Barclays finance director Chris Lucas is to step down this week, leaving the bank in the lurch as it tries to raise nearly £6bn from shareholders, The Telegraph revealed.

Ofcom wants to push ahead with proposals to make calling non-geographic numbers – such as those starting with 0800, 084 and 087 – free from mobiles, despite growing criticism that consumers are confused about what calls cost, The Times said.

The US Department of Justice has sued to block the $11bn merger of US Airways and American Airlines‘ bankrupt parent, saying it would push up fares, the Financial Times reported.

Ed Miliband will on Wednesday step up his attack on the government over the “cost of living crisis”, as the coalition basks in signs that the economy is experiencing a summer mini-boom, The Guardian unveiled.

German energy giant E.on reported a 13.2% increase in profits for the first half driven by demand from UK customers, The Independent stated.

Activist investor Carl Icahn has taken a “large position” in Apple and is pushing for a further return of cash to shareholders, a move that threatens to reopen the debate about the iPhone maker’s vast cash holdings, according to the Financial Times.