Retail sales growth picks up in August           Barclays to appoint new boss - report           Firms see static hiring outlook in Q4           Connaught on brink of administration - report           Obama kicks off campaign with infrastructure plan           EU moves closer to swifter sanctions in budget rules           EU budget chief says UK rebate should end - report           Growth hopes boost global equities           Shell in exclusive talks to sell Swedish refinery           Graphite closes in on £325 million auto deals - sources