VAT rises mean UK workers will take three days longer this year to earn enough money to cover their taxes, says a think tank.

Credit card users will have a better chance of avoiding being surprised by sudden interest rate increases under new rules.

The prestigious Hotel de Crillon in the heart of Paris is sold to a Saudi royal, reportedly for around 250m euros.

Unemployment will increase to 2.7 million and average earnings will rise by 2% in 2011, says a leading business group.

People could donate to charity every time they use bank cards in shops or visit a cash machine, the government suggests.

China says it will reduce the quantity of rare earth minerals - vital for many electronic goods - it exports by 10%.

A Citibank employee in India is accused of fraudulently stealing millions of dollars from wealthy individual and corporate clients.

New Year statements from Scotland's business leaders provoke sharp exchanges between political parties over the economy.