UK stocks eased back after last week's strong finish, with the FTSE 100 index giving up 21 points or 0.3% to 7,303. Banks, Household Goods, Mobile Telecoms and Tobacco were the sectors weighing the most on the index.Global banking giant HSBC (HSBA) delivered a disappointing third quarter earnings update, with profits down 24% to $3bn, and abandoned its Return on Tangible Equity target of 11% for 2

Amid the wreckage that has become the energy industry over the past 12 months there remains one bright spot which has proved the salvation of some, and the making of a precious few, listed businesses.Tumbling oil prices are a big problem for UK-listed oil majors BP (BP.) and Royal Dutch Shell (RDSB) as revenue and profits plunge and hydrocarbon reserves fall in value.Downstream profits - money ear