World Business and Financial News

Euro inflation hits two-year low - January 6th, 2009

Inflation in the eurozone falls more than expected to 1.6% in December, which is the lowest level for 26 months.

European gas supplies disrupted - January 6th, 2009

Several EU countries report major disruption to their gas supplies from Russia as Moscow accuses Ukraine of shutting pipelines.

House prices 'fell 15.9% in 2008' - January 6th, 2009

House prices fell by 15.9% last year, according to the latest survey by the Nationwide building society.

Obama says US economy 'very sick' - January 6th, 2009

US President-elect Barack Obama says that America's economy is very sick and that the situation is worsening.

UK short-selling ban to be lifted - January 6th, 2009

A ban on the short-selling of financial shares is to be lifted, the UK's financial regulator confirms.

India truck strike over fuel cost - January 6th, 2009

Millions of trucks in India are off the roads in an indefinite strike, with operators demanding a lowering of diesel prices.

Venezuela suspends US fuel aid - January 6th, 2009

Venezuela's US-based oil subsidiary is halting a programme to provide cheap heating oil to low-income communities in the US.

Thatcher pays tribute to Walters - January 6th, 2009

Lady Thatcher leads tributes to her "fearless" economics adviser Sir Alan Walters, who has died aged 82.

Firms urged 'try to keep staff' - January 6th, 2009

Redundancies should be a last resort when firms look to cut costs during the recession, the CIPD says.

Government mulls help for banks - January 6th, 2009

The government says it is exploring how to getting UK banks to increase lending to businesses and households.

Oil price rises on Gaza conflict - January 6th, 2009

Oil rises briefly above $48 a barrel on fears of heightened Middle East tension after Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip.

House prices 'fall to 2004 level' - January 6th, 2009

The average UK house price falls to August 2004 levels after slumping a record 16.2% in 2008, the Halifax says.

China factory output dips further - January 6th, 2009

China's manufacturing output falls for a third consecutive month as the economic slowdown continues to hit its economy.

Gas row may cost UK consumers - January 6th, 2009

A gas supply dispute between Russian and the Ukraine raises fears that UK energy firms may delay price cuts.

India unveils economic boost plan - January 6th, 2009

Indian authorities unveil a fresh economic stimulus package, including another cut in the country's main interest rate.

Fresh fall in US factory output - January 6th, 2009

US manufacturing activity fell in December to a fresh 28-year low, latest data suggests.

Upbeat start to markets' year - January 6th, 2009

Shares rise worldwide on the first day of trading in 2009 following record falls last year, as markets experience a wave of optimism.

Record numbers 'face insolvency' - January 6th, 2009

Accountants KPMG predict that the number of people facing insolvency in 2009 will reach record levels.

Slovakia enters the eurozone - January 6th, 2009

Slovakia becomes the 16th eurozone member - the second former communist country to join the single European currency.

Belarus to get $2.5bn IMF loan - January 6th, 2009

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approves a $2.5bn loan to Belarus to help it cope with the financial downturn.

Record low rates for UK tourists - January 6th, 2009

UK holidaymakers heading to Europe over the New Year will get the fewest euros for their pound since the euro was introduced.

On the first day of Christmas, my true love... filled in a tax return - January 6th, 2009

Some 620 people in the UK filed their tax returns online on Christmas Day, says HM Revenue and Customs.

In pictures - January 6th, 2009

Celebrating ten years since the birth of the euro

Cheer up - January 6th, 2009

Entrepreneur Sir David Tang on the risks of pessimism

In recession - January 6th, 2009

There may be bright spots for Japan in 2009

Downturn issues - January 6th, 2009

An academic answers your downturn queries

Taking stock - January 6th, 2009

How share markets around the world have fared in 2008

Eurozone virgin - January 6th, 2009

Slovakia sees euro as a vital shield in times of turmoil