successful Spanish bond auction on Thursday, and 10-year yields slipped below 5%. Are investors gaining more confidence in Spain and Italy?

In yet another attempt to pressure prime minister Silvio Berlusconi into promised reforms ECB debates ending Italy bond buys.The European Central Bank often discusses the possibility ending the purchase of Italian government bonds if it concludes Italy is not adopting promised reforms, ECB Governing Council Member Yves Mersch said.

A 6.4 magnitude quake struck southern Taiwan on Thursday, with an epicentre 35 kilometres (22 miles) deep, the US Geological Survey said. No tsunami warning was immediately issued.The quake, which hit about 30 kilometres from the southeastern coastal town of Taitung, was felt as far away as the capital Taipei in the north of the island.Taiwan is regularly hit by earthquakes as the island lies near the junction of two tectonic plates. A 7.6-magnitude quake killed around 2,400 people in September 1999.