European stocks advanced yesterday as investors were broadly relieved by initial results from parliamentary elections that suggested pro-EU parties had held their ground.

***

The Co-operative Group has raised a £300m bond to support and promote goods and producers bearing the Fairtrade mark.

***

Sir Philip Green is to close Miss Selfridge’s flagship London store in July as staff fear for the future of the fashion brand, which is facing significant store closures in a rescue restructure of the former billionaire’s retail empire.