Shares on Wall Street close 2% lower after economic reports in the US, Europe and China all point to weakening economies.

The credit ratings agency Moody's downgrades 15 banks and financial institutions including Barclays, HSBC and Goldman Sachs.

Egypt's former PM Ahmed Shafiq says he is certain of victory in the presidential election, in his first news conference since last week's run-off vote.

Taliban gunmen attack a lakeside hotel near the Afghan capital Kabul, triggering a gun battle, with reports of hostages being held.

An Australian patrol boat and other vessels rescue more than 100 people from waters north of Christmas Island after their boat capsizes.

Rising obstruction of the work of US envoys by officials in Pakistan is "impairing" the work of US diplomats there, a state department report says.

China and Brazil agree a currency swap deal in a bid to safeguard against any global financial crisis and strengthen trade ties.

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange says he has sought refuge in the Ecuador's London embassy because his native Australia had abandoned him.