Robert Miller with the latest City and business news on a subdued session for the Asia Pacific markets, despite the hint of more asset purchases by the US Federal Reserve; President Barack Obama’s top economic adviser Larry Summers is to stand down after mid-term elections; China's Sinochem appoints banks to explore a counter bid to BHP Billiton's £25bn offer for fertiliser group Potash and Imperial Tobacco on track for 3pc net revenue growth in 2010.